Russian 501
Translation/Перевод
Department of European Studies SDSU
Professor Veronica Shapovalov
Office hours T 2:00-3:00 Th 6:40-7:40
or by appointment
My office is in SH-228C
594-7147/594-5001
e-mail: veronica.shapovalov@sdsu.edu
Spring 2016
Syllabus
Course overview and course objectives:
 The major goal of this class is to acquire basic skills in translation from Russian to
English (and English to Russian) of texts on a wide variety of subjects.
 You will get acquainted with translation theory and the history of literary translation in
Russia.
 You will further develop your reading and translating skills.
 You will learn the difference between translation traditions in Russian and
American/English cultures.
 You will further develop your ability to use Russian language materials (e. g. journals,
newspaper, encyclopedia articles) for research purposes.
Having successfully completed this course you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and
understanding of:
 the types of difficulties encountered when translating texts aimed at the general public
 the differences of style and convention in written forms between English and other
languages in a variety of genres
 the variety of reference materials and tools available to translators
 aspects of translation theory and terminology relevant to practical translation
Each text/translation will be analyzed and discussed in class. Exercises on translation will be
done in class and assigned as homework. There will be many handouts in this class, please keep
all of them. By the end of the semester each student will have a portfolio of translations covering
at least 8 major topics
You will have 3 individual translation projects that you will have to present in class and to
include in your portfolio. You will have to participate in the discussion of each of the projects.
Your final grade will be based on your class participation (including class exercises,
discussions of the translations(20%) tests, quizzes (20%), home work (30%), and individual
projects (30%).
Grades are defined at SDSU as:
A: Outstanding achievement, available for the highest accomplishment.
B: Praiseworthy performance, definitely above average.
C: Average awarded for satisfactory performance; the most common undergraduate grade.
D: Minimally passing, less than typical undergraduate achievement
F: Failing
C/NC: Some students may, subject to their major requirement and the conditions set out in the General
Catalog, choose to take the course credit/no credit. Work equivalent to C or above will result in a grade of
Credit; work equivalent to C- or below will result in NO Credit.
WU: Indicates that an enrolled student did not withdraw from the course but did not fulfill the course
requirements. For purposes of grade point average computation, this grade is equivalent to an F. Students
who are failing when they stop attending class will receive an F, not a U.
Policy on reading, homework, and late assignments.
All assigned readings should be done prior to the class. Late assignments (homework, projects)
will receive lower grades: one day late = one grade lower, two days late = two grades lower, etc.
Exception: pre-approved or approved late submission or lateness in connection with an excused
absence.
All written homework in English must be turned in as a typed hard copy, triple-spaced in
12-point font, and stapled. NO EXCEPTIONS.
All written homework in Russian should be written clearly (not in pencil), double /triple
spaced, and stapled. Use different color pen for in class corrections.
I will not open emailed written assignments unless you have made arrangements with
me before the day it is due.
For both missing class and late submission of assignments: I strongly encourage you to
communicate with me about any problems you’re having. I work with my students on helping
them catch up and get on track again, if there are serious reasons beyond their control for having
missed class or assignments. Being overworked, forgetting, having too little time,
tests/exams/presentations in other classes etc. are NOT reasons that qualify.
Students are responsible for adhering to University regulations on academic integrity. All
incidents of cheating or plagiarism will be reported to the Judicial Procedures Office as
required by CSU Policy. Please visit the link
http://infotutor.sdsu.edu/plagiarism/word.cfm?p=graphic Tutorial Services page on plagiarism if
you have any questions
Attendance policy
• Attendance is essential. You are allowed 2 unexcused absences without penalty this
semester. Additional unexcused absences will result in lowering of your final grade.
Classroom policy regarding the use of personal electronic devices:
• In this class students are allowed to use electronic devices (laptops, iPads, cellphones,
etc.) for class-related activities only (such as taking notes). However, general surfing is
explicitly not allowed. General surfing is defined by example as emailing, checking
stock quotes, texting, tweeting, skyping, facebooking, buying stuff on Amazon etc.
Because "second-hand" surfing is a documented educational hazard for other students,
non-class related use of electronic devices is grounds for sanction according to the
following schedule:
•
First violation: warning
•
Second violation: final grade decrement (e.g. B+ to B-)
•
Subsequent violations: additional grade decrement; possibly asked to leave the
classroom.
Please make sure your phones are turned off.
Class Etiquette: You are expected to maintain proper etiquette in class. This includes:
• not arriving late. If you are late, please enter quietly and be seated as close to the door as
possible. If you think you have a reason to be late consistently, please discuss it with me
and obtain my approval
• not talking, eating, sleeping, reading newspapers in class
E-mail Etiquette: please observe basic rules of politeness and formality in email messages.
These rules include:
• any message must include an address line (e.g. “Dear Professor Shapovalov” or
“Professor Shapovalov”)
• use polite and appropriate language.
• always sign your name
• allow some reasonable time for me to answer your emails.
Students with Disabilities
If you are a student with a disability and believe you will need accommodations for this class, it
is your responsibility to contact Student Disability Services at (619) 594-6473. To avoid any
delay in the receipt of your accommodations, you should contact Student Disability Services as
soon as possible.
All students are welcome to discuss readings, course content, exams, and other academic
topic with the instructor. If you are having trouble with an assignment or with a concept,
please let me know. Do not hesitate to ask questions. Questions are always welcome!
All students are welcome to discuss readings, course content, exams and other academic topic
with the instructor.