Bard College

Bard College – Division of Languages and Literature

Program Description

Foreign Languages, Cultures, and Literatures comprise those programs which are based on the foreign languages currently taught at Bard: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Ancient Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Russian, Sanskrit, and Spanish.  The programs' common philosophy involves the critical appreciation of one or more foreign cultures and literatures through the learning and mastery of the language of each.  The Spanish program described below also includes translation subjects:

Basic Intensive Spanish This course is designed to enable students with little or no previous knowledge of Spanish to complete three semesters of college Spanish in five months (eight credits at Bard and four credits in Mexico in January). Oral communication, reading and writing skills will be developed through a variety of approaches. Prospective students must interview with the instructor prior to registration.   

Accelerated First Year Spanish A course designed for the student who has had some prior exposure to Spanish or who has excellent command of another Romance language. All the major topics in grammar will be covered, and the course will provide intensive practice in the four skills (speaking, comprehension, reading and writing). We will be using a new textbook specially designed to provide a streamlined review of basic topics in grammar and provide more detail and exercises for advanced topics.

Intermediate Spanish I This course is designed to perfect the student's command of all four language skills (speaking, aural comprehension, reading, and writing). This will be achieved through an intensive grammar review, conversational practice, reading of modern Spanish texts, writing simple compositions, and language lab work.

Intermediate Spanish II This course continues refining and perfecting the student’s mastery of speaking, reading, comprehending, and writing Spanish.  Advanced study of grammar is supplemented by a video series and authentic readings on a wide variety of topics related to Spanish and Latin American history, literature, music, and art. 

Introduction to Literary Analysis: Poetry, Narrative, Drama & Essays

This course is designed to be a bridge between Spanish language classes and 300-level seminars of literature and culture from Spain and Latin America. 

Introduction to Spanish Literature This course provides an introduction to Spanish literature through a variety of genres including poetry, short stories, novels, dramas, and essays. 

Spanish Literary Translation Theoretical texts concerning translation will be discussed as a basis for every class meeting, and students will be required to write short reaction papers in Spanish. The first half of the semester will be dedicated to translation of brief texts from various genres, pre-selected by the professor. During the second half of the semester, students will choose their own longer texts to translate. The main intent of this course is to encourage a thoughtful examination of literary language as it manifests itself across linguistic and cultural boundaries.

Costs

Check with the institution.
 

Editor notes

A productive languages center, the Division of Languages and Literature is not so focused on translation though. There is only one subject on Literary Translation and only for the Spanish language, but it provides in-depth language, culture and literature knowledge that is necessary for a translator.

Link

http://inside.bard.edu/academic/courses/current/

Contact Information

Bard College

PO Box 5000, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504-5000

845-758-6822

E-mail: admission@bard.edu

Barnard College

Barnard College - French Translation
 

Program Description

Courses in the French Department have a twofold objective: to perfect fluency in the written and spoken language, and to develop an understanding and appreciation of the literature and culture of France and French-speaking countries.

The Major in French

There are three majors available to prospective students in the department:

Language and Literature:

This program emphasizes the language, culture, and literature of France and other French-speaking countries.

Translation and Literature:

This program teaches students to translate from French into English and English into French, within a context of French culture and literature.

French and Francophone Studies:

This program emphasizes the historical and contemporary interrelationship between France and the French-speaking world in their social, literary, and cultural aspects.

Eleven courses are required for each specific major:

Language and Literature

(Translation related courses)

FREN BC 3013: Advanced Writing

A workshop format course to perfect writing skills in French. Writing formats that will be used over the semester include narration, portait, essai, explication de texte, dissertation, film and book reviews, and correspondence.

FREN BC 3014: Advanced Translation into English

Translation of various styles of prose and poetry from French to English.

FREN BC 3017: Rapid Reading and Translation

Using selected texts from a variety of sources, the course aims at enhancing reading and comprehension skills through oral translation and discussions leading to increased competence in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

Translation and Literature

French and Francophone Studies

The student is expected to declare her option by the end of the junior year. Programs may include additional courses in French literature, culture, and language, or in other subjects which may vary with the interest of the student. Certain courses in the French and Romance Philology Department at Columbia University may be substituted with the approval of the Chair. A student who elects French as part of a combined double or interdisciplinary major will establish her individualized program with the departments concerned. All combined or interdisciplinary majors require approval from the Committee on Petitions and Academic Standing.

