Aims and Fit of Module

This is an advanced and key module in the BA Translation and Interpreting programme. Through case studies featuring salient translators and translational phenomena in the modern and contemporary era, this module brings together Translation Studies and China Studies. With particular importance to societal, economic and developmental dimensions, it offers a critical stance from which students’ awareness and understanding of what constitutes a successful translation of China to the English-speaking world can be cultivated. This module hence will train students to examine major approaches to, and concrete tactics for, the fruitful translation of the Chinese societal and economic works to the world, so as to underscore the impact of their reception on the target context. This will facilitate students’ understanding of the role and task of translation in their effective circulation in the globe. In that way it aligns perfectly with the essence of the BA Translation and Interpreting programme – the recognition of translation’s key role in promulgating the Chinese perspective on global agendas, and China’s interaction with the world.

Learning outcomes

A	demonstrate a thorough understanding of a broad range of forms and genres of translations pertaining to society and economy    

B	summarise the significance of the translations in the broader societal, economic and developmental contexts in which both Chinese source texts and the translated English target texts were produced 

C 	effectively translate and critically evaluate major issues generated by the process of translating Chinese works on the development of Chinese society and economy  
	 
D 	critically evaluate strategies and actions necessary to secure a successful translation of texts on China’s society and economy into the English language 

Method of teaching and learning

This module is delivered by a combination of lectures and seminars. Lectures are designed to provide the basics and salient theories of Translation Studies and prominent book and translation projects on translating works related to Chinese society and economy to the English-speaking audiences. The purpose of doing this is to nurture students’ awareness of frameworks and methodologies through which analysis and evaluations are performed. Through case studies (each of which features a significant form of translating China), this module contextualises and analyses the societal and economically developmental parameters that exert impact on the Western conceptualisation of Chinese society and economy. Seminars are based on pair/group discussion, in-class debate and individual/ group reflection. They aim to provide students with a learning opportunity designed to deepen the examination of the cases and broaden the scope of the materials introduced in the lectures.