Cultural Texts in Translation - MA Seminar 3 3301-ZJ-JSS3RĘDZ
The seminar consists of two modules:
Semester One:
1. theoretical module: students are presented with key texts, especially in translation studies; they conduct critical analyses of selected texts; they take part in in-class discussions, during which they present their own research interests.
2. practical module: students conduct practical analyses of selected translations, concentrating on, e.g. evaluating translation strategies and techniques, conducting comparative analyses or indicating sources of untranslatability.
Semester Two:
1. theoretical module: students advance their knowledge of translation studies and learn more about research methodologies in translation studies (both quantitative and qualitative methods), research tools as well as translation assessment and analysis criteria.
2. practical module: students conduct critical analyses of selected texts, focusing on the employed research methods and tools as well as conclusions; they analyse translations with the help of theoretical paradigms and research methods introduced during classes; they compile a list of key references; students write the theoretical part of their master’s theses by referring to the materials and academic sources they have gathered.
Semester Three and Semester Four are devoted to completing the master’s thesis.
In Semester Three students select the research material and collect necessary data; they choose appropriate research methods and tools as well as analyse and interpret the research material. They start writing the research part.
In Semester Four students write all of the other elements of the master’s thesis.
Course coordinators
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
Knowledge: the graduate has in-depth familiarity with
K_W01 - advanced terminology, theory and research methods corresponding to the state of the art in the discipline of linguistics, in accordance with their chosen specialization (and educational path), especially in the context of translation studies
K_W02 - advanced principles of linguistic research design, in particular the principles of method and tool selection in formulating research problems and testing hypotheses, especially in the context of translation studies
Abilities: the graduate is able to
K_U01 - apply the advanced terminology, theories and methods of linguistic research to solve complex and original research problems in accordance with his/her chosen specialization (and educational path)
K_U02 - apply advanced principles of linguistic research design, especially in the context of translation studies, and in particular is able to:
- select appropriate sources, methods and tools
- critically analyze and synthesize the current state of research in the discipline
- interpret and present the results obtained
using advanced information and communication techniques
K_U03 - use structures, lexis and language conventions appropriate to the communicative situation (e.g. holding a public debate, giving an academic presentation, etc.) in spoken and written English at the minimum level C2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
K_U04 - apply the concepts and principles of intellectual property protection and copyright law
K_U07 - use modern technology to acquire knowledge and communicate through a variety of communication channels and techniques
K_U08 - plan and organize individual and team work in order to achieve desired objectives effectively
Social competences: the graduate is ready to
K_K01 - critically appraise their knowledge and content obtained from various sources
K_K02 - recognize the importance of knowledge in solving cognitive and practical problems; consult experts when required
K_K03 - fulfill social obligations, co-organize activities for the benefit of the social environment
K_K04 - initiate action in the public interest, think and act entrepreneurially
K_K05 - perform professional roles responsibly, including:
- set high standards of work ethics for themselves and for others
- cultivate the traditions and appreciate the achievements of one’s profession
- observe and develop professional ethics in accordance with their chosen specialization (and educational pathway) within English Studies
Assessment criteria
Students should:
- complete the theoretical part in Semester Three and start writing the research part
- present a complete master’s thesis written in accordance with formal requirements in Semester Four.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the classroom is governed by the rules set forth in Resolution No. 16 of the Teaching Council for the programs English Studies, English Studies – Linguistics, and English Studies – Literature and Culture of 9 December 2025:
https://ia.uw.edu.pl/fileadmin/ilustracje/dokumenty/2026/RD_IA_2025_UCHWALA_nr16_narzedzia_AI_nowelizacja_ZAL2_EN.pdf
Bibliography
Encyclopaedias, terminological dictionaries and coursebooks:
Baker M. & Saldanha G. (ed.) 2019. Routledge Encyclopedia of Translation Studies. London & New York: Routledge.
Dąmbska-Prokop, U. (ed.) 2000. Mała encyklopedia przekładoznawstwa. Częstochowa: Wydawnictwo Wyższej Szkoły Języków Obcych i Ekonomii Educator.
Gambier Y & van Doorslaer, L (eds). 2010-2021. Handbook of Translation Studies, Vol. 1-5. Amsterdam & Philadelphia: John Benjamins.
Malmkjær, K. (ed.). 2018. The Routledge Handbook of Translation Studies and Linguistics. Oxon & New York: Routledge.
Millán, C. i Bartrina, F. (eds) 2012. The Routledge Handbook of Translation Studies. London & New York: Routledge
Munday, J., Ramos Pinto, S. i Blakesley, J. 2022. Introducing Translation Studies. Theories and Applications. London & New York: Routledge.
Selected texts discussed during classes:
Barthes, R. 1977. Image, Music, Text. New York: Hill and Wang.
Eco, U. 2003. Mouse or Rat? Translation as Negotiation. London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson.
Gottlieb, H. 2018. “Semiotics and Translation”. In: The Routledge Handbook of Translation Studies and Linguistics, Kirsten Malmkjær (ed.), 45–63. Oxon & New York: Routledge.
Jakobson, R. 1959. “On Linguistic Aspects of Translation”. In: On Translation, Reuben A. Brower (ed.), 232–239. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press.
Stecconi, U. 2007. “Five reasons why semiotics is good for translation studies”. In: Doubts and Directions in Translation Studies, Yves Gambier, Miriam Schlesinger and Radegundis Stolze (eds), 15–24. Amsterdam & Philadelphia: John Benjamins.