EN1TRANS-Thinking Translation: History and Theory

Module Provider: English Literature
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: ML1TRANS Thinking Translation: History and Theory
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Dr Daniela La Penna

Email: d.lapenna@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module introduces students to the main theoretical approaches to translation. The lectures will adopt a historical perspective and address how translation practice has evolved over time. Together, we shall also look at how and whether theory has had any influence on translation practice in the market-place.

Aims:

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the scholars and practitioners who pioneered the reflection on translation. Emphasis will also be placed on key thinkers who have developed contemporary translation theory. In carefully selected case studies, we will assess the relationship between practice and theory, and will place this relationship within the cultural, intellectual and political contexts of their time. The historical approach to translation will allow students to develop a critical awareness of the role played by: genres, readership, institutional influences, market constraints, gender attitudes and discourses, purpose. In seminars, we will explore different textual typologies to offer students the opportunity to address and evaluate the challenges facing translators when dealing with a range of texts.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the course, it is expected that students will be able to:

• demonstrate a clear understanding of key theoretical concepts relevant to the practice of translation


• articulate awareness of different types of texts and approaches and strategies for translating them


• engage critically with ideas presented in lectures, group discussions and secondary materials


• demonstrate an ability to integrate theoretical ideas with evidence from textual practice

Additional outcomes:

Having successfully completed the module you will be able to:

• communicate ideas and arguments orally and in writing in a competent fashion


• demonstrate interpersonal skills whilst working with others in the investigation of problems, and in the presentation of arguments and evidence


• demonstrate self-confidence and self-awareness both in collaborative activities and independent study


• work effectively to deadlines


• develop key research skills, including scholarly information retrieval (using secondary works, the internet and discipline-specific or other relevant databases)


• the module and the wider degree programme are committed to developing a broad range of graduate attributes. These include knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, independent cognitive capacity, and transferable skills including personal efficiency and communication.

Outline content:

• Introduction to the history of, and major developments in, translation and discourses on translation developed in a variety of geographical and linguistic areas.


• Theoretical approaches to translation studies that have informed reflection on translation and the practice of translating from the early modern period to the present day and which relate to the process of translation as a cultural, political and linguistic activity, as much as to the translator as mediat ing agent


• Critical analysis of a selection of translated texts in a variety of genres and contexts. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Depending on staff’s availability, normally, there will be 9 weeks of lectures and seminars in each term (Autumn and Spring). Within each session, students will be expected to critically engage with information given in lecture format and with the prescribed readings, to engage in group/pair work on selected texts, and to present their ideas to the whole class. Such group/pair work is designed to prepare students for the course assessment.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	9	8
Seminars	7	8
Guided independent study:	84	84
Total hours by term	100	100	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	90
Report	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Essay 1: 1,500-word essay (word count does not include bibliography) . The essay will be conducted in two stages. Students will submit their essay in week 12 of Autumn Term for formative feedback. Students will then be required to redraft and improve their essays, taking into account the tutor feedback, and resubmit for summative assessment in week 5 of Spring Term. The revised essay will have to resubmitted with track changes so that teachers can see how students have acted on their recommendations. The Spring term essay will contribute 40% of the final mark of the module

Report (reflective report): 500 words, due week 5 Spring Term and to be submitted at the same time as the revised essay. In this reflective report, students will explain how they have acted on the tutor feedback on the formative essay submitted in week 12 of Autumn Term. This report will contribute 10% of the final mark for the module

Essay 2: 1,500-word essay (word count does not include bibliography) . The essay will be submitted in the Summer Term and will be based on the topics discussed in the Spring term. Students may choose to write instead a  1,500-word critical commentary of a key contribution in translation studies. This component will contribute 50% of the final mark of the module.

Formative assessment methods:

 As explained above, students will submit a formative essay in week 12 of Autumn Term and feedback will be provided. Students will then improve and resubmit the same essay for summative assessment in Spring Term. This formative assessment is compulsory as students need the tutor feedback in order to write their reflective report on feedback.

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment in August, in the event of failure in this module and of failure in Part 1 as a whole. Coursework bearing a confirmed mark of 40% or more can be carried forward. Coursework for reassessment must be resubmitted by 12 NOON on the third Friday of August or, if the University is closed on the third Friday of August, by 12 NOON on the first working day thereafter

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 1 October 2020