PROBLEMS OF (MULTI)CULTURAL RELATIONS II

Specific Foundation / Core

The course is designed to provide students with the following 1. familiarise students with theoretical models that sustain the reading and critique of translations of classical texts 2. students should be able to understand the historical dimension of translation and the ways in which it has shaped the reception of the ancient Greek tradition. 3. acquire basic critical skills which would enable the students to read the translations by focusing on the multiple meanings of the texts, the hermeneutical method of the translator as well as the literary form and its relation to the meaning of the text 4. the ability to interpret translations in relation to the original as well as the ability to formulate ideas and disagreements as regards contemporary approaches to the theory of translation and reception of antiquity. 5. Students’ evaluation will include non-mandatory written essays. These must be characterized by the following a) a coherent approach to the topic b) basic structure of academic essays (introduction, chapters/subchapters/conclusion) c) appropriate use of bibliographical references

This class constitutes an introduction to the theory and practice of translation as well as reception of the ancient Greek literature. It aims at familiarising students with theoretical and methodological frameworks for the study of the postclassical routes of classical texts by means of translation. From this view, we will discuss issues such as the historicity of translation, the role of classical texts in the shaping of modern thought by means of translation, the role of translation in intellectual history, the role of translation in world literature and the relation between translation practice and hermeneutical approaches to the classical texts. We shall further discuss the problem of intralingual translation as well as the links between the translation of classical text and the shaping of modern Greek cultural history and identities.

24-08-2013