Study information

Women in Translation: Gender and Publishing in the 21st Century

Module titleWomen in Translation: Gender and Publishing in the 21st Century
Module codeSML3040
Academic year2023/4
Credits15
Module staff

Professor Helen Vassallo (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

11

Number students taking module (anticipated)

32

Module description

This module introduces you to the translated literature market in the UK, focusing on how contemporary women writers blend autobiography and fiction to shed light on historical events, cultural phenomena, and gender inequality. From a cry for freedom that calls French cultural identity into question and an ancient Albanian tradition that makes women live as men to a poignant reflection on the effects of Soviet rule on a single family and a hilariously caustic view of sex education in Colombia in the 1990s, each of these books has an important message to share about women, history, and political change.

All texts will be studied in English translation.

Please note that one text depicts a short scene of sexual violence. The tutor will signal this in advance, and students may elect not to discuss it.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to:

  • introduce you to a range of translated literature, highlighting the vital role of excellent translators in making foreign literature accessible to English-language readers
  • analyse the ways in which women’s writing has been overlooked or disadvantaged within the publishing industry, and identifies how some publishers and influencers are acting to redress this
  • increase awareness of other cultures, and to offer an intersectional, research-led approach to teaching and learning

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 1. Demonstrate a sound understanding of the set texts, especially of their approach to questions of gender, and the ability to relate them to their wider socio-cultural and historical context
  • 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the UK publishing industry, in particular the translated literature market

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 3. Present a cogent and sustained written argument on a given topic
  • 4. Locate and identify library and electronic resources on a given topic

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 5. Undertake independent research on the basis of a taught course
  • 6. Present information and arguments on a designated topic
  • 7. Use modern methods of information gathering to research a topic

Syllabus plan

Whilst the content may vary from year to year, it is envisioned that it will cover some or all of the following topics:

  • Introduction to the UK independent publishing industry and the translated literature market.
  • Introduction to gender imbalances within the publishing industry (publicity, media attention, literary prizes).
  • Study of Marseillaise My Way (themes: genre; cultural identity; gender equality).
  • Study of Soviet Milk (themes: the effects of Soviet rule in Latvia; the generational transmission of being an ‘outsider’).
  • Study of Sworn Virgin (themes: how ‘gender’ is constructed; how women are trapped in unquestioned traditions).
  • Study of Fish Soup (themes: abjection and revulsion; the ways in which girls are educated about sex and sin).
  • Analysis of women’s writing, and the ways in which it challenges literary prejudices.
  • Discussion of the importance of translation for understanding other cultures.
  • Common themes in contemporary women’s writing; how these books help to redefine ‘world literature’.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
161340

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching 5Lectures. Tutor-led presentation of key themes of the module
Scheduled Learning and Teaching 11Seminars. Student-led discussion facilitated by tutor; preparation materials to be given a week in advance
Guided Independent Study134Preparation for seminars; reading of set texts; preparation of formative assignment; preparation of summative assessment

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Introduction or essay plan based on, and working towards, the summative assessment750 words1-7Written

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
10000

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Essay1003000 words1-7Written

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
EssayEssay1-7Referral/deferral period

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

  • Al Joundi, Darina, Marseillaise My Way, tr. Helen Vassallo (Naked Eye Publishing, 2022)
  • Dones, Elvira, Sworn Virgin, tr. Clarissa Botsford (And Other Stories, 2014)
  • García Robayo, Margarita, Fish Soup, tr. Charlotte Coombe (Charco Press, 2018)
  • Ikstena, Nora, Soviet Milk,tr. Margita Gailitis (Peirene Press, 2018)

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

Key words search

Translation, world literature, women’s writing, translating women

Credit value15
Module ECTS

7.5

Module pre-requisites

None

Module co-requisites

None

NQF level (module)

6

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

22/11/2018

Last revision date

17/02/2023