Translate a short story (French into English)
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
- Course Code: LBF50
- Dates: 24/06/24 - 04/07/24
- Time: 18:30 - 20:30
- Taught: Mon+Thu, Evening
- Duration: 4 sessions (over 2 weeks)
- Location: Online
- Tutor: Trista Selous
Course Code: LBF50
Duration: 4 sessions (over 2 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Enhance your understanding of French language and culture and develop your capacities as a writer of English through the practice of translation.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
Over the course students will translate a complete short story from French to English. Each class will also include a one-off short translation-related exercise.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- translate a complete short story from French to English
- have a better understanding of the processes of literary translation
- improve your knowledge and understanding of the French language and culture
- develop your own skills as a writer of English
There may be other outcomes, depending on the needs and interests of the group of students.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Students should have a good knowledge of French language and culture and be comfortable with reading literature in French. They should also be able to write in fluent, idiomatic English.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This course will be taught in English. It is a practical, participative course where students will be required to draft translations of different sections of the story at home and bring them to class for discussion. Each class will also include a short practical exercise related to translation.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Based on the tutor's own material.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
French into English: Translation in Practice, or another course related to French, creative writing, journalism, etc.
Trista studied French at UCL and, in 1988 published a book on the French writer Marguerite Duras, based on her PhD thesis: “The Other Woman” (Yale UP). Since then she has led a double professional life as a freelance translator and teacher. As a translator she works mainly in literary non-fiction, fiction and academic writing. Her translation of Gwenaëlle’s autofiction “Personne” was shortlisted for the French-American Foundation Translation Prize in 2013. For 30 years she also worked for the British Film Institute as a translator, performer and subtitles of film soundtracks and as an interpreter for actors, directors and producers from the French-speaking world. In parallel to translation she has always been a teacher, on courses in French language, literature, cinema and translation at various universities in London and, since 2005, also at City Lit. She greatly enjoys sharing her French-related interests with students and learning from the ideas and experiences that they bring.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
