- Would you like to work in translation?
- Do you want to learn the primary methods of discourse analysis and how they relate to translation?
- Would you like a thorough knowledge and clear understanding of the concepts, methods and theories of translation studies?
- Are you interested in practical, document or literary translation?
This is a theoretical graduate programme.
The Master’s level certificate in translation studies may count as the first part of the MA programme in translation studies. Generally, however, students take part of the programme in other subjects at the School of Humanities or at a university abroad.
Programme structure
The programme is 120 ECTS and is organised as two years of full-time study.
The programme is made up of:
- Translation studies, 30 ECTS
- Icelandic, 20 ECTS
- A foreign language, 30 ECTS
- Final thesis, 30 ECTS
Specialisations
Students choose between the following specialisations:
- Translation studies - German
- Translation studies - Spanish
- Translation studies - Danish
- Translation studies - French
- Translation studies - English
- Translation studies - other languages
Organisation of teaching
This programme is taught in Icelandic and English but most textbooks are in English or other foreign languages.
Main objectives
The main aim of the Master's programme in translation studies is to train students to work as academics and literary/academic translators.
Other
Completing an MA at the Faculty of Icelandic and Comparative Cultural Studies allows you to apply for doctoral studies.
BA degree (cycle 1, level 2) with a first class grade, or an equivalent qualification in another subject. Applicants must have completed a final project for at least 10 ECTS.
An MA degree shall require at least 120 ECTS. The final thesis shall account for 30 ECTS at the MA level, or in special cases 60 ECTS, if the student has been granted permission. A third of courses are in translation studies, another third are in translation-related subjects in Icelandic, and the final third are in translation-related subjects in a foreign language. If the student's second language is not taught at UI, it is recommended that they take part of the programme abroad. Students may also complete individual projects. Students select courses in consultation with the programme coordinator.
- Statement of purpose
- Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts
Further information on supporting documents can be found here
Programme structure
Check below to see how the programme is structured.
- First year
- Fall
- Translation Studies
- Translation and Translation Technology
- Spring 1
- New Voices in Translation Studies
- History of Translation
Translation Studies (ÞÝÐ027F)
Introductory course in translation studies in which we will create a reader where important texts in the field are gathered. The most important theories of translation studies will be discussed and put into the context of contemporary discourse on translation with a view of seeing how they can be applied in research.
Translation and Translation Technology (ÞÝÐ028F)
This course will be dedicated to the Computer Assisted Translation-technology available to translators. Students get an insight into the importance of translation memories, how humans and machines use these memories, and learn how to align text corpora to create language data and dictionaries. How to use online dictionaries, data bases and other online means. We will consider language policy, technical terms and neologisms. The translators working environment will be considered as well as skills that help freelancers get by in the gig-economy. It is hoped that experienced translators will contribute to the seminar. Students work on projects during class to prepare them for the home assignments.
New Voices in Translation Studies (ÞÝÐ029F)
The aim of this course is to make students familiar with new research and discourse in translation studies; regarding for example the role of translation in a globalized world; the function of the translator; the translating process and participants; pros and cons of new translation technology; social, political, cultural and linguistic impact of translation; historical research on translators archives etc.
History of Translation (ÞÝÐ030F)
In this course the major authors in the history of translation will be covered, from ancient times to modernity. Selected texts that have been highly influential, indeed reviolutionary at times, will be read, discussed and translated. A special focus will be on the argumentation and the argumentation structures of authors who translated similar or the same texts.
- Second year
- Fall
- MA-thesis in Translation Studies
- Research Project for MA-thesis
- Spring 1
- MA-thesis in Translation Studies
MA-thesis in Translation Studies (ÞÝÐ444L)
MA-thesis in Translation Studies
Research Project for MA-thesis (ÞÝÐ904F)
Research Project for MA-thesis
MA-thesis in Translation Studies (ÞÝÐ444L)
MA-thesis in Translation Studies
- Year unspecified
- Fall
- Literature Translations
- Language Usage and Expression: Danish
- Independent project in Translation Studies
- Independent project in Translation studies
- Languages and Culture I
- Cultural Studies and Social Critique
- Paratexts and translation
- Writing and Editing
- Spring 1
- Danish System of Governance, History and Culture
- Independent project in Translation studies
- Independent project in Translation Studies
- Applied Translations
- Languages and Culture II: The European Intellectual Tradition
- Language and Society
- Syntactic structures of Icelandic and other languages
- Culture and Cultural Communication
- Year unspecified
Literature Translations (DAN702F)
This course deals with literary translation between Icelandic and Danish. Students get a summary of the history of the Danish-Icelandic literary translation tradition and practice translation critic by analysing different translations from different periods. Students will face the challenges in translation as well as which strategies and methods they have to consider while finding solutions.
