Working Sessions in Bible Translation

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/G_RMBS12

Course Objective

After finishing this course, the student has/is
• become aquainted with translation methods and translation notions relating to Bible translation
• applied this knowledge to specific cases (selected biblical passages)
• able to recognize and reflect on translational difficulties
• able to explain and reflect on his/her own translation solutions and preferences

Course Content

In this course students translate selected passages from the Greek New Testament and/or the Hebrew Bible. They aquire and apply methodical insights and translation notions, and explain their translation choices in class. Translation problems are discussed in depth from linguistic, exegetical, contextual and methodical points of view. During the course the students are trained to recognize translation difficulties, to reflect on possible solutions, and to explain for their own choices.

Teaching Methods

Hands-on seminars: in-class discussions on the translations prepared by the students, 4 hrs a week.

Method of Assessment

Two papers: the main paper (80% of the final grade) consists of a translation with comments of a selected Biblical chapter; the additional paper (20% of the final grade) deals with a specific translational problem. You need to score a pass grade (5.5 or higher) for both papers in order to pass the course.

Literature

(both required and recommended) will be made available through Canvas.

Target Audience

(Research) Master's students in Theology and Religious studies (Bible Translation). Master's students in Linguistics (Linguistic Consultancy for Bible Translation).

Entry Requirements

Students must have working knowledge of either biblical Greek or Hebrew.