Prospectus

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Introduction to Translation Studies

Course
2017-2018

Admission requirements

Students should be sufficiently proficient in English and Dutch. This course is part of the minor Translation and cannot be taken separately.

Description

‘Beautiful translations are like beautiful women, that is to say, they are not always the most faithful ones.’ Whatever one might think about this tongue in cheek comparison between beautiful women and beautiful translations by the British literary critic and cultural philosopher George Steiner, this quotation may serve as an illustration of the debate on free versus literal translations that has dominated the world of translation for centuries. Translation theorists, critics and, of course, translators themselves have been occupied with the problem of whether a translator should translate literally or freely. But what do we actually understand by literal and free translations? This is just one of the many fascinating questions that we will be discussing throughout the course. The course covers a wide range of issues and debates in translation studies and aims to provide students with an overview of the history of translation studies, different translation theories and various approaches to translating. Some translators claim that they do not need to know anything about translation studies or theories, just as you do not need to know anything about an engine to be able to drive a car. On the other hand, one might argue that if translators are more aware of the different choices they have when making a translation – whether it be a novel, a poem or a legal document – they will be able to produce a better translation. That is why this course does not only focus on translation theory as such; in tutorials, we will also apply various methods and approaches to different texts.

Course objectives

  • Course objective 1: knowledge of the most important translation theories and areas of applied translation studies

  • Course objective 2: ability to critically reflect on different translation theories

  • Course objective 3: ability to apply the methods and strategies discussed in some of these theories

Timetable

The timetable is available on the BA English website

Mode of instruction

  • Seminar

Course Load

Total course load 10 EC x 28 hours = 280 hours

  • Tutorials: 28

  • Study of compulsory literature: 125

  • Preparation tutorials / assignments: 50

  • Preparation exam: 75

  • Exam(s): 2

Assessment method

Assessment

  • written examination (mc-question and short closed questions)

Weighing

100%

Resit

  • written examination (mc-question and short closed questions)

Exam review

How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.

Attendance

Attendance is compulsory. Missing more than three tutorials means that students will be excluded from taking the exam (or essay or other assignments) and resits. Consequently, the course cannot be completed during that particular academic year. Unauthorized absence also applies to being unprepared and/or not bringing the relevant course materials to class.

Blackboard

Blackboard will be used for:

  • posting course materials

  • announcements

Reading list

  • Reader An Introduction to Translation Studies. Blackboard

  • Munday, Jeremy. Introducing Translation Studies: Theories and Applications (2012). London/New York: Routledge. (4th edition)

Registration

Enrolment through uSis is mandatory.
General information about uSis is available in [English])http://hum.leiden.edu/students/study-administration/usis-english.html) and Dutch

NB: First year students will be enrolled by the coordinator of studies.

Students other than BA English language and culture studies need permission from the coordinator of studies before enrolling.

Registration Studeren à la carte and Contractonderwijs

Registration Studeren à la carte

Registration (Contractonderwijs](http://www.hum.leidenuniv.nl/onderwijs/contractonderwijs/)

Not applicable

Contact

Please contact Student administration van Eyckhof for questions.

Remarks

Routledge, the publisher of Introducing Translation Studies, regularly publishes new editions. You are recommended to buy the latest edition available.