ML1TRANS-Thinking Translation: History and Theory

Module Provider: Languages and Cultures
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:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr John McKeane
Email: j.mckeane@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module introduces students to the history of translation as a literary practice, as well as to the main theoretical approaches to it and the influential concepts that have been used to reflect on translation practice.

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 theoreticalideas 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 translation as a literary genre


• Introduction to major developments in discourses on translation from a variety of geographical and linguistic areas.


• 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	7
Seminars	8	6
Guided independent study:	85	85
Total hours by term	102	98	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

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 tutors can see how students have acted on their recommendations.  Students are required to add a small statement (min 200 words max 300 words) at the beginning of the revised essay where they explain how they have engaged with tutors’ feedback on the first version. The revised essay and the statement in response to tutors’ feedback must be submitted in one single document via Turnitin. The Spring term essay will contribute 50% of the final mark of 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. 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.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres 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 (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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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% overall

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):

1. Required text books: 


2. Specialist equipment or materials: 


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 


4. Printing and binding: 


5. Computers and devices with a particular specification: 


6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 27 June 2023