Introduction to Translation Studies (English)

Code:

FLUP0819

Acronym:

ISTING

Instance: 2006/2007 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Web Page:	http://web.letras.up.pt/egalvao/intro_TS_main_page.htm
Responsible unit:	Department of Anglo-American Studies
Course/CS Responsible:	Modern Languages and Literature - Portuguese and English Studies

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
EFI	13	Official Study Plan - LEFI	3	2,5	5	-
			4
EIA	10	Official Study Plan - LEIA	3	2,5	5	-
			4
EPI	31	Official Study Plan - LEPI	3	2,5	5	-
			4

Objectives

•To introduce students to the multiple theoretical and practical aspects of the translation profession;
•To introduce students to translation as process and product;
•To make students aware of the differences between translation/translators and interpreting/ interpreters, as well as of the other possible tasks expected of a professional translator / language services provider;
•To familiarize students with the interdisciplinary field of Translation Studies by analysing major linguistic, functional, communicative and cultural approaches to translation.
•To provide students with a metalanguage that will allow them to reflect on their translations and describe their own work as translators in a more efficient and articulate manner.

Program

This is an introductory course which will gradually move from the practical aspects of translation and the translation profession, such as external and internal knowledge of translation, the translator as a social being, social networks, the translator as learner, etc. (based on Robinson, 1997), to more theoretical approaches to translation, their relevance to professional practice and the recently established interdisciplinary subject of Translation Studies (based on Hatim and Munday, 2004, and Munday, 2001). This second aspect will be approached following the general outline proposed by Hatim and Munday (2004) and by Munday (2001). Emphasis will be placed on the following issues:
•What is translation?
•What is interpreting?
•A brief history of Translation Studies
•Translation before the 20th century
•Translation strategies
•The unit of translation
•Translation shifts
•Equivalence, equivalent effect and the receptor of the message
•Translation shifts
•Functional theories of translation (text type and function)
•Text, genre and discourse shifts in translation
•Agents of power in translation
•Ideology and translation
•Information technology and translation

Main Bibliography

HATIM, Basil and MUNDAY, Jeremy. Translation. An advanced resource book. London and New York: Routledge, 2004.
MUNDAY, Jeremy. Introducing Translation Studies: Theories and Applications. London and New York: Routledge, 2001.
ROBINSON, Douglas. Becoming A Translator. London: Routledge, 1997.

Complementary Bibliography

available in the library)
BAKER, Mona. In Other Words: A Coursebook on Translation. London: Routledge, 1992.
BASSNETT, Susan. Translation Studies. London: Routledge, 2002.
HATIM, B. and Mason, I. The Translator as Communicator London: Routledge (1997)
SNELL-HORNBY, Mary. Translation Studies: An Integrated Approach (Revised Edition). Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins Publishing Company, 1995.
VENUTI, Lawrence (ed.). The Translation Studies Reader. London: Routledge, 2000
VENUTI, Lawrence. The Translator’s Invisibility. London: Routledge, 1995.

Reference books:
BAKER, Mona (ed.) The Routledge Encyclopaedia of Translation Studies. London: Routledge, 1998.

Teaching methods and learning activities

Classes will include lectures and practical workshops. Students are required to complete their reading assignments and be prepared to actively participate in class discussions and exercises. They should also regularly consult the class website (web.letras.up.pt/egalvao).

Software

Various research engines, the Linguateca tools, as well as a variety of software available in the computer rooms.

Evaluation Type

Eligibility for exams

ATTENDANCE POLICY
Students doing continuous assessment are expected to attend 75% of classes and complete all the homework and classwork. Students who do not comply with this rule will have to opt for taking the final exam.

Calculation formula of final grade

A written examination on a random selection of the material covered in class during the whole semester.

Examinations or Special Assignments

See Special Evaluation below.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Applicable to working students. Working students can opt for the following type of assessment: an extended writing assignment on a topic of their choice (to be agreed upon with the teacher at the beginning of the semester); and a final exam to be taken at the end of the semester. Each will be worth 50% of their final grade.

Classification improvement

Students wishing to improve their grade will have to take the final exam in the relevant exam session (February).

Observations

Language of instruction: English.