Introduction to Translation Studies

Code:

LA015

Acronym:

IETRAD

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Language Sciences

Instance: 2020/2021 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Germanic Studies
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Applied Languages

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
LA	35	LA - Study Plan	1	-	6	52	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

This course unit provides an overview about the most significant theoretical models of translation and show how the theoretical approach has been evolving from language-centric perspectives to a process oriented approach, centred on the translator. From linguistic models over to text typological and finally to functionalist, cognitive and hermeneutic models this unit seeks to demonstrate that the translator, initially set as transcoder of a interrupted communicative process, wins a statute by itself while producer of texts for especial purposes. Furthermore, should this presentation of the various approaches contribute to the formation of a critical attitude towards the models presented. This critical attitude should sensitize students to the fact that the translation process is an act of decision making which needs an expert on textual production. Students are asked to reflect on the appropriate professional profile in a fast changing profession.

Learning outcomes and competences

Students should be able to:
- contextualize historically and scientifically the different approaches in Translation Theory;
- deepen the understanding of the complexity of the translation process and develop a critical attitude towards translation products;
- distinguish the translators expertise from mere language skills; reflect on the pre-requisites for a successful translation process; - reflect on the kind of relationship between language, culture, culture specific text type expectation and translation;
- understand the need for professional training for translators;
- understand the translation as a process of problem solving.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

n.a.

Program

1. The foundations of modern Translation Theory (Traductology) 2. Main issues; 3. Language centered models: Leipzig School, Translation as “code-switching” process, Stylistique comparée of Vinay and Darbelnet 4. Text centered models: the textual equivalence of Catford, dynamic vs. formal equivalence (Nida), text type approach, comparative ‘Translation Studies’ 5. Translator centered models: functional models, hermeneutic models, cognitive models.

Mandatory literature

Gentzler, Edwin; Contemporary Translation Theories, Routledge, 1993
Robinson, Douglas; Western Translation Theory from Herodotus to Nietzsche, St. Jerome, 1997
Stolze, Radegundis; Übersetzungstheorien. Eine Einführung, Narr, 1994
Hüsgen, Thomas J.C.; Vom getreuen Boten zum nachdichterischen Autor. Übersetzungskritische Analyse von Fernando Pessoas 'Livro do Desassossego' in deutscher Sprache., Peter Lang , 2005
Göpferich, Susanne; Interkulturelles Technical Writing. Fachliches adressatengerecht vermitteln, Narr, 1988
Jean Peeters (Ed.); On the Relationships between Translation Theory and Translation Practice, Peter Lang, 2005
Snell-Hornby, Mary; Translation Studies. An Integrated Approach, John Benjamins, 1988
Nord, Christiane; Text Analysis in Translation. Theory, Method, and Didactic Application of a Model for Translation-Oriented Text Analysis, Rodopi, 1991
Venuti, Lawrence; The Translator's Invisibility. A history of translation, Routledge, 1995
Vermeer, Hans J.; Esboço de uma teoria da tradução, ASA, 1986
Wotjak, Gerd; Schmidt Heide (Ed.); Modelle der Translation / Models of Translation. Festschrift für Albrecht Neubert., Vervuert, 1997
Mertin, Elvira; Prozessorientiertes Qualitätsmanagment im Dienstleistungsbereich Übersetzen, Peter Lang, 2006
Munday, Jeremy ; Introducing Translation Studies: Theories and, Routledge, 2001. ISBN: ISBN 0-415-22927-8
Ana Maria Garcia Bernardo; A tradutologia alemã tendências e perspectivas na segunda metade do século XX , Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1999
Ana Maria Bernardo; A Tradutologia Contemporânea. Tendências e Perspectivas no Espaço de Língua Alemã. , Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian/ Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, 2009. ISBN: 978-972-31-1273-3
Gambier, Yves; Doorslaer, Luc van;; Handbook of Translation, Vol.2. e Vol.3., John Benjamins, 2011

Teaching methods and learning activities

Classes will be student-centered, stimulating his research interests in the domain of translation studies. It will be based essentially on the analysis of different text types in different contexts. Individual research proficiency, a critical attitude and the ability to define explicit translation strategies/methods/procedures will be stimulated.
Main attention will be given to the active participation in classes, both by the presentation of short papers/talks related to the above mentioned topics, as well as to the active participation in group discussions.

Software

sdlx
power point

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Teste	75,00
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	25,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	108,00
Frequência das aulas	53,00
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	1,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

Working students and other students legally exempt from regular class attendance should contact the teacher at the beginning of the semester to combine a form of alternative assessment.

Calculation formula of final grade

written test 75%; oral presentation 25%.

To pass the subject, students have to obtain a score of at least 10 in the written assessment and in the oral assessment and the final average score cannot be less than 10 (on a scale of 0-20).

Examinations or Special Assignments

n.a.

Internship work/project

n.a.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

n.a.

Classification improvement

Students wishing to improve their final grade/repeat their assessment will have to repeat the written component.

Observations

Due to the situation created by the COVID-19
pandemic there will be the following changes
on the evaluation:
"Evaluation Components":
a) Presentation in ppt. by May, 30th;
b) Work/essay written by June, 25th.

"Final Classification Calculation Formula": 
a) Presentation in ppt - 35%
b) Written paper/essay - 65%