Costs

Check with the institution.
 

Editor notes

With its twofold objective of improving the French language and developing an understanding of French Literature and Culture, the Major in French offered by the Barnard College is not a complete translation course only because it doesn’t cover translation tools and doesn’t offer other areas of specialization, but it has translation courses that provide a good overview of many aspects of translation.

Link

http://cook.biola.edu/grad/programs/ma/appliedlinguistics

Contact Information

320 Milbank Hall

Barnard College

3009 Broadway

New York, NY 10027

Phone: 212.854.8312 / fax: 212.854.7491

E-mail: taldrich@barnard.edu

Binghamton University, NY

Binghamton University, NY - Translation Research and Instruction Program (TRIP)
 

Program Description

TRIP was founded in 1971 to promote the study of translation at SUNY Binghamton. TRIP offers the following degree programs: a PhD in Translation Studies, a Graduate Certificate in Translation, and an undergraduate Minor in Translation Studies. It collaborates with various Master's programs in Arts and Sciences, MASS in the College of Community and Professional Affairs, as well as with several doctoral degrees that can also focus in Translation Studies, such as the ones offered by Comparative Literature, English, and Philosophy Interpretation and Culture (PIC).

Graduate Certificate in Translation

The TRIP Certificate in translation is a graduate program that provides students with practical training and introduces them to the formal study of translation. It may be taken as a separate track or in conjunction with other BU master's degree programs such as those of Comparative Literature (Plan C), Romance Languages, English, Human Development, as well as the doctoral programs of Comparative Literature and PIC (Philosophy, Interpretation, and Culture).

Languages Offered

TRIP has been able to offer translation practice from Spanish and French on a regular basis. Depending on need and availability, translation instruction involving other source languages (Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Portuguese, German, Korean, and Russian) may be offered. Those interested in languages other than Spanish and French are advised to contact the TRIP Co-directors to check whether instruction is available in a given semester.

PhD in Translation Studies

The TRIP doctoral degree is the first PhD in Translation Studies in the U.S. It prepares students both for the professoriate and for scholarly research-including research-informed translation and offers individualized interdisciplinary tracks to accommodate a variety of backgrounds. The features of the doctoral program are:

- Inclusive curriculum including, but not limited to, history and traditions of Translation Studies, comparative literature, cultural and postcolonial studies, national literatures and major figures, philosophy, and pedagogy.
- Individualized interdisciplinary tracks.

Costs

Contact the university.
 

Editor notes

Binghamton University's Translation Research and Instruction Program offers the first PhD in Translation Studies in the U.S. It prepares students both for the professoriate and for scholarly research-including research-informed translation and offers individualized interdisciplinary tracks to accommodate a variety of backgrounds.
 

Link

http://trip.binghamton.edu/
 

Contact Information

Library Tower 1410
Binghamton University
P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902
(607) 777-6765

E-mail: mgrose@binghamton.edu

Columbia University – Slavic Languages & Literatures

Columbia University – Slavic Languages & Literatures
 

Program Description

Columbia University's Department of Slavic Languages, One of the oldest in the U.S., aims to educate new generations of scholars dedicated to advancing the field of Slavic studies. It strongly emphasizes the rigorous study of literary texts, discourses and cultural history. It also encourages its students to pursue original and innovative projects that further the development of the field.

M.A. in Russian Translation

This program is intended for graduate students who are primarily interested in working as translators; it leads only to the free-standing M.A. degree. It does not lead to a doctorate.

Program of study:  Two residence units are required for the M.A.  The program is normally completed in two or three semesters. Part-time students must complete the program within four years.

Courses: Students are required to register for two Residence Units and to complete at least 30 points (ten courses) at the graduate level (numbered 4000 and above), selected in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies, in Russian language, literature, history, and culture, or in other relevant disciplines. Up to six points (two courses) may be taken for R credit. The following courses are required for a letter grade:

·                          Practical Stylistics (RUSS W4434)

·                          Literary Translation (RUSS W4910).

·                          a Directed Research course for the completion of the translation project.

