Practice in the translation of literary works from another language into English supplemented by the reading and analysis of standard works. Criticism by professionals and talented peers encourages the student’s growth as both creator and reader of literature. Students must be fluent in their chosen language. Application required.
This workshop will have a special focus on the subject of Translating Kafka.
Kafka will serve as on ongoing frame of reference for this translation workshop. Students will base their practice of translation—working in the language of their choice—on a range of forms, approaches, and techniques found in Kafka’s body of work: the parable, aphorisms, epistolary writing, diary entries, and fiction. Supplemental readings by a series of translators, editors, and critics will introduce us to some of the challenges specific to rendering one of modern literature’s most important voices into other languages. The final project will involve translating an excerpt of a foreign-language version of “The Metamorphosis” into English. Knowledge of German helpful but not required.
