Admission requirements
Completion of translation courses (D-E/E-D) at BA-level.
Description
We do not know for sure how long translators have been around. They have probably been in demand ever since the beginning of trade on a large scale. What we do know is that the earliest available evidence of translation activity is a translation of an Egyptian hieroglyphic text into Hittite cuneiform, which goes back to 1270 BC. It is quite probable that this first translator already asked himself the question: what is translation (this is a question that we still have not answered today). And translation theory was born. For a long time, translators have wondered about the best approach to translation. Does one religiously stick to the source text – respecting its grammar and style and convention – and try to render this in the target text? Or does the translator have a large degree of freedom. In other words, does one translate literally or freely, and what then do literally and freely mean? Is translation a skill, something that can be learnt? Or is it an art form, requiring more inspiration than perspiration? What can translation theory teach us – if anything? These are some of the questions that we will explore in this course by turning to a number of canonical texts in translation theory and by trying to apply translation theory to translation practice. Special attention will be given to what translation theory can contribute to legal and literary translation, the two areas of translation in which Leiden specializes.
Course objectives
Knowledge and understanding areas of translation theory that may be of use to the translator of literary texts; ability to assess the value of translation theories and to critically apply these theories to translation problems
Timetable
The timetable will be avialable by June 1st on www.hum.leidenuniv.nl/engels.
Mode of instruction
One two-hour seminar per week
Assessment method
Class participation 25%; class paper 25%; written assignments 50%
Blackboard
This course is supported by Blackboard.
Reading list
Translation Studies reader on Blackboard
Registration
Students should register through uSis.
Contact information
Departmental Office English Language and Culture, P.N. van Eyckhof 4, room 102C. Tel. 071 5272144; mail: english@hum.leidenuniv.nl.
Coordinator of Studies Master: Ms. K. van der Zeeuw-Filemon, P.N. van Eyckhof 4, room 103C.
Remarks
No remarks.