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2011/2 Provisional Module Catalogue - UNDER CONSTRUCTION & SUBJECT TO CHANGE
 Module Code: TRA3029 Module Title: INTRODUCTION TO TRANSLATION THEORY
Module Provider: Language & Translation Studies Short Name: TRA3029
Level: HE3 Module Co-ordinator: ASIMAKOULAS D Dr (Lang & Trans)
Number of credits: 15 Number of ECTS credits: 7.5
 
Module Availability
Semester 1
Assessment Pattern
Unit(s) of Assessment (SITS MAB)
Weighting Towards Module Mark( %)
Essay 1 (2000 words)
50%
Essay 2 (2000 words)
50%
Qualifying Condition(s) 
A weighted aggregate of 40% is required to pass the module.
Module Overview
This is a Level 3 module, taught in Semester 1, with two contact hours per teaching week. Attendance is compulsory.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
Successful completion of HE2 or equivalent.
Module Aims

To introduce students to some of the principal approaches in Translation Studies, including its evolution as a discipline. This will form the basis for the discussion of how such approaches can be evaluated and applied to translation problems.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will have:
  • gained an awareness of the major stages of the historical development of Translation Studies;
  • become familiar with the influence of some major approaches in the field of Translation Studies;
  • gained an understanding of the applicability of Translation Theory to problems in translation
  • be able to synthesize and evaluate major trends and models of translation theory and apply these.
Module Content
The following areas are indicative of topics to be covered: 
  • Overview of various strands in translation theory.
  • Issues of equivalence and attempts to formulate principles about translation.
  • Critical assessment of the extent to which an awareness of theoretical approaches helps translators find appropriate solutions.
  • Various contexts in which translation occurs (i.e. the ‘black box’/cognitive environment, language, the ‘industry’, and society in general).
  • Linguistic problems in translation, ideological and ethical issues that are inextricably linked with the process or the final product of translation and its dissemination.
Methods of Teaching/Learning
2 hours per week for one semester. Weekly lecture followed by practical exercises. Problems of translation will be discussed and students will be encouraged to participate actively, drawing on their knowledge of other cultures and languages in order to identify and illustrate phenomena and principles related to translation which have been put forward throughout the ages.
Selected Texts/Journals
Essential Reading:
Baker, M. (1992) In Other Words: A Coursebook on Translation, London and New York: Routledge.
Bassnett-McGuire, S. (2003) Translation Studies. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.
Chesterman, A. (ed.) (1989) Readings in Translation Theory, Helsinki: Oy Finn Lectura Ab.
Gentzler, E. (2001) Contemporary Translation Theories, Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.
Hatim, B. and Munday, J. (2004) Translation: An Advanced resource book. London: Routledge.
Munday, J. (2001) Introducing Translation Studies. Theories and Applications, London and New York: Routledge.
Newmark, P. (1981) Approaches to Translation, Oxford and New York: Pergamon.
Newmark, P. (1988) A Textbook of Translation, New York and London: Prentice-Hall.
Venuti, L. (ed.) (2000) The Translation Studies Reader. London: Routledge.
 
Recommended Reading:
Dickins, J., S. Hervey, and I. Higgins (2002) Thinking Arabic Translation - A Course in Translation Method: Arabic to English. London/New York: Routledge.
Hatim, Basil and Ian Mason (1990) Discourse and the Translator, London and New York: Longman.
Hatim, Basil and Ian Mason (1997) The Translator as Communicator, London and New York: Longman.
Hervey, S. and Higgins, I. (1992/2002) Thinking (French) Translation: A course in translation method: French to English. London and New York: Routledge.
Hervey, S, Higgins, I. and Loughbridge, M. (1995) Thinking German Translation. London and New York: Routledge.
Hervey, S, Higgins, I. and Heywood, L. (1995) Thinking Spanish Translation. London and New York: Routledge.
Hervey, S., I. Higgins, S. Cragie and P. Gambarotta (2000). Thinking Italian Translation. London/New York: Routledge.
Venuti, L. (ed.) (2000) The Translation Studies Reader. London: Routledge.
 
Background Reading:
Anderman, G. & Rogers, M (eds) (1996) Words, Words, Words. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.
Anderman, G. & Rogers, M (eds) (1999) Word, Text, Translation. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.
Anderman, G. & Rogers, M (eds) (2003) Translation Today: Trends and Perspectices. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.
Baker, M. (2000) (ed.) Routledge Encyclopedia of Translation Studies, London: Routledge.
Shuttleworth, M. and Cowie, M. (1997) Dictionary of Translation Studies, Manchester: St Jerome Publishing.
Snell-Hornby, M. (1990) Translation Studies - An Integrated Approach. Amsterdam: John Benjamins.
Last Updated
15.4.11