Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

English

Recommended previous knowledge

It is recommended that EN-455-1 has been completed or is taken during the same semester.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students can

  • describe and explain characteristic features of poetry and translation
  • subject the translation of poetry to critical analysis
  • submit literary texts to close textual analysis

Contents

Poetry has often been described as untranslatable. Nevertheless, poems continue to be translated, with varying goals and degrees of success. This course will investigate poetic translation from a variety of perspectives. At the heart of the course will be practical, critical analyses of a number of poems and their translations, and the discussion of strategies of translation. A comparative perspective will be given, contrasting both the poetics of various writers and the choices made by different translators. In all cases, either the original literary text or its translation will be written in English. While most of the other texts in the course will be in Norwegian (or some other Scandinavian language), some examples of texts written in for instance German or French may also be addressed. In addition to analysis of translations, the course will also feature theoretical and/or historical engagement with the concepts of poetry, translation of poetry, and close reading.

Teaching and learning methods

Seminars. Active and regular participation is expected. The estimated workload is approximately 270 hours.

Examination requirements

One mid-term essay (1500 - 2000 words) must be assessed as a pass.

Examinations

A two-week take home essay (circa 3000 words). Graded assessment.

Student evaluation

The person responsible for the course decides, in cooperation with student representative, the form of student evaluation and whether the course is to have a midway or end of course evaluation in accordance with the quality system for education, chapter 4.1.

Offered as a free-standing course

Yes, if there are places available.

Admission Requirement if given as a free-standing course

Same admission requirements apply as for the master's programme in English.Same admission requirements apply as for the master's programme in Translation and Professional Communication.

Admission for external candidates

No.
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 8:10:40 AM