CLAS 432: Literary Translation as Classical Reception*
Course Syllabus
Spring 2025
M LNG 505
M 12:30-3:00 pm
Course Description
This course examines the translation of classical (poetic) texts as a means of receiving and interpreting these texts and rendering them accessible and fresh for changing audiences. The course consists of four components:
(1) an introduction to the field of Translation Studies;
(2) diachronic study of some of the most influential writers on translation, i.e. from Cicero to contemporary theorists;
(3) close study of Greek and Latin poetic texts against a selection of published translations of them in English;
(4) translation practica.
Instructor
David Christenson, Professor of Classics
http://classics.arizona.edu/people/christed
Office: Modern Languages 326
Email: christed@arizona.edu
Office Hours: M 9-10, F 11-12, or by appointment
Course Objectives
• analyze translations as cultural-historical productions engaged in the reception of classical texts;
• develop understanding of the complex relationships between source and target texts;
• explore the hermeneutic challenges of translating across languages and cultures;
• approach translation as a dynamic point of interpretative entry into source texts;
• engage with current critical issues and persistent debates in Translation Studies and their practical applications to the study of classical poetry.
Course Outcomes
• improve translation skills through both practice and reflection on the process of translation;
• enhance critical reading skills through close examination of the translation process;
• inculcate detailed, technical understanding of linguistic nuance and stylistics;
• develop creative and interpretative skills through translation practica;
• gain broad exposure to the fields of Translation and Multilingual Studies and the viable career opportunities they offer.
Required Texts
Munday, J., S. P. Pinto, and J. Blakesley, Introducing Translation Studies: Theories and Applications (5th edn., London and New York, 2022)
Venuti, L. The Translation Studies Reader (4th edn., London and New York, 2021)
The above texts are available through the UA's Inclusive Access Program (delivered digitally via D2L under "Content"). The deadline to opt in or opt out is January 28, 11:59pm.
Other Required Readings
• You will need to access standard editions of Latin and Greek texts; I will provide recommendations for specific authors and works.
• PDFs/LINKS on D2L (see Course Schedule)
Requirements & Assessments
N.B.: graduate students planning to fulfill a GRK or LAT requirement must achieve a grade of "B" or higher on the two Examinations.
**Exercise #1: consulting traditional philological tools (esp. lexica, grammars, commentaries), you will be asked to produce a grammatical translation of a passage of ca. 20-30 lines (in Greek or Latin) that privileges the grammatical structures of the source text and close (“word-for-word”) lexical correspondences.
**Exercise #2: you will produce an alternative translation of the same text (i.e. as in Exercise #1), after writing a translator’s statement (ca. 2 pp./500 words) explaining the purpose of your translation and identifying its target audience, the challenges posed by the passage, as well as any interpretative, stylistic, cultural, ideological or aesthetic aspects of the source text you wish to highlight in your translation. You are strongly encouraged to be creative!
**Exercise #3: production of a translation of a Greek or Latin poetic text of ca. 20-30 lines (of your choice), along with a translator’s statement (as described in Exercise #2 above) and a commentary on specific problems (linguistic, aesthetic, cultural, interpretative, etc.) you encountered in making individual choices in translation.
Detailed information and instructions regarding the examinations, translation exercises, and the portfolio will be provided in advance of all due dates.
Grading Scale:
A = 90-100%
B = 80-89 %
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
E = 59% and below
[grades will be posted on the course’s D2L site throughout the semester]
Attendance Policy
Classroom Behavior Policy
In class, please always be respectful of others and practice common courtesy: turn off phones and other digital devices, do not come to class late or leave early, or view online materials unrelated to the course. Students using any non-course related electronic media during class will be considered absent.
Threatening Behavior Policy
The UA’s Threatening Behavior by Students Policy prohibits threats of physical harm to any member of the University community, including to oneself:
http://policy.arizona.edu/education-and-student-affairs/threatening-behavior-students.
Accessibility and Accommodations
At the University of Arizona we strive to make learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience barriers based on disability or pregnancy, please contact Disability Resources (520-621-3268, http://drc.arizona.edu) to establish reasonable accommodations.