Other requirements: All students are required to complete an individual translation project (translation and introduction), begun in the Literary Translation course and completed in a Directed Research course. A bound copy of the finished translation should be submitted to the department office.

Costs

Contact the University.
 

Editor notes

With Russian literature and culture being the main strength of the department, which has also a strong literary background, the Russian Translation course offered by Columbia University focuses mainly on Literature, building a strong interdisciplinary tie between these two fields.
 

Link

http://www.columbia.edu/cu/slavic/graduate/main/Intro/Translation.html
 

Contact Information

Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures
Columbia University
1130 Amsterdam Avenue, Mail Code 2839
New York, NY 10027

Phone: (212) 854-3941
Fax: (212) 854-5009

Hofstra University

Hofstra University - Comparative Literature and Languages
 

Program Description

There are three interesting options of courses related to translation studies at the Hofstra University:

Bilingualism, M.A.

A bilingual and bicultural understanding of the Hispanic and American ways of life. This specialization is designed for persons holding a baccalaureate degree and for Spanish speaking professionals who have the necessary linguistic skills to perform their course work in Spanish and in English.

The candidate will take a placement examination, which will be used for purposes of advisement only, and must complete 36 hours of interdisciplinary courses as follows: SPAN 213, 216; one 200-level course in each of the following areas: literature, linguistics, history, cross-cultural materials and  pedagogical orientation. A master’s comprehensive examination is required.

Applied Linguistics (TESOL), M.A.

This program is designed to broaden the theoretical and practical base of people involved in all aspects of working with adult or college-level non-native speakers of English including teaching, materials development and publishing or related areas. The program shares a common core of courses with the master of science in education program leading to primary and secondary school certification in TESOL for New York state.

Comparative Literature, B.A. Major in

This 42 semester hour major is designed to enable the student to acquire a broad background not only in the literary history of different cultures and countries, but also in their relation to one another, and their relative degrees of influence on cross-cultural movements, themes and genres in literature and the arts. A specialization in comparative literature reflects the intellectual breadth, flexibility and openness to cultural difference that the world increasingly demands. A degree in comparative literature prepares students for graduate study in the same field (or in any of the related areas of specialization), as well as provide a solid general basis for study in professional schools, such as law, education, public administration, or business.

Costs

Check with the university.
 

Editor notes

Although the Hofstra University doesn’t offer specific translation courses, it provides an open-minded student with the possibility of a totally different approach to translation studies, which is Comparative Literature. By learning to analyze the literature of two or more different cultures, languages or nations, the student will develop a deep sense of diversity that will be of great value in his translator career. It may be necessary for the student to take other complimentary translation courses to be fully qualified to work as a translator.

Link

http://www.hofstra.edu/Academics/Colleges/HCLAS/CLL/cll_welcome.html

Contact Information

Office of Event Management
200 Hofstra University
112 Student Center
Hempstead, New York 11549

Telephone: (516) 463-6631

ce@hofstra.edu

Marymount Manhattan College

Marymount Manhattan College - Division of Humanities

Program Description

The Marymount Manhattan College offers Spanish and French courses. The proficiency in these languages allows the student to work in different fields, including translation or interpreter. Below there is a description of the courses of the programs, including a detailed description of the translation related courses of both programs:

FRENCH MINOR

For students with no previous French:

Elementary French I

Elementary French II

Intermediate French I

Intermediate French II

Advanced Grammar and Composition

Elective

For students with the equivalent of FREN 101-102:

Intermediate French I

Intermediate French II

French Conversation or

Explication de Textes

Advanced Grammar and Composition

Electives

For students with the equivalent of FREN 201-202:

Explication de Textes

French Translation or

French Phonetics and Conversation

Advanced Grammar and Composition

French Conversation

Electives

301. French Translation

Course stresses translation of texts concerning business, politics, science, jurnalism, literature, and other fields, with emphasis on modern usage of French and English.

