Introduction to translation research

ltrad2001  2026-2027  Louvain-la-Neuve

Introduction to translation research
5.00 credits
30.0 h
Q2
> Schedule
Teacher(s)
Lefer Marie-Aude;
Language
English
> French-friendly
Main themes
The teaching unit provides an in-depth study of the field of translation studies. 
It breaks down into four constituent parts: 
  1. historical overview of translation studies and definition of the field; 
  2. comparing different approaches to, as well as models and theories of, translation;  
  3. discussion of ideas, issues and problems germane to translation studies; 
  4. introduction to different fields of application of translation studies. 
Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

Contribution of teaching unit to learning outcomes assigned to programme 
This unit contributes to the acquisition and development of the following learning outcomes, as assigned to the Master's degree in translation: 
  • analyse and justify their translation solutions and choices, using the appropriate metalanguage and applying appropriate theoretical approaches (10 – Translation); 
  • recognise the importance and value of translation and language data, demonstrating data literacy (19 – Technology); 
  • monitor and take account of new societal and language industry demands, new market requirements and emerging job profiles (27 – Service Provision). 
Specific learning outcomes on completion of teaching unit 
On completing this unit the student is able to: 
  • explicate, with reference to concrete examples, the principal concepts in the field of translation studies (metalanguage of translation); 
  • analytically compare different models, approaches, and theories around translation; 
  • synthesise, in writing or orally - and demonstrating critical discernment - a body of published scholarly work bearing on the field;  
  • command the use of concepts in translation studies theory in critiquing the translation process generally and his or her own practice in particular (translation strategies and choices). 
 
Content
The module provides an introduction to the field of Translation Studies. It is partly based on Munday et al's textbook Introducing Translation Studies (Routledge, 2026) and deals with the main frameworks, constructs and issues of translation research. Some specific topics are studied in depth through the critical analysis of several journal articles and book chapters. Students are expected to do the required readings beforehand so as to be able to participate actively in classroom discussions.
Teaching methods
Lectures and workshops
Evaluation methods
In June:
  • continuous assessment (readings, assignments and workshop participation): 25% of the final grade
  • students take a written exam or hand in an extended essay on a topic in Translation Studies (75% of the final grade). Students need to get in touch with the lecturer by 15 March 2027 to say whether they want to take the examination or write an extended essay (in which case they also need to provide the selected topic and a short bibliography). In the extended essay, students present a critical discussion of a selection of research articles recently published in TS journals and books, and make explicit links with the course. The essay will have to be submitted at the start of the exam session, at the latest. Plagiarism in assessed work constitutes a serious breach of the University's disciplinary regulations. The lecturer will use an anti-plagiarism software program when grading the extended essays.

In September: written examination or extended essay (100% of the final grade). Students need to get in touch with their lecturer by 15 July 2027 to say whether they wish to take the written examination or write an extended essay, which can be a revised and improved version of the essay submitted in June.
Guidelines re. the use of GenAI to write the essay: 
Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) must be used responsibly and in accordance with academic and scientific integrity practices. If use is made of GenAI, students are required to systematically indicate the sections where AI has been used, for example through the use of footnotes, and specify for which purpose(s) AI has been used (for information retrieval, text editing, reformulation, etc.). Students remain responsible for the content of their work.
Other information
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Online resources
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Bibliography
Ouvrage de référence/reference textbook:
Munday, J., Ramos Pinto, S. & Blakesley, J. (2026). Introducing Translation Studies. Theories and applications. Sixth edition. Routledge: London/New York. [Disponible à la bibliothèque FIAL/available at the FIAL library]
Teaching materials
  • Disponibles sur Moodle
Faculty or entity
> LSTI


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
Master [120] in Translation
TRAD2M
5
Master [120] in Linguistics
LING2M
5
Master [120] of Education, Section 4 : Modern Languages - Translation and Interpretation
TRAD2M4
5