99801 - Literary Translation Lab

Learning outcomes

The student knows the principles of language service provision in the field of translation of literary texts belonging to different genres and in different language combinations; s/he is able to implement the main language service provision standards in professional settings.

Course contents

The course will aim to present some fundamental aspects of literary translation, regardless of the peculiarities of individual national publishing markets. The aspects that will be addressed are (by way of example):

- The choice of texts to be translated; What is translated and what is not translated; analysis of some salient cases of non-translation;

- The scouting work of the texts to be translated;

- The choice of the translator;

- How to draft and develop a translation project;

- The subsidies for literary translation;

- The revision phase;

- The role of literary agencies; 

- The role of translator networks in the profession.



During the course, representatives from the publishing world and translators who already work in the field of literary translation will be invited.


Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Readings/Bibliography

The following texts are indicative, but further critical literature will be provided during the course:

- Susanna Basso, Sul tradurre: esperienze e divagazioni militanti, Milano, Bruno Mondadori, 2010.

- Ilide Carmignani, Gli autori invisibili: incontri sulla traduzione letteraria, Besa Muci, 2020.

- Sandro Ferri, I ferri dell'editore, Roma, e/o, 2011.

Teaching methods

The course will be workshop-based. It will alternate between lecturers from the Department and experts from the publishing world as well as professional translators.

Assessment methods

The final assessment will consist of an oral examination in which students will present a a drafting of a reading sheet based on a book not yet published in Italian, chosen by the student. During the oral examination, the student will present their individually prepared reading analysis, highlighting the key aspects of the text.

It is strictly forbidden to use AI during the exam. Any violation of this rule will be considered a serious breach of academic ethics.

As regards the oral assessment, limited use of AI is permitted for specific tasks during the exam, such as spelling and grammar check, terminological research, and transcription of oral work [adapt as appropriate]. The student will be asked to submit a statement indicating how AI was used. Generative use of AI to actually produce exam work is strictly forbidden. Any violation of this rule will be considered a serious breach of academic ethics.

Further information will be provided during the course.

Students with specific learning difficulties (SpLD) or with disabilities that can affect their ability to attend courses are invited to contact theUniversity service for students with disabilities and SLD at the earliest opportunity -- ideally before the start of the course:https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students. The University service will suggest possible adjustments to the course work and/or exam, which must then be submitted to the course leader so they can assess their feasibility, in line with the learning objectives of the course. Please note that adjustments to the exam must be requested at least two weeks in advance.

Evaluation grid

30-30L excellent test that demonstrates very broad, thorough and in-depth knowledge of the translating process, a solid ability to apply theoretical concepts;

27-29 above average test that demonstrates precise and thorough knowledge of the subject matter, good ability to apply theoretical concepts, and capacity for analysis and synthesis, accurate and correct exposition

24-26 good test that demonstrates appropriate knowledge of the subject matter, a fair understanding of the application of theoretical concepts, and an articulate presentation of the subject matter

21-23 adequate test that demonstrates appropriate but not in-depth knowledge of the subject, only partial capacity to apply theoretical concepts, and an acceptable presentation of the content

18-20 barely sufficient test that demonstrates adequate but general knowledge of the subject matter, simple exposition, uncertainties in the application of theoretical concepts

Insufficient test that does not demonstrate adequate acquisition of knowledge of the subject matter that is fragmentary and superficial, with errors in the application of concepts, and poor exposition

Teaching tools

Computer with projector and Internet access

Office hours

See the website of Chiara Elefante