Translation and Globalization
Code
73217169
Academic unit
Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas
Department
Línguas, Culturas e Literaturas Modernas
Credits
6
Weekly hours
2
Teaching language
Portuguese
Objectives
Goals:
1. to discuss the concept and phenomenon of globalization, its advantages and disadvantages;
2. to debate the notions of ´globalization´, putting them in (a dissonant?) dialogue with (the competing?)
concepts of ´hybridization´, ´multiculturalism´,´(neo)colonialism ´and´ (neo)imperialism, among others;
3. to reflect on translation as a metaphor for the relationship between cultures and peoples and / or as an
instrument of political and cultural hegemony;
4. to study the impact of the act of translation and the reflection accompanying an increasingly globalized
culture.
Competencies:
1. ability to analyze and interpret texts and cultural phenomena;
2. capacity for critical reflection on the production, circulation and reception of translated texts in a space
increasingly global(ized);
3. ability to reflect critically and research thoroughly.
Prerequisites
Subject matter
The course will be a locus for critical inquiry about the globalization phenomenon in its many aspects and
consequences, as well as the role translation plays in the processes of promotion of or resistance to
globalization. The course will focus on the (linguistic, political, social) effects of a global(ized) culture in the
construction / erasure / transformation of local identities.
Students are expected to discuss the impact of globalization processes in the discursive practices and (re)
configuration of local identities, the (re)definition of translation in the global context, and representations of
translational activity and globalization in different media.
Works to be discussed:
Salman Rushdie (2012), Joseph Anton. A Memoir, London: Jonathan Cape.
Babel (2006),The Constant Gardener (2005), Bride and Prejudice (2004), Lost in Translation (2003)
Bibliography
APPADURAI, A (ed.) (2001),Globalization, Durham/London: Duke University Press.
APTER, E. (2013),Against World Literature, London: Verso.
BAUMAN, Z. (2011),Collateral Damage. Social Inequalities in a Global Age, Cambridge: Polity.
COWEN, T. (2002),Creative Destruction: How Globalization is Changing the Worlds Cultures, Princeton:
Princeton UP.
CRONIN, M. (2003), Translation and Globalization, London/New York: Routledge.
GARCÍA CANCLINI, N.(1999), La globalizacion imaginada, Buenos Aires: Paidos Iberica.
LECHNER, F. J. e BOLI, J.(ed.) (2011), The Globalization Reader, Malden: Blackwell.
PIETERSE, J. (2009),Globalization and Culture, Lanham: Rowan & Littlefield.
PYM, A. (2010),Exploring Translation Theories, London/New York: Routledge.
SAID, E. (1993),Culture and Imperialism, Londom: Vintage.
SPIVAK, G. C. (2012),An Aesthetic Education in the Era of Globalization, Cambridge/London: Harvard UP.
VENUTI, L.(ed.), (2000),The Translation Studies Reader, London/New York: Routledge.
Teaching method
Teaching: The seminar is organized in eight three-hour sessions, which will include expository moments as well as debate with and among students. The specific contents of each session will be made public in advance, together with a list of specific readings, so that students are able to prepare the assigned texts and the debate.
Evaluation method
Assessment: Student assessment is continuous, which means that critical reflection on the texts and topics to be discussed and quality interventions are most welcome (20%). In addition, students will be required to prepare and present oral assignments (20%) and to submit a final written paper (60%).
Sine qua non conditions for approval in the seminar are the ability and willingness to reflect and discuss the proposed issues and texts, a thorough command of the Portuguese language and the capacity for serious research.