SLA 225 CC:LOST & FOUND IN TRANSLATION

What does it mean to translate? Who is the author of a translated text? How close can we get to reproducing a word or concept, to say nothing of a political speech or poem, in another language? How does translation serve expansionist or capitalist interests? This course examines translation and interpretation as vehicles for intercultural (mis)communication, nationalism, and globalization. It presents theories of translation and problematizes the notion of translatability. It considers the role of the translator over time and explores emerging technologies that suggest we need know no language other than our own. Charting the evolution of the “art of translation” and the emergence of Translation Studies, this course includes such modules as: The Task of the Translator; Shakespeare in the Bush; Translation in the Sharing Economy; Subtitles vs. Voice-Over; and Can Google Translate be Trusted? In addition to discussing readings and in-class conversations with guest faculty and other practicing translators, students will workshop their own literary and technical translations, as well as practice simultaneous interpretation. As a ConnCourse, this course makes connections across the liberal arts.