K401: Korean-English Translation

This module examines issues surrounding the practice and activity of translation, and offers students the opportunity to develop their skills and methods in translating texts from Korean into English. The syllabus combines practical translation exercises with critical analyses of context, strategies, methods, and their socio-political and cultural implications. Through weekly seminars, the module convenor will introduce topical issues and key translation theories. Students will be assigned different genres of texts (literary, academic, media, technical and commercial, etc.) in Korean to translate into English and present in class. The informal presentations will form the basis for group discussions on translation method and technique, and for sharing constructive feedback. Diligent assignment preparations and active seminar participation will also help students expand their knowledge of Korean grammatical structures, text styles, vocabulary, idioms and expressions.

This module is designed to complement other language use modules for BA Korean students to develop their skills in reading, analysing and translating Korean texts. However, please note that students must have advanced language proficiency in Korean to follow the module content (see Prerequisites).

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge of advanced Korean grammar, vocabulary, idioms and expressions.
• demonstrate skills and methods in analysing and translating differents genres and styles of Korean texts into English.
• identify and use relevant reference materials and critical sources for translating diffferent Korean text types into English.
• demonstrate intellectual perspectives on translation practices, strategies and activity.

Workload

This module will be taught over 10 weeks with a 2 hour seminar per week.

Scope and syllabus

There is no set syllabus for this module, but a list of texts and topics will be made available from the teacher at the beginning of the module each year. It will combine the practice of translation with critical analyses of context, strategy, method, and their socio-political and cultural implications. In the seminars, students will be introduced to different issues and theories, present their translation work and method, and engage in practical exercises and group discussions on key topics. Different genres of texts will be assigned for translation.

Method of assessment

• Translation portfolio or project (60%)
• Presentation (40%)

Suggested reading

The core reading materials for translation will be made available on BLE at the beginning of the module.

Suggested Reading (Translation Studies and Theory)

• Baker, Mona. In Other Words: A Coursebook on Translation.. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge, c. 1992.
• Bassnett-McGuire, Susan. Translation Studies. London: Routledge, 2002.
• Munday, Jeremy. Introducing Translation Studies: Theories and Applications. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge, 2012.
• Newmark, Peter. A Textbook of Translation. New York: Prentice-Hall International, 1988.
• Nida, Eugene. Contexts in Translating. Amsterdam: J. Benjamins Publishing Co., 2001.
• Articles from <번역학연구> (The Journal of Translation Studies) published by the Korean Association of Translation Studies (KATS)

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules