Theory and Techniques of German Translation
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The course aims to introduce students to some essential themes of linguistic and hermeneutical reflection on translation, focusing in particular on the translation theory developed in the German area from romanticism to the present. In the practical part of the course the students are asked to confront themselves with the translation of texts belonging to different literary genres.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding: In the theoretical part of the course students refine their sensitivity to some linguistic and hermeneutical aspects of translation through reflection on some translation theory. Applying knowledge and understanding: In the practical part of the course students learn through discussion and comparison to find concrete solutions to some difficulties encountered in the translation of texts belonging to different literary genres.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course consists of three parts:
Part A (20 hrs, 3 cfu): Theory and History of Literary Translation
Part B (40 hrs, 6 cfu): Translating prose: fiction and non-fiction and introduction to the instruments of translation.
The course, which takes place in German, can be chosen by students of the following MA courses: Lingue e Letterature europee ed extraeuropee; Lettere moderne; Editoria, culture della comunicazione e della moda. Students interested in acquiring 9 cfu will follow the full syllabus. Students interested in acquiring 6 cfu will need to concode the program with the professor.
The course aims to introduce to the literary translation, understood as a discipline as well as a cultural practice, both from a theoretical and practical point of view. The first part of the course will therefore be devoted to an introduction to the theory and history of translation from its origins to the present day, with a particular focus on reflections and contributions from the German-speaking world. Parts B and C, on the other hand, will focus on a two-stage practical approach: by analysing and commenting on translations of literary texts from different genres and eras, students will sharpen their sensitivity to specific difficulties in the translation of literary texts; they will learn strategies for solving these difficulties, which they will then be able to put to the test through their own translation proposals.
This syllabus is is valid until February 2025.
Part A (20 hrs, 3 cfu): Theory and History of Literary Translation
Part B (40 hrs, 6 cfu): Translating prose: fiction and non-fiction and introduction to the instruments of translation.
The course, which takes place in German, can be chosen by students of the following MA courses: Lingue e Letterature europee ed extraeuropee; Lettere moderne; Editoria, culture della comunicazione e della moda. Students interested in acquiring 9 cfu will follow the full syllabus. Students interested in acquiring 6 cfu will need to concode the program with the professor.
The course aims to introduce to the literary translation, understood as a discipline as well as a cultural practice, both from a theoretical and practical point of view. The first part of the course will therefore be devoted to an introduction to the theory and history of translation from its origins to the present day, with a particular focus on reflections and contributions from the German-speaking world. Parts B and C, on the other hand, will focus on a two-stage practical approach: by analysing and commenting on translations of literary texts from different genres and eras, students will sharpen their sensitivity to specific difficulties in the translation of literary texts; they will learn strategies for solving these difficulties, which they will then be able to put to the test through their own translation proposals.
This syllabus is is valid until February 2025.
Prerequisites for admission
Excellent knowledge in Italian; advanced knowledge (at least B2) in German.
Teaching methods
Part A: lectures and seminars with collective discussion of the texts addressed
Part B: active involvement of students in class work
Part B: active involvement of students in class work
Teaching Resources
Part A
- Apel, Friedmar/Kopezki, Annette, Literarische Übersetzung. Stuttgart: J.B. Metzler, 2003. [available online via the university digital library].
Cinato, Kather, Lucia, Mediazione Linguistica tedesco-italiano. Torino: Hoepli, 2011.
Schreiber, Michael (2016): Grundlagen der Übersetzungswissenschaft.
- Reader of theoretical essays available online (Moodle)
Part B
- Reader available online (Moodle)
https://myariel.unimi.it/course/view.php?id=582
- Apel, Friedmar/Kopezki, Annette, Literarische Übersetzung. Stuttgart: J.B. Metzler, 2003. [available online via the university digital library].
Cinato, Kather, Lucia, Mediazione Linguistica tedesco-italiano. Torino: Hoepli, 2011.
Schreiber, Michael (2016): Grundlagen der Übersetzungswissenschaft.
- Reader of theoretical essays available online (Moodle)
Part B
- Reader available online (Moodle)
https://myariel.unimi.it/course/view.php?id=582
Assessment methods and Criteria
9 CFU: the exam consists of two parts
- translation of a literary text of approx. 3000 characters to be agreed in advance with the lecturer and to be handed in at least 10 days before the oral test (appello ufficiale);
- oral interview, in German, focusing on the theory of Translation and the translation submitted by the student.
6 CFU: the exam consists of:
- a translation of a literary text of approx. 3000 characters to be agreed in advance with the lecturer and to be handed in at least 10 days before the oral test (appello ufficiale);
- translation of a literary text of approx. 3000 characters to be agreed in advance with the lecturer and to be handed in at least 10 days before the oral test (appello ufficiale);
- oral interview, in German, focusing on the theory of Translation and the translation submitted by the student.
6 CFU: the exam consists of:
- a translation of a literary text of approx. 3000 characters to be agreed in advance with the lecturer and to be handed in at least 10 days before the oral test (appello ufficiale);
Unita' didattica A
L-LIN/14 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - GERMAN - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Mollica Fabio
Unita' didattica B
L-LIN/14 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - GERMAN - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Zinesi Alice
Unita' didattica C
L-LIN/14 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - GERMAN - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Zinesi Alice
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)