Theory and Techniques of German Translation
A.Y. 2022/2023
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: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Lesson period
Second semester
If strictly necessary, the following emergency teaching practices will be adopted.
Teaching methods:
The course will be held (as well as in attendance, if possible, in any case according to university guidelines) by online synchronous online lectures using Teams. Lessons will not be recorded.
Reference materials:
No changes are planned.
Learning verification procedures and assessment criteria:
No changes are planned
Teaching methods:
The course will be held (as well as in attendance, if possible, in any case according to university guidelines) by online synchronous online lectures using Teams. Lessons will not be recorded.
Reference materials:
No changes are planned.
Learning verification procedures and assessment criteria:
No changes are planned
Course syllabus
The course consists of three parts:
Part A (20 hrs, 3 cfu): Theory and History of Literary Translation
Part B (20 hrs, 3 cfu): Translating prose: fiction and non-fiction
Part C (20 hrs, 3 cfu): Translating poetry and (for the) theatre
The course, which takes place in both Italian (part A) and German (parts B and C), 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 6 cfu will follow the syllabus of parts A and B; students interested in acquiring 9 cfu will follow the full syllabus.
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 2024.
Part A (20 hrs, 3 cfu): Theory and History of Literary Translation
Part B (20 hrs, 3 cfu): Translating prose: fiction and non-fiction
Part C (20 hrs, 3 cfu): Translating poetry and (for the) theatre
The course, which takes place in both Italian (part A) and German (parts B and C), 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 6 cfu will follow the syllabus of parts A and B; students interested in acquiring 9 cfu will follow the full syllabus.
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 2024.
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 and C: active involvement of students in class work
Part B and C: 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].
- Reader of theoretical essays available online (Ariel)
Part B
- Reader available online (Ariel)
Part C
- Reader available online (Ariel)
- Apel, Friedmar/Kopezki, Annette, Literarische Übersetzung. Stuttgart: J.B. Metzler, 2003. [available online via the university digital library].
- Reader of theoretical essays available online (Ariel)
Part B
- Reader available online (Ariel)
Part C
- Reader available online (Ariel)
Assessment methods and Criteria
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 one week before the oral test (appello ufficiale);
- oral interview, in Italian and German, focusing on the theory and history of translation and on the translation submitted by the student.
- translation of a literary text of approx. 3000 characters to be agreed in advance with the lecturer and to be handed in at least one week before the oral test (appello ufficiale);
- oral interview, in Italian and German, focusing on the theory and history of translation and on the translation submitted by the student.
Unita' didattica A
L-LIN/14 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - GERMAN - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
L-LIN/14 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - GERMAN - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
L-LIN/14 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - GERMAN - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours