2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

MODL5030M Literary Translation

15 creditsClass Size: 21

Module manager: Austin Woerner
Email: a.w.woerner@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan), Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

Literary translation has been a source of fascination for generations of writers and thinkers, and still today much mystique surrounds the question of how—and whether—the essence of a literary work can pass between languages and cultures. For students interested either in translating literary texts or becoming more discerning readers of literature in translation, this module seeks to replace mystery with expertise, laying a firm foundation for further literary translation practice and/or scholarship.

Objectives

The overriding goal of this module is to give students a vivid window into the dynamics at play when a literary text is translated into another language, and to equip them with a nuanced set of terms and concepts they can employ to understand and describe this process. This may be achieved by a combination of translation practice, close reading of literary texts, and discussion of larger theoretical ideas and debates surrounding literary translation.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students should be able to:
1. Observe and describe the linguistic nuances of literary texts that are relevant to the work of a translator, and discuss literary texts in terms of readers’ perceptions and the interplay between text and the reader’s imagination.
2. Engage critically and thoughtfully in debates about the nature and norms of literary translation
3. Translate literary texts with greater confidence and awareness of the issues described above

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Be able to articulate in clear and objective terms the intangible effects of writing on a potential reader, in English and in at least one other language
5. Be able to give constructive, useful feedback on written work, grounding suggestions in clear and objective observations about the use of language
6. Be able to anticipate how meaning is transformed when literary texts and narratives are disseminated across linguistic and cultural boundaries

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	10	2.00	20.00
Private study hours			130.00
Total Contact hours			20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will give and receive peer feedback on formative translation exercises, and the instructor will incorporate their own feedback on student work into class activities on a near-weekly basis. Opportunities will be given for students to receive written feedback on a proposal and/or draft of coursework.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	Essay and/or translation	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 13/11/2024

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