Module: Translation Theory

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Translation Theory
Module Code	TRA1010 (ITS: LC502)
Faculty	SALIS	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	10

Description

This module is intended to promote knowledge of and critical engagement with thinking about translation in both historical and contemporary contexts. Students explore the ideas of a wide range of theorists whose work is considered from the point of view of the particular time, place and intellectual environment in which it emerged. Theoretical strands explored include those informed by linguistics, communication theory, cognitive science, sociology, hermeneutics, analytical and continental philosophy, feminism, and post-colonialism, among others.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically discuss theories of translation.
2. Evaluate theoretical interventions from the point of view of the paradigm from which they emerged.
3. Critically review the core literature related to a chosen subdomain or a recurring issue in translation theory.
4. Write an advanced academic essay appropriate to Master’s level, i.e., one based on wide and in-depth reading, sound and sustained argumentation, and appropriate citing and referencing.

Total Workload: 0

Section Breakdown
CRN	20637	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Joss Moorkens	Module Teacher	Dorothy Kenny, Patrick Cadwell

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Essay	4,000 word essay	100%	Sem 2 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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Baker, Mona and Gabriela Saldanha: 2020, Routledge Encyclopedia of Translation Studies, Routledge, London,
Munday, Jeremy: 2013, Introducing Translation Studies, 3rd edition, Routledge, London,
Nord, Christiane: 1997, Translation as a purposeful activity: functionalist approaches explained, St. Jerome, Manchester,
Pym, Anthony: 2010, Exploring Translation Theories, Routledge, London,
Rawling, Piers and Philip Wilson: 2019, The Routledge Handbook of Translation and Philosophy, Routledge, London,
Tymoczko, Maria: 2007, Enlarging Translation, Empowering Translators, St. Jerome, Manchester,
Venuti, Lawrence: 2004, The Translation Studies Reader, 2nd, Routledge, London,
Williams, Jenny: 2013, Theories of Translation, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None