The course introduces to the main topics related to the history and theory of literary translation. At the end of the course the student will be able to:
- reconstruct the historical development of the theory of translation both as an object of interest for intellectuals and as a discipline;
- understand and critically discuss the content of representative texts of past and recent trends and perspectives in translation theory;
- know and use basic concepts and appropriate terminology for the study and analysis of the history and theories of translation, especially in the field of literary translation.
None.
The course will be based on interactive lectures, therefore directly involving the students in the discussion and dialogue; students will also be able to formulate proposals for further analysis or debate.
The course is held in Italian; some study materials will be in English.
The final examination will consist of an oral test with final grade.
The test will be aimed at testing the students’ knowledge in the following areas:
1) History and evolution of translation
2) Theories of translation and their historical and cultural context
3) Translation peculiarities of literary genres
The grade will be awarded in the light of the following evaluation grid:
- Excellent (30 cum laude): excellent knowledge of the course content and excellent ability to present and contextualise it appropriately as well as critically. Precise, correct and effective exposition.
- Very good (30 to 27): Very good knowledge of course content and very good ability to present and contextualise it appropriately. Fluent and overall error-free presentation.
- Good (26-24): Good knowledge of course content but only descriptive, with acceptable ability to present and summarise. Exposition with mostly correct language.
- Adequate/sufficient (23-18): Knowledge and exposition of course content appropriate but not entirely complete. Language is simple and some errors are present.
- Insufficient (less than 18): knowledge of course content partial and superficial. Content is presented and contextualised in a superficial and confused manner. Exposition is fragmentary, confused and with serious errors.
The course aims to provide an in-depth overview of the history and theory/theories of translation as a process, as a textual product and as a medium of cultural transfer from the so-called pre-scientific era up to today’s translation studies. In addition to a general overview of the various meanings and practices of ‘translation’, particular attention will be devoted to the translation of literary text and its different genres through the reading and collective discussion of some landmarks texts of translation theory from the origins to the present day, as well as on the basis of some concrete examples of translation practices.
The course will take place on a weekly basis throughout the entire first semester (including both sub-periods)
NB: Students are required to present themselves to the final exam with the texts and materials required by the syllabus.
Erasmus students are requested to contact the teacher at the beginning of the course to discuss how to prepare for the exam.
Students who have not attended the lessons can obtain support materials to supplement the course, after direct contact with the teacher, during office hours.
