2023 Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses English language courses
English Language and Cultures 16
- Academic unit or major
- English language courses
- Instructor(s)
- Kumiko Kiuchi
- Class Format
- Exercise (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 5-6 Wed (M-134)
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- LAE.E484
- Number of credits
- 010
- Course offered
- 2023
- Offered quarter
- 4Q
- Syllabus updated
- Jul 8, 2025
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
Aims of this course is that students acquire knowledge about different aspects of English language and culture through the scope of "translation". "Translation" is generally understood as transferring the meaning of a text written in one language to another language while retaining the original meaning. However, the generation of meaning (semantic generation) results from complex combinations of linguistic systems, social contexts and cultural value. Translation is the product of this interpretative process. In this class, we will study a variety of Japanese literature translated into English, and English literature into Japanese while comparing their linguistic and cultural aspects and their relations to the positionality of the translator. Students will improve their English skills by communicating with their peers in English.
Course description and aims
By the end of this course students will be able to
・have discussions and give presentations in English
・have better understanding of language and culture and intercultural communication through the scope of translation.
Keywords
Translation, Intercultural communication
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
The class consists of the tutor's mini-lecture, students' group work and discussion, and their presentations. The class is taught in English. As the tutor is Japanese and fluent in Japanese, students are encouraged to ask questions in both English and Japanese.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Introduction to the course Review session | Students review the content covered in 3Q. |
| Class 2 | Non-standard varieties of language | Students understand the content covered in the class. |
| Class 3 | Languages interacting | Students understand the content covered in the class. |
| Class 4 | Translators at play | Students understand the content covered in the class. |
| Class 5 | Discourse-level issues | Students understand the content covered in the class. |
| Class 6 | Review of 4Q | Students understand the content covered in the class. |
| Class 7 | Translation practice: peer-critique | Students understand the content covered in the class. |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
Handouts
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Judy Wakabayashi (2021), Japanese-English Translation: An Advanced Guide, Routledge.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Activities in class 60%
Participation in the translation sessions 20%
Submission of the final draft of the translation 10%
Review session: 10%
Related courses
- LAE.E483 ： English Language and Cultures 15
Prerequisites
None
Other
It is recommended that students take this course in sequence with Seminar:Language and Culture(English) 15.
Attendance at the first class is compulsory for students planning to take this course.
The course content is subject to change depending on the number of registered students, their level of English and their interest.