The module aims to combine translation practice and translation theory. It will require students to work on a variety of text types (from advertising to journalism and comics) reflecting on specific linguistic and cultural issues and the strategies which can be adopted to solve them. Workshop topics have been selected to highlight areas of connection between translation practice and theoretical debates in cultural studies, including the notion of ‘culture bound’ language, the question of humour in translation, or the specific characteristics of heterolingual writing. Workshops will allow learners to discuss translation issues and translation strategies they have encountered, while theory seminars will examine how translation studies research can illuminate and inform decisions made when translating.

The module combines the practice of translation with reflection on research in the field of Translation Studies. It is designed to equip students with strategies and techniques they can use in translating a variety of text types broadly taken from the creative industries (literature, journalism, the arts). Students will produce translations across a range of modes and forms as well as from a variety of languages. English will be used as the target language and the operative language within seminars.  Weekly readings from Translation Studies as well as periodic session aimed at discussing translation problems and strategies will allow students to reflect on their practice. Examples will also be introduced to show how established translators use creative techniques and how translation can both challenge and enrich the target language and culture. 

1. Competently apply a range of translation techniques and a critical understanding of some of the central ideas and principles of translation studies (LO1).
2. Assess the applicability of key concepts in translation studies (such as fidelity and equivalence) to translation as a creative practice (LO2).
3. Critically analyse specific textual types, the different scenarios which might apply to their translation (target culture, target audience, specific cultural and intercultural constraints) (LO3).
    
4. Adopt translation strategies which are informed by an awareness of the role of translators as creative meaning makers.  as a creative tool of intercultural communication (LO4).

The module will be delivered through on campus teaching consisting of 1 two-hour interactive workshop per week supplemented by online learning activities and materials. 

Students will develop the following skills:

• Familiarity with translation problems and translation strategies

• Ability to reflect on translation as a creative tool in cultural practices

• Ability to reflect on the linguistic and cultural practices involved in translation and the way in which these can be manipulated to different effects

• Ability to present material both orally and in scholarly written format using the standards appropriate to translation and critical commentary

The method(s) of assessing the learning outcomes for this module are set out in the Assessment Table, which also contains the weightings of each assessment component.

Mapping of Assessments to Intended Learning Outcomes:   

 The group presentation assignment assesses ILO 1-3  

The essay and the open book assessment assess ILOs 1,2,4   

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

You may be required to resit one or more of the assessments in this module if you fail the module. The Examination Board will advise you which assessments you need to resit during the August resit period. Resit assessments that are not supported by extenuating circumstances will be capped at the pass mark applicable to your programme. 

The module combines the practice of translation with reflection on research in the field of Translation Studies. It is designed to equip students with strategies and techniques they can use in translating a variety of text types broadly taken from the creative industries (literature, journalism, the arts). Students will produce translations across a range of modes and forms as well as from a variety of languages. English will be used as the target language and the operative language within seminars.  Weekly readings from Translation Studies as well as periodic session aimed at discussing translation problems and strategies will allow students to reflect on their practice. Examples will also be introduced to show how established translators use creative techniques and how translation can both challenge and enrich the target language and culture. 

•  Introduction.  Is translation a creative practice?
•  Discussion: 'Translation and translators: from faithfulness to agency and voice'
•  Translation workshop. ‘Figurative and culture-bound language’
•  Translation workshop.  ‘Non-standard language and heterolingual writing’
•  Translation workshop. ‘Multisemiotic texts’
•  Discussion: ‘Translating humour’
• Translation workshop: ‘Varieties of humoristic texts’
•  Discussion: Translating for the cultural industries