Theory and Techniques of German Translation
A.Y. 2024/2025
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 two parts:
Part A: Theory and History of Literary Translation
Part B: 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 2026.
Part A: Theory and History of Literary Translation
Part B: 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 2026.
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
Parte A
- Apel, Friedmar/Kopezki, Annette, Literarische Übersetzung. Stuttgart: J.B. Metzler, 2003.
- Cinato Kather, Lucia, Mediazione Linguistica tedesco-italiano. Torino: Hoepli, 2011.
- Schreiber, Michael (2016): Grundlagen der Übersetzungswissenschaft. De Gruyter.
These and further Resources are made available on Moodle
Parte B
- The texts to be translated are made available on Moodle
- Apel, Friedmar/Kopezki, Annette, Literarische Übersetzung. Stuttgart: J.B. Metzler, 2003.
- Cinato Kather, Lucia, Mediazione Linguistica tedesco-italiano. Torino: Hoepli, 2011.
- Schreiber, Michael (2016): Grundlagen der Übersetzungswissenschaft. De Gruyter.
These and further Resources are made available on Moodle
Parte B
- The texts to be translated are made available on Moodle
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 a commentary on the translation (approximately two A4 pages), to be handed in at least 10 days before the oral test (appello ufficiale);
There is no oral examination.
6 CFU: the exam consists of:
- a translation of a literary text of approx. 2000 characters to be agreed in advance with the lecturer and a commentary on the translation (approximately two A4 page), to be handed in at least 10 days before the oral test (appello ufficiale).
There is no oral examination.
Important note: Although the course does not include an oral exam, the instructor reserves the right to invite individual students for an individual interview in order to confirm the final grade, should any doubts about the overall evaluation arise.
- translation of a literary text of approx. 3000 characters to be agreed in advance with the lecturer and a commentary on the translation (approximately two A4 pages), to be handed in at least 10 days before the oral test (appello ufficiale);
There is no oral examination.
6 CFU: the exam consists of:
- a translation of a literary text of approx. 2000 characters to be agreed in advance with the lecturer and a commentary on the translation (approximately two A4 page), to be handed in at least 10 days before the oral test (appello ufficiale).
There is no oral examination.
Important note: Although the course does not include an oral exam, the instructor reserves the right to invite individual students for an individual interview in order to confirm the final grade, should any doubts about the overall evaluation arise.
Unita' didattica A
L-LIN/14 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - GERMAN - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Zinesi Alice
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:
Mollica Fabio
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Piazza Indro Montanelli -Dipartimento di Lingue, Letterature, Culture e Mediazioni- V piano - studio 5012