Language Usage and Expression: Danish (DAN703F)
This course is theoretical as well as practical. Students refresh important rules in Danish language, language use and stylistics. They analyse how different types of texts have different purpose of communication. Emphasis will be on the students' writing skills in Danish language and their training in use of theoretical as well as practical aids.
Independent project in Translation Studies (ÞÝÐ601F)
Independent study.
Independent project in Translation studies (ÞÝÐ602F)
Independant study
Languages and Culture I (MOM301F)
This course concerns the diverse connections between culture and language, as seen from the perspective of cultural history, social sciences and linguistics. Ancient and modern world languages will be introduced and their origins, influence and effects investigated. Written and spoken language will be discussed: what sorts of things are written, why and how? Rules and alternate perspectives on the nature of language will be considered, raising the question of how we understand man with respect to thought and language.
Cultural Studies and Social Critique (MFR701F)
The course reviews cultural studies on the whole and focuses on its value as a radical form of social and cultural criticism. Texts of key authors from the 19th Century and until recent years are discussed with the very concept of culture as a central issue and the question of its meaning for critical reflexion on society, history and contemporaneity. The interpellation of cultural criticism and the study of culture is scrutinized and the way in which this relationship is central for cultural studies. This conflict, which can be felt in older and recent texts has for the last decades been a fertile ground for the humanities in general and characterizes their connection to cultural politics. Concepts such as ideology, power, hegemony, gender and discourse play a central role in the discussion.
Paratexts and translation (ÞÝÐ705F)
Should a translator discuss their translation work? Should they be visible in the target text or remain discreetly out of sight, so it won’t be apparent that the text is a translation?
The seminar will cover the main types of paratexts that may accompany translations, including forewords and afterwords, footnotes and endnotes, titles, dedications, and various types of additions as well as translation diaries, interviews, articles, etc. As the role of the translator has changed over the centuries, the importance and role of texts such as these has also changed, as have attitudes towards them.
In the seminar, we will familiarize ourselves with discourses on the use of paratexts with translations and explore studies that have been conducted on translators’ paratexts, but also try our hand at our own translations and the use of paratexts or translation criticism.
Students give presentations in class, translate texts of their own choosing or write a paper on a scholarly topic or translation criticism. The seminar is grounded on academic collaboration between students and teacher, with an emphasis on active participation, critical thinking and free exchange of ideas. At the end of the semester, students will collaborate in workshops.
Writing and Editing (ÍSL101F)
Training in various aspects of the writing and editing of scientific texts. Various kinds of texts (non-fiction) examined and evaluated. Training in reviewing and commenting on scientific texts and in other aspects of editorial work. The main emphasis will be on the writing of articles, but other kinds of texts will also be considered, both shorter (conference abstracts, reviews) and longer (theses, books), as well as research proposals. Discussion of guidelines for the preparation of manuscripts. Types of plagiarism and how to avoid them and find them. Texts on different subjects will be used as examples, especially writings in linguistics, literature and history. The book Skrifaðu bæði skýrt og rétt will be used as a textbook (Höskuldur Þráinsson 2015).
This course is open to students of many MA programmes in the School of Humanities, cf. the regulations of the individual subjects. Students in the MA programmes in Icelandic literature, Icelandic linguistics, Icelandic studies and Icelandic teaching can take the course as part of the MA course requirements in Icelandic literature or Icelandic linguistics. Students in the MA programme in Icelandic teaching can, however, not have this course as the only linguistics or literature course in their MA.
