Contemporary Translation Theories

 

General information

Code: 

7110

Main Scientific area: 

• Translation Studies

Regime: 

Half-yearly

ECTS:

5

Teaching type: 

On-site

Language of instruction: 

Portuguese

Course Load

Autonomous work: 

110 hours

Classes: 

30 hours – Theoretical-practical lessons

Objectives of education

Organized on the first semester of the programme, this course unit promotes a sustained and integrated reflection about translation practice, through the critical analysis study of different theoretical approaches on Translation Studies. These range from their application to the analysis of case studies and their role on the consistent handling of translation problems.

Key learning outcomes

– Distinguish different periods of  translation in Europe.
– Distinguish different trends in Translation Studies.
– Critically analyse and discuss theoretical texts about translation.
– Analyse translated texts by characterizing translation processes and strategies.
– Use appropriate terminology on the analysis of translation phenomena.
– Theoretically justify translation options.
– Compare translation options and strategies.

Program summary

Critical and synthetic approach of the main questions and reflections developed in the field of Translation Studies since the second half of the 20^thcentury.
a) Introduction: Brief perspective of Translation History in Europe.
b) Study of some key paradigms of contemporary Translation Theory(ies), through a comparative approach of different perspectives and currents, based on concrete examples of translation problems and the different solutions adopted by translations.
i. Linguistic approaches  about translation: Teorias da Equivalência (Equivalence Theories); Skopostheorie; Localização (Localization).
ii. Cultural-descriptive approaches of translation; Polysystem Theory; Cultural Translation.
iii. Philosophical approaches on translation; translation as uncertainty.
c) Translation of terminology according to contemporary Translation Studies.
d) Analysis and Translation of texts from different trends and perspectives.

Essential bibliography

Delisle, Jean, Translators through History, Amsterdam, Philadelphia: Benjamins, 1995.

Even-Zohar, Itamar, Polysystem Studies, Poetics Today, Duke University, 1990, 1997.

Pym, Anthony, Exploring Translation Theories, Routledge, 2010.

Venuti, Lawrence, Ed., The Translation Studies Reader (2nd Edition), Routledge, 2004.

Teaching methods

Seminar. Theoretical presentations; presentations/ oral and written debates. Translation workshops.

Assessment methods

Continuous assessment including the following aspects:
– Oral presentations (20%).
– Text translation (30%).
– Sound written presentation of viewpoints about an established theme – Practical Exercises (30%).
– Participation in class activities (20%).

Students which, due to professional reasons, are not able to regularly follow class assignments, can complete a final exam.