Module description

This is an interdisciplinary module that looks at the interlinked activities of translation and intercultural communication from various critical, theoretical and practical perspectives. The role of translation in cultural encounter and notion of intercultural communication will be addressed with reference to the conceptualisations of self-other relationships and perspectives on cultural differences. Translation studies topics and case studies will focus on the following kinds of content: introduction to the discipline, translation across languages and cultures, translation and the cultural turn, translation and ideology, translation and gender, and translation and empire. Case studies from literature, films, theatre and documentary will illustrate the theoretical content. The case studies, as well as the precise content of the module, are likely to vary from year to year.

The module introduces students to ideas of culture, translation and intercultural understanding and communication. It provides students with tools and theoretical concepts related to translation across languages and cultures, conceptualisations of self and other, perspectives on cultural difference, and discursive practices, to analyse a range of interdisciplinary case studies designed to throw light on the theory and practice of translation in interlingual contexts.



Teaching delivery

The core lecture introduces the topic being studied, contextualising debates and primary materials and providing indications of ways of thinking through materials being studied. Small group seminars are based on focused analysis and student discussion of close readings of materials and evaluation of varying kinds of evidence in the context set out by lectures.

Details of which specific text and performances will be the primary focus may vary from year to year. There are trips scheduled every year to view recorded performances at the National Theatre archive, though the number of times we make the trip may vary from year to year.



Recommended Reading

The module reading will be made available online as well as other resources such as youtube video clips. Guidelines on how to write your essay will also be posted on Moodle.





Please note: this module description is accurate at the time of publication. Amendments may be made prior to the start of the academic year.