Course Syllabus

Contemporary Theory and Practice of Bible Translation:

Translating the Bible as Literature

A seminar of the Nida School of Bible Translation at the Pontificia Università Urbaniana

Rome, Italy || October 3-7, 2016

Course Description

Each year, the Nida Institute, in cooperation with the Pontificia Università Urbaniana and the Bible Society of Italy, offers an annual seminar which aims to engage students in an exploration of the contemporary theory and practice of Bible translation, through focus on a particular topic or problematic within the field. The thematic focus of this year’s seminar will be “Translating the Bible as Literature.”

Throughout history, countless scholars and writers have recognized the literary richness of the biblical text, replete with vivid passages in a full range of genres, styles and poetic forms. In the course of their work, translators of the Bible need also strive to produce translations that reflect this richness and variety in the voices and cadences of the receptor language. This seminar is designed to help students explore the richness of ancient biblical discourse and consider how this knowledge can be practically applied to a translation process that aims to produce translated texts that are both aesthetically expressive and communicatively natural, effecting a clearer, richer understanding of the Biblical message.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, a successful student will:

• Identify and analyze some of the more prevalent literary properties of biblical discourse, as exemplified in specified texts from both the Old and New Testaments
• Demonstrate appreciation for the expressive potential of vernacular language, highlighting specific examples from the language(s) of their own cultural context
• Produce draft translations that demonstrate attention to literary structure and expression, as well as exegetical care

Course Requirements

This seminar is intended for those students of Teologia Biblica who are pursuing either their second year of Licenza or their doctoral degree. It is designed to be a hybrid course, incorporating elements of both in-class and online distance learning. Prior to the October gathering in Rome, students will be required to complete and submit two pre-seminar assignments, as well as review all preparatory readings. During the five days which comprise the residential portion of the course, morning and afternoon lectures will be followed by time spent in groups working on relevant practical exercises. A final follow-up project for the course, which will be introduced in Rome, will also be required and should be submitted before the end of the calendar year. While English will be the language of instruction for the course, written assignments may be submitted in English, Spanish, French or Italian, depending upon the student’s preference.

Faculty

This seminar will incorporate lectures from a faculty roster that includes:

• Prof. Pasquale Basta (Pontificia Università Urbaniana / Pontificio Istituto Biblico)
• Dr. Simon Crisp (United Bible Societies / Nida Institute)
• Dr. Dan Fitzgerald (Nida Institute)
• Prof. Andrzej M. Gieniusz, C.R. (Pontificia Università Urbaniana)
• Dr. James Maxey (Nida Institute)
• Dr. Lénart de Regt (United Bible Societies)
• Dr. Deborah Shadd (Nida Institute)
• Rev. Dr. Philip H. Towner (Nida Institute)

Course Fee: €100

Contacts for Further Information

• General questions: Dr. Valdo Bertalot
• Questions regarding matriculation: Prof. Andrzej M. Gieniusz, C.R.
• Questions regarding course website (Canvas): Dr. Deborah Shadd

Tentative Course Calendar

Residential Program Overview