Module: Theoretical Approaches to Translation

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Theoretical Approaches to Translation
Module Code	TRA1005 (ITS: LC410)
Faculty	SALIS	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module introduces students to the history of and current trends in Translation Theory. It aims to make students critically aware of historical, social, cultural and professional aspects of translation. It gives students an opportunity to produce academic writing in a clear and coherent manner and according to well-defined academic criteria. It will also provide a theoretical basis for their dissertation work in semester two.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the ideas of some major past and contemporary translation theorists.
2. Discuss in some detail major trends in translation theory since the 1970s.
3. Critically evaluate the application of theoretical frameworks in translation studies with reference to relevant literature.
4. Derive relationships and linkages between major positions in translation theory.
5. Produce academic writing of an appropriate standard on a topic in Translation Theory.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	formal presentation on key topics
Independent Study	95	general and focused reading in translation theory
Online activity	6	discussion on Loop forum of essay topics, academic writing, referencing, and general essay preparation
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10926	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Vicent Briva Iglesias	Module Teacher	Patrick Cadwell

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Essay	Students select a topic from a pre-defined list and submit an individual essay on that topic; this essay will ask for the description, discussion, and critical evaluation of an aspect of translation theory.	100%	Sem 1 End

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

introduction to translation studies including theoretical, descriptive and applied translation studies

history of translation in Ireland and elsewhere

history of Bible translation

linguistic/communicative/cultural approaches to translation

feminist translation

translation and minority languages

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Munday, Jeremy: 2012, Introducing Translation Studies, 3rd, Routledge, Oxford,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None