This course combines a seminar on the theory of literary translation with a workshop on students’ own translations of Korean poetry. The course is divided into three parts. The first part of the course will focus on discussions of key texts in translation studies around such topics as translatability, fidelity, cultural equivalency, and politics of translation. In the second part of the course, we will examine published English translations of major Korean poets, paying close attention to how each translation grapples with the issues discussed in our theoretical readings. In the last part of course, we will workshop our own translations. At the end of the term, students will each submit a portfolio of translations accompanied by a critical translator’s introduction. The aims of the course are to: 1) acquaint ourselves with major works of modern Korean poetry and intricacies of the Korean language; 2) develop familiarity with critical issues in translation theory; 3) examine how these issues impact our practice of translation; and 4) hone our skills and awareness as translators.

Readings: Secondary readings in translation theory, major works of modern Korean poetry in the original and in English translation.

Course Requirements:

Quizzes, short analyses of published translations of Korean poetry, in-class presentations, peer evaluations, and portfolio consisting of students' own translations, accompanied by a critical translator's introduction.

Intended Audience:

Undergraduate and graduate students interested in Asian Studies, Comparative Literature, International Studies, and translation. 3 years of Korean-language instruction is recommended.

Class Format:

Section 001 will meet in person on Mondays and will meet virtually on Wednesdays. Section 002 is for students who will be participating 100% online and class meetings will be held virtually on Mondays and Wednesdays.