World Literature and Translation
Nathanial Rudavsky-Brody
Comparative Literature
In a world without translation, would there be literature?
This class is devoted to the art of literary translation. We'll begin by rolling up our sleeves: every week students will bring their own translations of poems and prose, to be workshopped in a supportive environment. Our goal will be to improve our work, and to develop critical skills as readers and editors. We'll also spend time reading classic and contemporary translations in order to learn from their choices, the linguistic inventiveness and mental transformations that make them successful. By becoming more aware of language’s inner workings, we can become better readers, and, it is hoped, better writers, too. Finally, we will explore translation's role in creating world literature, and discuss the implications of this surprisingly controversial term.
This class is designed for students with a reading knowledge of a foreign language, and is perfect for language learners, heritage speakers, creative writers and international students.
"English-only" students are welcome but should contact the instructor.
This class meets with CMLT-C 301.
Catalog Information: HON-H 303 INTERDEPARTMENTAL COLLOQUIA