Unit information: Theories of Translation in 2014/15

Unit name	Theories of Translation
Unit code	MODLM2015
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Carol O'Sullivan
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Modern Languages
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

This unit offers a historical introduction to Western theories of translation, and considers the different ways in which translation has been conceptualised as both process and product. A structured reading programme will prepare students to contribute to a series of discussion forums. Each student will research and present two topics to the group via Blackboard. Topics will cover a range of specific theoretical approaches to the study of translation in relation to different text types: examples are likely to include historical studies, process-based studies, hermeneutics, descriptive and functional theories, translation as inter-cultural mediation.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:

1. Conceptualize the process of translation, and apply a framework for practical evaluation of their own translation practice and that of other translators.
2. Demonstrate analytical insight into the nature and uses of text, and theoretical appreciation of the complexities of transposing source text into target text.
3. Evaluate the relative merits of different approaches to translation and the appropriateness of particular theories for specific translation contexts
4. Demonstrate the ability to research complex theoretical topics and present their findings in an accessible format to their peers.

Teaching Information

Delivered through distance learning, via Blackboard. A series of discussion topics are introduced by the tutor. Discussion is moderated by the tutor. Students are guided in integrating theory with practice via a student-led, constructivist approach. With tutor guidance, students research and present a variety of topics on the board, and base a discussion around them. One topic is chosen for development into a formal essay. The topic of the latter part of the unit is translation analysis; with tutor guidance, students will explore ways of applying translation theory to different text types, and carry out an extended translation analysis of a self-selected text.

Assessment Information

1 x 2500-word essay (50%) (ILOs 2-4) 1 x 2500-word Case Study (50%) (ILOs 1-3)

Reading and References

• Jeremy Munday, Introducing Translation Studies: Theories and Applications (Routledge: London and New York) Revised edition, 2008 or third edition, 2012
• Mona Baker, In Other Words: A Coursebook on Translation (Routledge: London and New York; 2nd ed.) 2011
• Laurence Venuti, The Translation Studies Reader (Routledge, London and New York), 2nd ed. 2004 (or the more recent 3rd edition).