COURSES

Content

This course - organized in co-operation with the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) - is conceived as a hybrid seminar series (partly online, partly on-campus) on the theory of literary translation in which major theoretical texts will be read and discussed. They reflect on both influential views on translation in different phases of European cultural history and on the more recent trends toward the ideology and ethics of literary translation. The linguistic, cognitive, sociological, and cultural aspects of literary translation will be at the center of our theoretical discussions. The lectures will be delivered by several experts in Translation Studies from Ghent University and the University of Brussels.

In focusing on the above subjects, the seminar will be subdivided into three major thematic parts: 1) Conceptual foundations of theoretical thinking on literary translation (Free/Literal Translation; Author/Authorship and Translation; Memory and Translation); 2) Translation and Society (Sociology of Translation; Censorship and Translation; Centre/Periphery and Translation); 3) Case Studies, in which students will be introduced into applying specific translatological methods and theories onto specific cases of translated texts.

Through blended learning, students will be given the opportunity to acquire competences within the field of Translation Studies and Literary Translation. One practical workshop will be dedicated to poetry translation.

Learning outcomes

• To be familiar with and able to critically reflect on pivotal texts of translation theory and on key concepts, issues and theories of literary translation  
• To be familiar with the history of theory on literary translation and the development of theoretical thinking in the field
• To be able to critically analyze source texts and reflect on the intricate relation between source text and target text
• To gain insight into culture-specific (German, French, Anglo-American...) traditions in the theoretical conceptualization of literary translation  
• To acquire knowledge of linguistic, textual, cultural and ideological issues related to literary translation
• To assess theoretical models in relation to literary translation in the broadest sense

Teaching methods

Seminar, Lecture, Independent work 

Extra information on the teaching methods: This course is conceived as an interactive workshop. Students are expected to prepare the texts and to become actively involved in the discussion of issues arising from the texts treated. The ENLIGHT students will attend lectures via MS Teams. The two on-campus meetings will be replaced with alternative arrangements: the poetry translation workshop will be conducted through an online video recorded by the students, followed by an online feedback session with the tutors. The Q&A session will be replaced with an online tutorial. 

Assessment method(s)

Assessment moments: continuous assessment 

Examination methods in case of continuous assessment: Assignment 

Possibilities of retake in case of continuous assessment: not applicable 

Extra information on the examination methods: Students will be evaluated by means of a ‘Take Home Exam’. This means that students are given a limited number of questions/topics in advance, which can be prepared during the exam period. The deadline for submission will be announced in advance.  A responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) is allowed for this course. The course coordinators will explain what this means at the start of the semester.

Calculation of the examination mark: 100% 'take home exam'

Lecturers

Sepp, Arvi: lecturer-in-charge  

Lambrecht, Bram: co-lecturer  

Logie, Ilse: co-lecturer 

Course dates

This course takes place in the first semester of academic year 2026-2027:

• Educational activities: September 21 to December 12, 2026
• Catch-up activities: December 14 to December 19, 2026
• Christmas break: December 21, 2026 to January 2, 2027
• Examination period: January 4 to January 30, 2027
• Resit Examination period: August 16 to September 18, 2027

There will be one online lecture per week from September 21 to December 12, 2026, on Thursdays from 16:00 to 18:00 (time in CEST/CET). Lectures will not be recorded.

Entry requirements: A bachelor's degree in Linguistics and Literature, Applied Language Studies or Languages and Cultures, or to have acquired the necessary skills by other means. Students should be aware that this is a course with a master's profile which requires academic writing skills. 

How to apply

1. Check whether you meet the entry requirements listed above. You cannot apply if you don’t meet the entry requirements.
2. Check with your home faculty or study programme to confirm whether this course can be included in your curriculum, so the ECTS credits will be recognized. If you are unsure who to contact, reach out to your home university’s ENLIGHT office (contact details below).
3. Apply by completing the Ghent University form by August 17th. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
4. Register at Ghent university. Registration instructions will follow after application.

Information per university

• • University of the Basque Country: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  
  • University of Bern: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., see application instructions for students at the University of Bern 
  • University of Bordeaux: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.    
  • Comenius University Bratislava: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   
  • University of Galway: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   
  • Ghent University: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., see information about BIP's and virtual courses   
  • University of Groningen: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., see information about BIPs and application form 
  • University of Göttingen: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (for BIP’s) or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (other courses) 
  • University of Tartu: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., see information about BIP’s and virtual courses 
  • Uppsala University: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., see application instructions for students at Uppsala University 

For information regarding the procedure to take part in this course: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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