BA Seminar 2011/2012: Lost in Translation? Translating literature, film, culture
Those interested in writing their BA thesis on the intersections of literature, culture, film and translation are welcome to join the course.
“Lost in Translation?” seminar asks an important question of what happens when literary works get translated into a different medium with its own codes. Is it possible and indeed necessary to keep to the spirit of the original? Can we speak of the “original” in the era of postmodernity?
Moreover, apart from discussing adaptation of literature into film as intersemiotic translation, the course will also examine examples of intermedia translation, such as remakes, when one culturally specific film is upadated to a new context. Hollywood cinema’s tendency to borrow from other sources will serve as examples here.
Finally, we will be looking at Polish translations of popular children’s animated movies in terms of intercultural translation. Which American jokes work in the Polish context and which don’t? Last but not least, screenplays of popular or cult films as well as translations of literary classics might be examined.
To sum up, our seminar offers you an opportunity to address these forms of translation in your BA thesis. Those of you interested in writing on British culture and film will also find something of interest here and will be supplied with necessary materials to write on your chosen topics.
The following works might be considered during our seminar and are subject to discussion:
30% attendance
You’re entitled to two absences per semester without providing sick notes. If you have more than two, please note that your grade will be affected!
70% written assignment (research paper leading to or being part of BA thesis; 2000-3000 words including bibliography; deadline for submission – January 31)
Forms of Study
The course is made up of seminars where students meet to discuss prepared texts, films and other materials. All teaching is in English.
Grades
2-5
Prerequisites
Completed introductory course in British and American literature and culture with elements of history.
Course Occasions
Academic year 2011/2012 – winter and summer semester
MA topics recently supervised by dr Rasmus include:
“Quentin Tarantino’s Films: The Postmodern Circle Squared”
“The Importance of Direct Action Tactics in the Development of British Anarchism bewteen the 1960s and 1990”
“From 60s Britain to present day America: women’s changing role in society on the basis of Alfie, Bedazzled and their remakes”
“From the working class to the underclass in the North of England as presented in 1960s and Shane Meadows’ films”
MA and BA topics recently supervised by dr Cie?lak include:
“Mr. Creosote’s Last Supper – Disturbing Humour in Comedies”
“Transgender in the movies. The portrayal of transsexual and transvestite community on screen”
“History vs. Individuality – character shaping in an oppressive reality in Shane Meadows’ This Is England”
“Image of the vampire in contemporary pop-culture”
“Understanding Mental Illness through Literature and Film. Portrayals of Dissociative Identity Disorder in Lehane’s Shutter Island, Palahniuk’s Fight Club, and their film adaptations”