30 CATS (Term 1)

Module Convenor

• Dr Caroline Summers

Description

This is the core theory module for the MA in Translation and Cultures (MATC). Giving students a foundational understanding of key theoretical concepts from contemporary Translation and Transcultural Studies, the module will prepare them to tackle the specific practical and theoretical challenges they will encounter on other modules on the MA course.

We will begin by discussing some of the key ideas at the heart of Translation Studies. As a way into exploring how we might begin to theorise the process and product of translation, students will be encouraged to discuss their responses to questions such as:

• What is translation?
• What makes a ‘good’ translation?
• Can a translation be ‘faithful’?

The module then goes on to cover two-week topics relating to broad thematic areas of translation and transcultural analysis, focusing first on translated texts and then on cultural contexts and questions of agency. We will then consider how theories of translation and transcultural movement can help us understand what we mean by ‘global’ or ‘world’ identity. The final session will take the form of a ‘mini-conference’, allowing students to present their own ideas about a topic they have found particularly interesting on the module and illustrate using their own examples.

The specific material discussed each week will be defined according to the research expertise of the tutor teaching the session, but every topic will include the following:

• Introduction to and critical engagement with specific theoretical approaches that have been influential in the discipline;
• Case studies that demonstrate these approaches in action, covering a range of language combinations and text types;
• Reflection on how this theory relates to students’ own translation practice, and to their positionality as researchers and practitioners in Translation Studies.

LN914 is compulsory for MATC students and is open as an optional module to any MA student with an interest in Translation and Transcultural Studies on course lead agreement.

Module Aims

1. Provide students with foundational knowledge of core concepts in Translation and Transcultural Studies;
2. Enable students to develop their knowledge and understanding of these concepts through in-class discussion and their own independent study;
3. Encourage students to explore links between translation theory and translation practice across a range of text types;
4. Equip students to reflect critically on questions of interest to Translation and Transcultural Studies.

Teaching schedule

The module will be taught in weekly, 2-hour interactive sessions. As preparation for the essay assignment, students will be able to attend a 1-hour small group tutorial to discuss ideas.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only, to give an idea of the topic areas that may be covered.

1. Introduction to Translation Studies: what is translation and how do we study it?
2. Translating texts 1: Translation as transfer
3. Translating texts 2: Rewriting and authorship
4. Translating cultures 1: Culture as translation
5. Translating cultures 2: Translation as representation
6. Reading Week
7. Translating agents 1: Ethics and ideology
8. Translating agents 2: Sociology and activism
9. World-ness: Translation and the global
10. Mini-conference (peer feedback exercise to support assessment preparation)

Assessment

Essay (100%)

Students will submit an essay of 5,000 words, on a topic that they will devise themselves in consultation with the module convenor. The essay topic should relate to one or more theoretical concepts explored on the module. Students will have a small-group tutorial to discuss essay titles and will be given the opportunity to develop their essay ideas further with peer and tutor feedback on the in-class ‘mini-conference’ presentation in Term 1 Week 10, before final submission in Term 2.