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WiSe 20/21: Ü1-Literary Translation: Translating Literature: A Practical Introduction to Methods and Strategies

Ruth Wishart

Information for students

Änderung! Lehrveranstaltung findet jetzt online statt!

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Aims and Objectives

This year-long module is a translation course for native speakers of English and German. It will develop the skills necessary for translating a wide range of literary texts from German into English, as well as from English into German. Students are generally expected to translate from the foreign language into the native language.

Attention will be paid in Part I (winter semester) to the particular challenges that arise in translating between two closely related languages, German and English, which have developed their own characteristic range of structures, vocabulary and literary styles.

Texts examined will include prose and poetry, covering a wide range of registers, including classic literature, contemporary writing and children's literature. The course will also cover some background in translation methodology, cultural factors in translation, as well as register and style.

Learning Outcomes

During the module, students will learn:

to develop the skills necessary for high-quality literary translation. These include close reading, text analysis, advanced translation skills and decision-making based on a complex range of linguistic and literary factors, enabling students to make informed decisions on matters of detail and to use language both accurately and creatively.

to develop high level of linguistic proficiency in English, paying particular attention to linguistic accuracy as well as sensitivity to style and register

to read and assess literary texts incisively, paying attention to detail, developing strategic decision-making skills

to make use of various resources and dictionaries

Module Requirements

Students will be required both to present their own original translations as well as to analyse and compare the work of professional translators. To complete Tutorial I students will have to complete a portfolio of translations throughout the semester (roughly 2500 words).

Please note that the entire module runs over two semesters: the second part (where students have the opportunity to complete two long translations) is offered in the summer semester.

The entire module (winter and summer semesters) is worth 15 credit points.

Language requirements

The course will be held in English. Students must be native speakers of English or German and have an active command of sophisticated, near native-speaker language skills (C2) in the other language.

TeilnehmerInnen müssen Deutsch oder Englisch als Muttersprache beherrschen mit kompetenter Sprachverwendung (hohes Sprachniveau bis fast muttersprachliche Sprachkompetenz, C2) in der anderen Sprache.

Coronavirus restrictions

All my courses in the winter semester 1920/21 will be held in person in the classroom. Unfortunately, this means that I will have to restrict entry into some courses, due to the physical distancing required by the university.

All course material will be available online, and it will also be possible to set up an online platform for students who are not able to attend the course in person.

The capacity for this course is currently 16.