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Module Catalogue

CW921-60 Literary Translation Studies Dissertation

Department
SCAPVC - Warwick Writing Programme
Level
Taught Postgraduate Level
Module leader
Chantal Wright
Credit value
60
Module duration
52 weeks
Assessment
Multiple
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

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Introductory description

This is the compulsory capstone module for students on the MA in Literary Translation Studies.

Module aims

The capstone dissertation module allows MA in Literary Translation Studies students to pursue an independent project in the field of literary translation studies, developing specialised insight into their selected topic. Students may choose one of two options: a) a research-based project that engages with a topic related to the theory, methodology, practice, history, sociology or philosophy of translation, or b) a practice-based project comprised of an extended literary translation with an accompanying critical reflection.

Students undertaking a research-based project will engage analytically with key debates in literary translation studies, and learn key research skills. Students undertaking a practice-based research project will also do this, but will demonstrate their analytical engagement through both practice and in a piece of critical writing. They will reflect critically on the relationship between translation practice and theory/methodology, demonstrating how practice is influenced by theoretical insight.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

As this is a dissertation module, there is no set syllabus. MA in Literary Translation Studies students are issued with an extensive Translation Studies bibliography (of some 15 pages) at the start of each academic year. This bibliography forms the basis of their reading for individual core modules and the dissertation. This bibliography exists in hard copy and will be transferred to Talis Aspire when the new module code has been created.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Plan and execute a research or practice-based research project in the field of literary translation studies.
  • Demonstrate writing and referencing skills appropriate to postgraduate level.
  • Demonstrate an understanding and awareness of research methodology, including any relevant ethical considerations.
  • Engage analytically with key debates and major theoretical and/or philosophical concepts in literary translation studies.
  • Locate, assess and critically analyse relevant sources of information.
  • For the practice-based research pathway, demonstrate an awareness of publishing industry standards for the practice and presentation of literary translation.

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Research element

The dissertation is a research-based module.

Subject specific skills

Students on the practice-based research pathway should demonstrate an understanding of publishing industry standards for the practice and presentation of literary translations.

Transferable skills

Translation skills.
Editing skills.
Research skills.

Study time

Type Required
Project supervision 6 sessions of 1 hour (1%)
Private study 594 hours (99%)
Total 600 hours

Private study description

This is a research-based project that will be conducted independently by the students under the supervision of one or two supervisors.

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Assessment group A
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Literary Translation Studies Dissertation 100% 600 hours No

For the research-based dissertation, a dissertation of 16,000 words.
For the practice-based research project, a literary translation of between 5000 and 6000 words (approximately one-third of the total dissertation length) and a critical reflection of between 10,000 and 11,000 words, the combined length of both elements not to exceed 16,000 words. The relative weighting of translation and reflection can be altered for students translating poetry.
Assessment group R
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Literary Translation Studies Dissertation 100% No

As above.
Feedback on assessment

The supervisor(s) will read and comment on drafts of the dissertation prior to submission. The student will receive c.200 words of feedback on the submitted assignment.

Pre-requisites

Please note that the modules listed above have been recoded for 2020-21 as follows: EN964 (CW908); EN9A5 (recoded CW915); and EN971 (recoded CW909). EN9A5 and EN971 are offered on biennial rotation; students must have taken one of the two.

To take this module, you must have passed:

  • All of

    • Courses

    This module is Core for:

    • TCWA-Q3PB Postgraduate Taught Literary Translation Studies
      • Year 1 of Q3PB Literary Translation Studies
      • Year 2 of Q3PB Literary Translation Studies
    • TENA-Q3PB Postgraduate Taught Literary Translation Studies
      • Year 1 of Q3PB Literary Translation Studies
      • Year 2 of Q3PB Literary Translation Studies