Course Syllabus

Nida_Logo_(IBS_AT_ABS).jpg

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

Tentative Course Calendar

May 15 Instructions for all pre-course assignments available on Canvas website; these assignments may be completed and submitted at any point over the summer, according to the student’s availability
May 27 DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION
Sept 9 Last day to submit pre-seminar assignment #1: Exegetical Study
Sept 23 Last day to submit pre-seminar assignment #2: Preliminary Translation Exercise
Oct 3-7 Residential seminar in Rome
Jan 15 Last day to submit final course assignment

  

Residential Program Overview 

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
08.30-10.00

Welcome and Opening 

________

Translating the Bible as Literature

Oral Literature I

Rhetorical Literature I

Intertextuality I

Textual Criticism I

10.00-10.30 BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK
10.30-12.00 History of BT in Catholic Context Oral
Literature II

Rhetorical Literature II

Intertexuality II

Textual Criticism II
LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH
15.00-16.30

Literary Expression in the Host Language I

Narrative Literature Poetic
Literature I
Literary Expression in the Host Language II Synthesis of the Week
__________
Discussion of Final Project Options

16.30-17.00 BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK
17.00-18.00

Skopostheorie

Work Session

Poetic
Literature II

Work Session

Evaluation and Closing

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due