SPANISH MINOR

One of the following Spanish language courses, depending on proficiency level:

Elementary Spanish I

Elementary Spanish II

Intermediate Spanish I

Intermediate Spanish II

Advanced Grammar,

Composition and Translation I

Advanced Grammar,

Composition and Translation II

All of the following:

Latin America: Conquest, Colonization,

Independence

Latin America: The Dynamics of Modernization

Hispanic Civilization

Seminar in Hispanic Studies

One of the following: 3

Internship in Hispanic Studies

Elective

313-314. Advanced Grammar, Composition and Translation I/II

These courses review Spanish grammatical structure and idiomatic expression. They are helpful in perfecting oral expression, writing, and translation for the student who has native fluency in the language, as well as for the student who has completed Intermediate Spanish.

Costs

Check with the institution.
 

Editor notes

Students who become proficient in French or Spanish prepare for a variety of positions in many fields. Although further studies may be necessary for those willing to work as translators and/or interpreters, both courses offer the perspective of acquiring proficiency in the languages in addition to knowledge on the French and Spanish cultures and literature.

Link

http://www.mmm.edu/cgi-bin/MySQLdb?MYSQL_VIEW=/study/programs/view.txt&currentdept=1033

Contact Information

Marymount Manhattan College

221 East 71st Street, NY, 10021

Division Administrative Secretary: Eleanor Bazzini

Phone: 212-517-0641

ebazzini@mmm.edu

University at Albany

University at Albany - State University of New York - Certificate of Advanced Study in Russian Translation

Program Description

Certificate of Advanced Study in Russian Translation

Students who have Master of Arts degrees (or the equivalent) in Russian may apply for admission, to the Certificate in Russian Translation program. Candidates for the certificate follow normal graduate admissions procedures and must demonstrate advanced proficiency as determined by the Certificate Program Committee.

Coursework for the certificate includes a minimum of 30 semester credits including: Rus 601(3); Rus 602(2), Rus 603(2); Rus 604(2); Rus 605(4); Rus 610(4); Rus 615(2); Rus 620(3); and supporting courses as advised. The certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of the coursework and a field examination of written translation and consecutive interpreting.

Russian Translation Courses

Translation Into English

Formal written translation from Russian into English on a wide variety of subjects with careful attention to precision in meaning and style and to the demands of professional translating.

Translation Into Russian

Formal written translation from English into Russian on a wide variety of subjects with careful attention to precision in meaning and style and to the demands of professional translating.

General Translation

Translation of unadapted texts from Russian to English, expository prose, analysis of published translations, requirements of professional translations, refinement of finished translations.

Specialized Translation

Translation of non-fiction. Practice in a variety of areas within the humanities, social and natural sciences, and other fields. Areas treated have included literary theory, literary history and criticism, philosophy, history, anthropology, psychology, political science, sociology, biology, and physics, in styles and levels of difficulty ranging from popularizations to formal scholarly prose. Special reference works, strategies for acquisition of facility in the terminology and subject content of scholarly fields. Prerequisite: Rus 601-602 or permission of instructor.

Specialized Translation

Translation of non-fiction. Practice in a variety of areas within the humanities, social and natural sciences, and other fields. Areas treated have included literary theory, literary history and criticism, philosophy, history, anthropology, psychology, political science, sociology, biology, and physics, in styles and levels of difficulty ranging from popularizations to formal scholarly prose. Special reference works, strategies for acquisition of facility in the terminology and subject content of scholarly fields. Prerequisite: Rus 601-602 or permission of instructor.

Literary Translation

Translation of selected literary texts from Russian into English with special attention to stylistic considerations.

Interpreting

Introduction to consecutive and simultaneous oral interpreting, interpreting techniques and strategies, extensive oral practice and laboratory drills.

Sight Translation

Technique and practice of sight translation, using published materials drawn from current Russian periodicals and newspapers dealing with topics requiring some background research, including CIS politics and economics, the legal system, literary life, theatre, visual arts, films, and everyday life. Prerequisite: Acceptance into program.

Costs

Check with the university.
 

Editor notes

The University at Albany offers a general translation course and including an introduction to interpreting and sight translation. The course approaches other subjects but its main focus is literature. Students who wish to become technical translators may have to seek for further specialization, but those wishing to work mainly with literature will be prepared enough.

Link

http://www.albany.edu/llc/grad-russian.htm

Contact Information

University at Albany, State University of New York

1400 Washington Av., Albany, NY 12222 ·

Phone (518) 442-3300

Undergraduate Admissions
ugadmissions@albany.edu

Graduate Admissions
graduate@uamail.albany.edu