JAPA 488 - Translating Japanese: Theory and Practice

Cross-Listed as

How do you translate a haiku, a one-line, seventeen-syllable Japanese poem? In three lines, as is normal for haiku in English? Or, like the original, in seventeen syllables? These are some of the questions we will consider in this course, which covers both the practical aspects of translating Japanese (from haiku to film subtitles) and the theoretical implications of this act (such as fidelity, difference, and orientalism). Assignments will consist of readings in translation theory and practice, with particular emphasis on Japanese literary translation, as well as exercises in Japanese-to-English translation. In addition, students will complete a final translation project of publishable quality. Readings are in English and Japanese. Alternate years. Prerequisite(s): JAPA 305 - Third Year Japanese I or higher. (4 Credits)