Danish System of Governance, History and Culture (DAN802F)
The aim of this course is to give students a good overview of the historical, political and cultural development in Danish governance through the 20. century till now – from absolutism to representative democracy. The course will among other things be devoted to the Danish welfare model and the democratic safety net in light of the state finances, geography, demography and religion, the Danish labour market, the political system, the healthcare and educational system, Denmark’s international relations and general tendencies in Danish society. Students will make presentations during the semester and the course is closed with a written home assignment.
Independent project in Translation studies (ÞÝÐ602F)
Independant study
Independent project in Translation Studies (ÞÝÐ601F)
Independent study.
Applied Translations (ÞÝÐ803F)
Students practice Applied Translation by translating texts pertaining to different fields. Students translate into their native language with the support of the teacher. Students practice working independently, as well as collaborating with others. Various aids and guidelines for translating will be presented. An emphasis is put on practical experience and discussions on the challenges of translating.
Languages and Culture II: The European Intellectual Tradition (MOM402M)
The European intellectual tradition is characterized by the strong links between academia and society. Many of the most important European thinkers of the 19th and 20th Centuries worked outside of the universities – and many of those who did pursue an ordinary academic career also were public commentators frequently intervening in political discussion of the day and in some cases gaining considerable influence. In this course we present a selection of European thinkers who have been important both as scholars and as public intellectuals. We read and discuss samples of their work and look at critical discussion of their ideas. We also reflect on the time and place of the "European" – to what extent their work is quinessentially Eurocentric and to what extent awareness of cultural contingency emerges.
Language and Society (ÍSL004M)
In this course we concern ourselves with how language and society interact by examining sociolinguistic methods and concepts with regard to international and domestic research in the field.
Among the topics discussed are language attitudes, language contact, dialects, language style and language management. We take a look at different manifestations of language use and language variation as well as contemplating on how factors such as environment, context and background of a language user potentially influence language use and choice of style.
We provide an overview of principal research methods, both quantitative and qualitative, discuss recent trends in sociolinguistics and evaluate methods and methodologies with respect to the particular research topic.
Besides presenting research on attitudes towards language and language use, considering both attitudes towards one’s own language and that of others, we consider possible outcomes of unconventional language use. Special emphasis will be put on considering the language use of those who speak Icelandic as a foreign language as well as the status of immigrants in Iceland.
Additionally, we address the current status of the Icelandic language, particularly in relation to English and other languages. Principles of language management are discussed along with people’s ideas and believes about language through time. In that respect, we have a look at Icelandic language policy, language management, language standardization and linguistic purism from different perspectives, e.g. a synchronic and diachronic angle as well as with regard to other speech communities.
We will discuss language use of particular social groups (e.g. teenagers) in terms of its social meaning for the group on the one hand and for the speech community as a whole on the other hand.
Students are expected to complete group or individual tasks on questions and problems originating from topics and discussions in the class room.
Syntactic structures of Icelandic and other languages (ÍSM703F)
The goal of this course is to strengthen the studentsʼ understanding of syntax by comparing selected phenomena in the syntactic structure of Icelandic to corrsesponding phenomena in other languages, both related and unrelated. It is assumed that all students have some knowledge of syntax, but a special attempt will be made to accommodate students with different background and expectations, even by splitting the group up into sections according to their previous knowledge of syntax and interest. Thus the course is meant to be suitable to graduate students of Icelandic and general linguistics, who mainly have theoretical interest in syntax, as well as to students of other languages, students in the School of Education and studdents of translation theory, provided that they have some basic knowledge of syntax.
Culture and Cultural Communication (HMM240F)
The course critically engages with the concept of culture, addressing predominant conceptualizations while simultaneously exploring the role, conditions and influence of culture in the present. The objective is to generate a disciplined discussion on cultural heritage, cultural politics and policy, and cultural sustainability in conjunction with questions on the practicality of presenting and communicating expressions of culture. Attention is paid to the relationship between the cultural field and other social, political and economic aspects of society and how these enable and limit the communication and dissemination of cultural resources. Questions on how cultural heritage, traditions, collective memory, ideas on authenticity and identity generate the formation and reproduction of cultural constellations are dealt with as well as how conceptualizations such as ‘cultural capital’, ‘cultural hegemony’ and ‘authorized discourse on heritage’ can be employed to understand and analyze manifestations of culture.
