Translation Courses at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Translation Center Courses
Translation and Technology (CompLit 551)
This course introduces students to the exciting world of translation and multilingual computing. The course covers a range of technologies that are useful for students of all languages, helping them expand their international communication skills, no matter their field of study. Skills covered include multilingual word processing, desktop publishing, proofing tools in the Microsoft Office Suite, Web translation and design, and the transfer and translation of sound and image files. Open to graduate students and advanced undergraduates. Readings with discussion, experiments with latest technology, practice in lab. Texts by Samuelsson-Brown, Robinson, plus several journal articles. Several mini-assignments plus one final project. Professor Edwin Gentzler.
Advanced Translation and Technology (CompLit 753)
Advanced Translation Technologies covers a range of advanced translation techniques and technologies, including project management, HTML, graphics editing, Internet authoring and file-sharing, digital video subtitling, software localization, and translation memory tools. Each class will include extensive practice with new technologies. Successful completion of Translation and Technology (CompLit 551) highly recommended.
Theory and Practice of Translation (CompLit 393T)
For undergraduate students. Workshop for literary and nonliterary translators. Some theory, lots of practice. Texts by Bassnett, Lefevere, Holmes, Weisbort. Several short assignments, plus one final project. Professor Edwin Gentzler.
Comparative Literature Courses
Theory and Practice of Translation (CompLit 751)
For graduate students. Seminar. Reading and discussion of translation studies scholarship. Texts by Nida, Catford, Even-Zohar, Toury, Bassnett, and Lefevere. One final project. Professor Maria Tymoczko.
The History of Translation (CompLit 691G)
For graduate students. Readings on translation by translators, philosophers and scholars from the ancient world to the present, focusing on the changing role of translation in culture over time. Professor Julie Hayes.
Translation and Postcolonial Studies (CompLit 791B)
For graduate students. Seminar. Reading and discussion of translation and postcolonial studies scholarship. Texts by Derrida, Spivak, Bhabha, Niranjana, Cheyfitz, and Venuti. Professor Edwin Gentzler.
Translation and Contemporary Fiction (CompLit 791D)
For graduate students. Seminar. Reading and discussion of contemporary fiction and theoretical texts on translation theory. Texts by Simon, Vieira, Spivak, Anzaldúa, Gómez-Peña. Professor Edwin Gentzler
Translation, Ethics, and Ideology (CompLit 791I)
For graduate students. Seminar. Investigates the ethics of translation in relation to language, culture, literary form, and ideology. How is the translator conceptualized in terms of ethics and ideology? What is meant by the metaphor “in-between” in translation studies? What is the intersection of translation and power? Readings consist of articles by contemporary translation and postcolonial theorists. Professor Maria Tymoczko.