English 233 - Spring, 2014

Problems in American Literature

Class Information

Instructor: Martín, Desirée
CRN: 42930
Time: M 12:10-3:00
Location: 120 Voorhies
Breadth: Later American
Focus: ID, Theory

Description

“Translation/Mistranslation”

Walter Benjamin argues that translation expresses the “central reciprocal relationship between languages” primarily by elucidating their “foreignness” (“Task of the Translator” 72; 75). Translation, then, is centered on the inherent alienation of language even as it links different languages together. In the same way, while cultural translation purports to transmit difference, it also challenges the transfer of meaning. This class will consider translation and its refusal in terms of its linguistic function as well as a mode of cultural transmission or as a political practice. We will particularly consider the implications of translating – and mistranslating – that which lies “outside” of language or which expands the boundaries of language to think about translation and violence, translation and love, translation and war, translation and exile, translation and pain, translation and alienation, and translation and affect.

In addition to the primary texts listed below, we will read excerpts of critical theories relating to translation by Emily Apter, Susan Bassnett-McGuire, Walter Benjamin, Jacques Lezra, Lydia He Liu, Sianne Ngai, Elaine Scarry, Susan Sontag, and Lawrence Venuti.

Grading

Will be based on participation, one in-class presentation, abstract and seminar paper of 15-20 pages.

Texts

Americanah, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Dictee, Theresa Hak Kyung Cha
House of Leaves, Mark Danielewski
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, Junot Diaz
Native Speaker, Chang-rae Lee
Blood Meridian, Cormac McCarthy
Twilight, Los Angeles 1992, Anna Deavere Smith
The Tattooed Soldier, Hector Tobar
Their Dogs Came With Them, Helena Maria Viramontes