Below are pedagogical resources for the undergraduate and graduate classroom. If you have materials you would like us to feature in our galleries, feel free to email us at ctgl-connect@uiowa.edu. 

Course Design - Undergraduate

Aji, Aron (2024). Community Engagement Project

Abstract: This foundational assignment for the undergraduate general-education Translation and Global Society course at the University of Iowa prompts students to consider the practical application of translation beyond the classroom. The project necessitates collaboration among students to identify a group of residents from diverse ethnic or language backgrounds and design a proposal to serve or connect with them, while utilizing translation.
Keywords: Translation and interpretation, Community engagement, Global citizenship, Collaborative project, General education course

Aji, Aron (2024). Translation Analysis, Short Essay

Abstract: This short essay assignment in the undergraduate general-education Translation and Global Society course at the University of Iowa invites students to analyze narrative voice in a translated text, considering the level of the author and the translator. Students may choose to focus on diction, syntax, imagery, sound, etc. with an eye toward the kinds of challenges the translator may have encountered, as well as the solutions provided.
Keywords: Translation literacy, Literary analysis, Translation analysis, Essay prompt, General education course

Colina, Sonia (2024). Translation in the World Language Classroom, Activity Questionnaire

Abstract: This sample activity provides an opportunity for students in a beginning language course to apply and practice translation skills in the language classroom. By placing students in groups and prompting them to design and administer a questionnaire that traces the musical preferences and influences of their peers (in this case, bilingual Spanish peers, but this could be tailored to other languages), this project facilitates conversations around the role of translation, cultural exchange, language development, and collaboration. 
Keywords: Translation activity, L2 instruction, Collaborative project, Language study

Tachtiris, Corine (2022). Translation Matters

Abstract: Syllabus for a 100-level undergraduate, general-education course in translation studies. Aimed at giving students translation literacy and introducing major practical and ethical problems of translation. Also includes practical approaches for hands-on learning. Syllabus includes list of readings, intralingual translation exercises, assignment guidelines, and translation cribs for final interlingual assignment (no second-language fluency necessary).
Keywords: General education course, Translation syllabus, Translation theory, Intralingual translation exercise

Tachtiris, Corine (2014). Transcultural Manipulations: Translation Workshop

Abstract: This multilingual undergraduate translation workshop was co-taught in the Spring of 2014 with Prof. Norman Holland in the division of Humanities, Arts, and Cultural Studies at Hampshire College. During the course, students were introduced to translation theory and explored key concepts through intralingual translation exercises before embarking on an interlingual translation project workshopped in small groups over several weeks.
Keywords: Multilingual translation workshop, Translation syllabus, Translation theory, Intralingual translation exercise

Course Design - Graduate

Steyn, Jan (2024). Issues in Translation

Abstract: This syllabus highlights the various theoretical approaches underpinning the practice of literary translation. The long-held beliefs around theory and practice are interrogated consistently throughout the semester as students explore the role of the translator as co-creative agent and various translation modalities across a sweeping range of genres, languages, regions, and philosophies.
Keywords: Literary translation theory in practice, Translation ethics, Politics of translation, Translation theory canon, Translation analysis, Graduate seminar

Steyn, Jan (2024). Translator's Note Questionnaire: Translation Workshop

Abstract: This questionnaire is intended as a paratext for a submitted translation workshop sample. It features guiding questions to support translators in thinking through and articulating the kinds of concerns, contextualization, theoretical considerations, and interpretive goals that produce a strong translator's note in a published translation. 
Keywords: Multilingual translation workshop, Graduate seminar, Translation paratext, Translation analysis

Tachtiris, Corine (2023). Race, Gender, and Sexuality in Translation

Abstract: This is a revised 2023 version of a course was first taught at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in fall 2018. It addresses feminism, gender and sexuality studies, queer theory, and critical race and ethnic studies in conjunction with translation studies.
Keywords: Translation theory, Gender theory, Queer theory, Critical race and ethnic studies, Graduate seminar

Tachtiris, Corine (2021). Literary Translation Workshop 

Abstract: Syllabus for a multilingual literary translation workshop at the graduate-student level. Includes translation exercises, assignment guidelines, and links to online readings.
Keywords: Multilingual translation workshop, Graduate seminar, Translation theory in practice