FRENCH 501
Translation
Instructor: H. Ransom
Office: SH 230, 594-0625
holly.ransom@sdsu.edu
I Goals and Objectives
French 501 is an advanced-level course with multiple goals:
1) Achieving advanced level proficiency in reading, writing, listening and speaking through translation.
2) Comparing and analyzing home and French and francophone cultures.
3) Analyzing cultural differences and francophone diversity as expressed through language, as well as
varieties of French language while identifying regions where French is spoken.
II Description
In this course, we'll examine the intersection of translation and stylistics through the translation of a
variety of prose styles, both in English and French. And, in a more general context, the question of
"translating" culture.
Through in-class practice, discussion, and written assignments, you will broaden your skills in textual
analysis and translation. The comparison of English and French will help you gain a better command of
the subtleties of the languages and the options writers' have when they compose any text. Finally, you'll
come away with a better understanding of the cultural factors that inform interpretations and translation
of texts.
N.B. PREREQUISITE FRENCH 302 OR EQUIVALENT.
II.
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Workload
Reading assignments dealing with translation theory. Reading is to be done at home; be prepared
to discuss in class the issues raised in the reading assignments. Take notes!
Homework and in-class assignments based on the texts to be translated.
8 graded translations: You'll hand in a draft version of the first 2 translations completed outside of
class. I'll indicate problem areas & return your draft; you'll turn in your revised translation at the
following class meeting. The remaining texts do not require drafts.
Of the 8 translations, 2 will be in-class translation exams.
A final group presentation & project using PowerPoint (or similar) to present a translation.
Individual components: a preliminary “draft” translation and analysis of specific problems
encountered; Group components: a presentation of the author/cultural context, a final “group”
collaborative translation, class PPT presentation highlighting the most important translation issues /
debates encountered by the group.
No handwritten assignments will be accepted.
No late assignments will be accepted.
III.
Grading
10%
60%
15%
15%
IV.
Participation / in-class work
Translations - 6
Exam translations - 2
Group presentation/project
Required & Recommended Materials
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Vinay, Darbelnet. Comparative Stylistics of French and English. ISBN 1-55619-692-X, John
Benjamins B.V. 1995.
It is essential that you have access to a variety of dictionaries and reference books.
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A pocket French-English dictionary, such as Langenscheidt or Harper-Collins, can serve as
quick reference though it is not adequate for most translations.
A combination of dictionaries, such as Le Petit Robert, The American Heritage Dictionary, and
Harrap's French-English or Larousse French-English, will help you do the best work possible.
Also you may wish to consult www.lexilogos.com for various resources and dictionaries, though
please use with care, as online translators CANNOT be used.
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Programme
Vinay, Darbelnet
Lectures à lire & discuter:
Introduction: Les “faux pas” de la traduction.
Style, sens et contexte culturel
Texte 1: Simone de Beauvoir – L’Amérique au jour le jour
1.
26 aug
2.
2 sept
3.
9
4.
16
Les unités de traduction (Vinay pp. 20-30)
Exercices en classe
Texte 2: Marguerite Duras – La Douleur
5.
23
In class translation exam #1
6.
30
Texte 3: Didier Daeninckx – Meurtres pour mémoire
7.
7 oct
Le film et le soutitrage – exercice de longueur
8.
14
Texte 4: Maryse Condé – Traversée de la mangrove
9.
21
La description narrative: CS Texte V - pp. 309-311
10. 28
Texte 5: Jonathan Kellerman - (pdf)
11. 4 nov
In-class translation exam #2
12. 11
HOLIDAY – no class
13. 18
Texte 6: Le langage du journalisme – selection du jour
14. 25
Travail indépendant en groupes
15. 2 déc
Présentations du projet
9
Introduction, pt.1
pp. 1-6, 7-17
Introduction, pt. 2
pp. 19-40, 218-220
The Message:
pp. 177-185
Structures:
pp. 92-114
Compensation:
pp. 198-202
L’Imparfait:
pp. 133-140, 149156
Les journaux:
pp. 175-177
Date à rendre les projets écrits (16h-18h au plus tard)
Notes :
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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. Please note that accommodations are not retroactive, and that I cannot provide accommodations based
upon disability until I have received an accommodation letter from Student Disability Services. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Student learning outcomes for this course at the B.A. level include :
1. Demonstrate advanced–level language proficiency in French (reading;listening;writing;speaking).
2. Compare and contrast the home culture and French and Francophone cultures.
3. Demonstrate general knowledge of French and Francophone nations, languages, and cultures. (Identify the major geographic
regions in which French is spoken; Recognize varieties of French language)
Student learning outcomes for this course at the M.A. level include :
1. Demonstrate superior-level (working professional) language proficiency in at least two of the four skills (reading, writing,
speaking, and listening) in French
2. Identify and elucidate the complexity of issues of ethnic, social, and gender diversity in France and Francophone nations as
represented in artistic and cultural texts through analytical papers, oral presentations, and various written assignments.
3. Analytically present and support an argument through class participation, oral presentations, and all written assignments;
Analyze literary, cinematic, and other artistic texts through close reading, especially through analytical papers, oral
presentations; Make effective use of appropriate secondary sources in preparing assignments, especially analytical papers,
oral presentations; Conduct advanced research using two major databases, especially for analytical papers.