- Fall
- ÞÝÐ027FTranslation StudiesMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
Introductory course in translation studies in which we will create a reader where important texts in the field are gathered. The most important theories of translation studies will be discussed and put into the context of contemporary discourse on translation with a view of seeing how they can be applied in research.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesÞÝÐ028FTranslation and Translation TechnologyMandatory (required) course5A mandatory (required) course for the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course will be dedicated to the Computer Assisted Translation-technology available to translators. Students get an insight into the importance of translation memories, how humans and machines use these memories, and learn how to align text corpora to create language data and dictionaries. How to use online dictionaries, data bases and other online means. We will consider language policy, technical terms and neologisms. The translators working environment will be considered as well as skills that help freelancers get by in the gig-economy. It is hoped that experienced translators will contribute to the seminar. Students work on projects during class to prepare them for the home assignments.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Spring 2
ÞÝÐ029FNew Voices in Translation StudiesMandatory (required) course5A mandatory (required) course for the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe aim of this course is to make students familiar with new research and discourse in translation studies; regarding for example the role of translation in a globalized world; the function of the translator; the translating process and participants; pros and cons of new translation technology; social, political, cultural and linguistic impact of translation; historical research on translators archives etc.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesÞÝÐ030FHistory of TranslationMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIn this course the major authors in the history of translation will be covered, from ancient times to modernity. Selected texts that have been highly influential, indeed reviolutionary at times, will be read, discussed and translated. A special focus will be on the argumentation and the argumentation structures of authors who translated similar or the same texts.
Face-to-face learningOnline learningPrerequisites- Fall
- ÞÝÐ444LMA-thesis in Translation StudiesMandatory (required) course0A mandatory (required) course for the programme0 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
MA-thesis in Translation Studies
PrerequisitesPart of the total project/thesis creditsÞÝÐ904FResearch Project for MA-thesisMandatory (required) course5A mandatory (required) course for the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionResearch Project for MA-thesis
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Spring 2
ÞÝÐ444LMA-thesis in Translation StudiesMandatory (required) course0A mandatory (required) course for the programme0 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionMA-thesis in Translation Studies
PrerequisitesPart of the total project/thesis credits- Fall
- DAN702FLiterature TranslationsElective course5Free elective course within the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
This course deals with literary translation between Icelandic and Danish. Students get a summary of the history of the Danish-Icelandic literary translation tradition and practice translation critic by analysing different translations from different periods. Students will face the challenges in translation as well as which strategies and methods they have to consider while finding solutions.
PrerequisitesDAN703FLanguage Usage and Expression: DanishElective course5Free elective course within the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course is theoretical as well as practical. Students refresh important rules in Danish language, language use and stylistics. They analyse how different types of texts have different purpose of communication. Emphasis will be on the students' writing skills in Danish language and their training in use of theoretical as well as practical aids.
Distance learningOnline learningPrerequisitesÞÝÐ601FIndependent project in Translation StudiesElective course10Free elective course within the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIndependent study.
PrerequisitesÞÝÐ602FIndependent project in Translation studiesElective course5Free elective course within the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIndependant study
PrerequisitesMOM301FLanguages and Culture IElective course10Free elective course within the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course concerns the diverse connections between culture and language, as seen from the perspective of cultural history, social sciences and linguistics. Ancient and modern world languages will be introduced and their origins, influence and effects investigated. Written and spoken language will be discussed: what sorts of things are written, why and how? Rules and alternate perspectives on the nature of language will be considered, raising the question of how we understand man with respect to thought and language.
PrerequisitesMFR701FCultural Studies and Social CritiqueElective course10Free elective course within the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe course reviews cultural studies on the whole and focuses on its value as a radical form of social and cultural criticism. Texts of key authors from the 19th Century and until recent years are discussed with the very concept of culture as a central issue and the question of its meaning for critical reflexion on society, history and contemporaneity. The interpellation of cultural criticism and the study of culture is scrutinized and the way in which this relationship is central for cultural studies. This conflict, which can be felt in older and recent texts has for the last decades been a fertile ground for the humanities in general and characterizes their connection to cultural politics. Concepts such as ideology, power, hegemony, gender and discourse play a central role in the discussion.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesÞÝÐ705FParatexts and translationElective course5Free elective course within the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionShould a translator discuss their translation work? Should they be visible in the target text or remain discreetly out of sight, so it won’t be apparent that the text is a translation?
