This course is designed to give Italian DLM and Italian Master’s degree students the opportunity to explore the field of literary translation through the lens of contemporary Italian literature.

The seminar portion of the class will be framed by readings of theoretical works related to the process of translation. We will explore how translators make decisions related to language style, format, and cultural equivalency by reading excerpts from original texts in Italian and examining the translations. Translator statements will supplement our own observations. We will observe how translations get reviewed in the press and discuss recent literary sensations. We will also discuss translations into Italian of English language writings, the difficulties of translating for the cinema, and translation of children’s literature.

In the workshop portion, students will be asked to share, revise, and refine their own translations-in-progress.