126-478 Translating Literature

This subject is taught in German. Formerly available as 126-085. Students who have completed 126-085 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

37.5 points of second/third-year subjects in German language. European studies students wishing to enrol in this subject would normally have completed 37.5 points of European studies at second/third year, see Prerequisites.

This subject is based on the idea of literary translation as an intense, subtle, time-consuming activity, from which we have all benefitted but about which we rarely think. A translation is one person's rendering, and thus interpretation, of a literary work; it can enhance or ruin it. How does Shakespeare sound in German? And how does Goethe sound in English? On completion of the subject students should have tackled a variety of literary translations; have improved their German vocabulary; have become familiar with some basic principles of translating literature; and have engaged in discussions about the quality of a number of translations of well-known literary works.

• have acquired skills in research, critical thinking and contextualising information;

• also have developed skills in communicating knowledge intelligibly through oral presentations and essays in German.

A 1000 word class paper 30% (due during the semester), and an essay of 3000 words for third year students, 4000 words for fourth year students 70% (due at the end of the semester).

A subject reader to be supplied by the Department.