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School of Modern Languages and Cultures

Translation: Methods and Practice

Module Code: LN102
Module Name: Translation: Methods and Practice
Module Coordinator: Dr Anna Lanfranchi
Timetable in 2023/24: tbc
Module Credits: 30

Module description

This cross-School module runs across terms 1 and 2. It introduces students to the principles of Translation Studies, including the challenges that translators encounter. Investigating how we read and analyse translations, the course explores the relationship between source and target text. Students will learn how to critically analyse translations and how to explore translation as a process of negotiation between texts and cultures. Furthermore, they will have an opportunity to engage in the practice of translation and to analyse their own translation strategies.

This module can be taken by both ab initio and post- A Level learners.

Module availability in SMLC: please double check your course degree outline to ascertain whether this optional module is available to you

Normally, the module can be taken as an optional module in the following degrees only: Single Honours; With Degrees; BAML students who do not opt for a cultural module in one of their main languages; Modern Languages with Linguistics students who only do two languages and do not opt for a cultural module in one of their two languages

Non-SMLC students: The module has language specific seminars attached to it, and we expect students to be taking a language module alongside this course which further develops their skills in a complementary way. Due to the way this module is set up and because of staff provisions, it only supports learners with the 4 main languages taught in SMLC (French, German, Spanish and Italian).

Module aims:

This course will allow students to:

  • become more aware of the challenges associated with translation
  • critically reflect on the concept of translation as a cultural process
  • evaluate published translations from different genre from a cultural and linguistic perspective
  • gain an understanding of key terms and concepts in translation studies (such as equivalence, visibility and invisibility etc.) and experience in applying these terms when commenting on their own or other translations
  • produce short translations into English that are appropriate for their specified purpose
  • develop their critical awareness, analytical, presentation and written skills, as well as their ability to engage with theoretical literature

Schedule

The module is taught by a combination of

  • 2-hour general sessions, taught by the module convenor (Thursday 1-3pm)
  • 1-hour language-specific seminars (three in T1; two in T2), taught by language tutors (Thursday 1-2pm)

Blended learning (2022/23): in weeks where students attend the language-specific seminar, they will also watch a pre-recorded lecture. Teaching Delivery is subject to Government and University Guidance

All resources and further information are available on Moodle 

Assessment for the module:

For 2022-23:

Students will be given the opportunity to complete practice tasks that help them to prepare for the summative assignments in the language-specific seminars. The Summative Assignments are detailed below:

  • 2,000-word critical review, 30%;
  • 3,000-word translation portfolio, 70%

Module Convenor:

2023/24

Dr Anna Lanfranchi

Module Tutors in 2023/24:

tbc