Please be aware that the accessible table and chairs in this room should remain available for students who find that standard classroom seating is not usable.
UA Nondiscrimination and Anti-harassment Policy
The University of Arizona is committed to creating and maintaining an environment free of discrimination. In support of this commitment, the University prohibits discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, based on a protected classification, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. The University encourages those who believe they have been the subject of discrimination to report the matter immediately as described in the section below, “Reporting Discrimination, Harassment, or Retaliation.” All members of the University community are responsible for participating in creating a campus environment free from all forms of prohibited discrimination and for cooperating with University officials who investigate allegations of policy violations. See further: http://policy.arizona.edu/human-resources/nondiscrimination-and-anti-harassment-policy
Mental Health and Wellbeing
The Dean of Students Office’s Student Assistance Program helps students manage crises, life traumas, and other barriers that impede success. The staff addresses the needs of students who experience issues related to social adjustment, academic challenges, psychological health, physical health, victimization, and relationship issues, through a variety of interventions, referrals, and follow up services. The Dean of Students Office can be reached at 520-621-7057 or DOS-deanofstudents@email.arizona.edu.
Campus Health provides quality medical and mental health care services through virtual and in-person care (Phone: 520-621-9202).
Counseling and Psych Services (CAPS) provides mental health care, including short-term counseling services (Phone: 520-621-3334).
The Survivor Advocacy Program provides confidential support and advocacy services to student survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. The Program can also advise students about relevant non-UA resources available within the local community for support (Email: survivoradvocacy@arizona.edu; Phone: 520-621-5767).
Crisis Support
Suicide Crisis Lifeline: call 988
Crisis Text Line: text TALK to 741-741
Visit https://preventsuicide.arizona.edu for more suicide prevention tips and resources.
UA Code of Academic Integrity
Each of you must adhere to the University of Arizona’s Code of Academic Integrity. You are encouraged to share your intellectual views and discuss freely the principles and applications of course materials, but graded work/exercises must be the product of independent effort unless otherwise instructed. In this course inappropriate use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)/large language model tools such as ChatGPT, Dall-e, Google Bard, Microsoft Bing, et al., will be considered a violation of the Code of Academic Integrity, specifically the prohibition against submitting work that is not your own. This applies to all assessments in the course. This course policy is driven by the learning goals and desired learning outcomes for the course.
The University Libraries offers advice on avoiding plagiarism: http://new.library.arizona.edu/research/citing/plagiarism.
Content Warning
Our course materials address topics such as sexual assault, slavery, and violence that may pose personal challenges. Please be assured that these issues will always be treated with the utmost sensitivity and professionalism, and that their inclusion in the course is intended to generate productive and valuable discussion. Course materials may also sometimes be sexually explicit. Please speak with me in advance to discuss any content related concerns, as alternative materials may be available.
The Classics Major and Minor
The University of Arizona’s interdisciplinary Department of Religious Studies and Classics offers a major (B.A.) and a minor in Classics, with options in Classical Civilization, Greek, or Latin. For more information on the Classics major and minor, see http://classics.arizona.edu.
Classics majors have pursued careers in a wide variety of fields, including business, government, law, medicine, education, and social services. Many students have paired the Classics major with majors in a wide range of fields, earning a double major or dual degree. This provides a comprehensive undergraduate education and gives graduates a competitive edge when applying for jobs or graduate studies.
For questions about the Classics major or minors and/or to declare a major/minor, contact the Classics undergraduate faculty advisor, Dr. Robert Stephan, at classics-advising@email.arizona.edu or use the ONLINE MAJOR/MINOR DECLARATION FORM. You also can contact the College of Humanities Advising Office for any advising needs at http://advising.humanities.arizona.edu.
The Department also offers a major (B.A.) and a minor in Religious Studies, as well as a minor in New Testament Language and Literature. For more information on these degree options, see religion.arizona.edu and religion.arizona.edu/students/new-testament.
*The information contained in this syllabus, other than the grade and absence policies, may be subject to change with reasonable advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.