ML1TT: Thinking Translation: History and Theory

Module code: ML1TT

Module provider: Languages and Cultures; School of Humanities

Credits: 20

Level: Level 1 (Certificate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Professor Daniela La Penna, email: d.lapenna@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr John McKeane, email: j.mckeane@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the current thinking on translation by exploring some specific case studies. Together, we will assess the relationship between translation 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 literary, scientific, philosophical and political texts. 

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate a clear understanding of key theoretical concepts relevant to the practice of translation
2. Articulate awareness of different types of texts and approaches and strategies for translating them
3. Engage critically with ideas presented in lectures, group discussions and secondary materials
4. Demonstrate an ability to integrate theoretical ideas with evidence from textual practice

Module content

• Introduction to the history of translation, main approaches and theories 
• Critical analysis of selected case studies, including: translation approaches in religious texts, censorship & translation; publishing translation for the global market; children’s and young adult fiction; 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

We will discuss key issues in translation studies in a series of lectures. In the seminars, workshops and archive visits we shall examine these issues in practice, by discussing the work and challenges faced by translators working in specific fields. 

Study hours

At least 25 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Presentation or class contribution as instructed by the course leader 

Reassessment

Additional costs