Theory of Literary Translation

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 for regular students; exclusively online for the ENLIGHT students)  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

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 2025-2026:

• Educational activities: September 22 to December 12, 2025
• Catch-up activities: December 15 to December 20, 2025
• Christmas recess: December 22, 2025 to January 2, 2026
• Examination period: January 5 to January 31, 2026
• Resit examination period: August 17 to September 12, 2026

There will be one online lecture per week from September 22, 2025 to December 12, 2025, 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. Exchange students should be aware that this is a course with a master's profile which requires academic writing skills. 

Before application: Please check with your home faculty / study programme if the course can be integrated in your curriculum in order to ensure recognition of the ECTS credits obtained

Students from ENLIGHT partner universities are eligible to participate. Students will be selected at each of these universities separately. Students interested in the course need to apply via their home university. The home university will select the permitted number of students, inform the students as soon as possible, and then send these names to the host institution. Unsuccessful students will be placed on a waiting list and may get a place, if other universities do not use all their allocated places. 

Please select your home university below and inform your ENLIGHT coordinator about your interest to participate in the course. Please include information on whether you have clarified recognition with your home faculty.

• 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.   
• 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.   
• University of Groningen: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
• University of Göttingen: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   
• University of Tartu: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
• Uppsala University:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

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.

For information regarding the course content: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.