The seminar will cover the main types of paratexts that may accompany translations, including forewords and afterwords, footnotes and endnotes, titles, dedications, and various types of additions as well as translation diaries, interviews, articles, etc. As the role of the translator has changed over the centuries, the importance and role of texts such as these has also changed, as have attitudes towards them.
In the seminar, we will familiarize ourselves with discourses on the use of paratexts with translations and explore studies that have been conducted on translators’ paratexts, but also try our hand at our own translations and the use of paratexts or translation criticism.
Students give presentations in class, translate texts of their own choosing or write a paper on a scholarly topic or translation criticism. The seminar is grounded on academic collaboration between students and teacher, with an emphasis on active participation, critical thinking and free exchange of ideas. At the end of the semester, students will collaborate in workshops.
PrerequisitesÍSL101FWriting and EditingElective course10Free elective course within the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionTraining in various aspects of the writing and editing of scientific texts. Various kinds of texts (non-fiction) examined and evaluated. Training in reviewing and commenting on scientific texts and in other aspects of editorial work. The main emphasis will be on the writing of articles, but other kinds of texts will also be considered, both shorter (conference abstracts, reviews) and longer (theses, books), as well as research proposals. Discussion of guidelines for the preparation of manuscripts. Types of plagiarism and how to avoid them and find them. Texts on different subjects will be used as examples, especially writings in linguistics, literature and history. The book Skrifaðu bæði skýrt og rétt will be used as a textbook (Höskuldur Þráinsson 2015).
This course is open to students of many MA programmes in the School of Humanities, cf. the regulations of the individual subjects. Students in the MA programmes in Icelandic literature, Icelandic linguistics, Icelandic studies and Icelandic teaching can take the course as part of the MA course requirements in Icelandic literature or Icelandic linguistics. Students in the MA programme in Icelandic teaching can, however, not have this course as the only linguistics or literature course in their MA.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Spring 2
DAN802FDanish System of Governance, History and CultureElective course5Free elective course within the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe aim of this course is to give students a good overview of the historical, political and cultural development in Danish governance through the 20. century till now – from absolutism to representative democracy. The course will among other things be devoted to the Danish welfare model and the democratic safety net in light of the state finances, geography, demography and religion, the Danish labour market, the political system, the healthcare and educational system, Denmark’s international relations and general tendencies in Danish society. Students will make presentations during the semester and the course is closed with a written home assignment.
PrerequisitesÞÝÐ602FIndependent project in Translation studiesElective course5Free elective course within the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIndependant study
PrerequisitesÞÝÐ601FIndependent project in Translation StudiesElective course10Free elective course within the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIndependent study.
PrerequisitesCourse DescriptionStudents practice Applied Translation by translating texts pertaining to different fields. Students translate into their native language with the support of the teacher. Students practice working independently, as well as collaborating with others. Various aids and guidelines for translating will be presented. An emphasis is put on practical experience and discussions on the challenges of translating.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesMOM402MLanguages and Culture II: The European Intellectual TraditionElective course5Free elective course within the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe European intellectual tradition is characterized by the strong links between academia and society. Many of the most important European thinkers of the 19th and 20th Centuries worked outside of the universities – and many of those who did pursue an ordinary academic career also were public commentators frequently intervening in political discussion of the day and in some cases gaining considerable influence. In this course we present a selection of European thinkers who have been important both as scholars and as public intellectuals. We read and discuss samples of their work and look at critical discussion of their ideas. We also reflect on the time and place of the "European" – to what extent their work is quinessentially Eurocentric and to what extent awareness of cultural contingency emerges.
Face-to-face learningDistance learningPrerequisitesÍSL004MLanguage and SocietyElective course10Free elective course within the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIn this course we concern ourselves with how language and society interact by examining sociolinguistic methods and concepts with regard to international and domestic research in the field.
Among the topics discussed are language attitudes, language contact, dialects, language style and language management. We take a look at different manifestations of language use and language variation as well as contemplating on how factors such as environment, context and background of a language user potentially influence language use and choice of style.
We provide an overview of principal research methods, both quantitative and qualitative, discuss recent trends in sociolinguistics and evaluate methods and methodologies with respect to the particular research topic.
Besides presenting research on attitudes towards language and language use, considering both attitudes towards one’s own language and that of others, we consider possible outcomes of unconventional language use. Special emphasis will be put on considering the language use of those who speak Icelandic as a foreign language as well as the status of immigrants in Iceland.
Additionally, we address the current status of the Icelandic language, particularly in relation to English and other languages. Principles of language management are discussed along with people’s ideas and believes about language through time. In that respect, we have a look at Icelandic language policy, language management, language standardization and linguistic purism from different perspectives, e.g. a synchronic and diachronic angle as well as with regard to other speech communities.
We will discuss language use of particular social groups (e.g. teenagers) in terms of its social meaning for the group on the one hand and for the speech community as a whole on the other hand.
Students are expected to complete group or individual tasks on questions and problems originating from topics and discussions in the class room.
PrerequisitesÍSM703FSyntactic structures of Icelandic and other languagesElective course10Free elective course within the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe goal of this course is to strengthen the studentsʼ understanding of syntax by comparing selected phenomena in the syntactic structure of Icelandic to corrsesponding phenomena in other languages, both related and unrelated. It is assumed that all students have some knowledge of syntax, but a special attempt will be made to accommodate students with different background and expectations, even by splitting the group up into sections according to their previous knowledge of syntax and interest. Thus the course is meant to be suitable to graduate students of Icelandic and general linguistics, who mainly have theoretical interest in syntax, as well as to students of other languages, students in the School of Education and studdents of translation theory, provided that they have some basic knowledge of syntax.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesHMM240FCulture and Cultural CommunicationElective course10Free elective course within the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe course critically engages with the concept of culture, addressing predominant conceptualizations while simultaneously exploring the role, conditions and influence of culture in the present. The objective is to generate a disciplined discussion on cultural heritage, cultural politics and policy, and cultural sustainability in conjunction with questions on the practicality of presenting and communicating expressions of culture. Attention is paid to the relationship between the cultural field and other social, political and economic aspects of society and how these enable and limit the communication and dissemination of cultural resources. Questions on how cultural heritage, traditions, collective memory, ideas on authenticity and identity generate the formation and reproduction of cultural constellations are dealt with as well as how conceptualizations such as ‘cultural capital’, ‘cultural hegemony’ and ‘authorized discourse on heritage’ can be employed to understand and analyze manifestations of culture.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Year unspecified
Second year- Fall
- ÞÝÐ027FTranslation StudiesMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
Introductory course in translation studies in which we will create a reader where important texts in the field are gathered. The most important theories of translation studies will be discussed and put into the context of contemporary discourse on translation with a view of seeing how they can be applied in research.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesÞÝÐ028FTranslation and Translation TechnologyMandatory (required) course5A mandatory (required) course for the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course will be dedicated to the Computer Assisted Translation-technology available to translators. Students get an insight into the importance of translation memories, how humans and machines use these memories, and learn how to align text corpora to create language data and dictionaries. How to use online dictionaries, data bases and other online means. We will consider language policy, technical terms and neologisms. The translators working environment will be considered as well as skills that help freelancers get by in the gig-economy. It is hoped that experienced translators will contribute to the seminar. Students work on projects during class to prepare them for the home assignments.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Spring 2
ÞÝÐ029FNew Voices in Translation StudiesMandatory (required) course5A mandatory (required) course for the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe aim of this course is to make students familiar with new research and discourse in translation studies; regarding for example the role of translation in a globalized world; the function of the translator; the translating process and participants; pros and cons of new translation technology; social, political, cultural and linguistic impact of translation; historical research on translators archives etc.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesÞÝÐ030FHistory of TranslationMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIn this course the major authors in the history of translation will be covered, from ancient times to modernity. Selected texts that have been highly influential, indeed reviolutionary at times, will be read, discussed and translated. A special focus will be on the argumentation and the argumentation structures of authors who translated similar or the same texts.
Face-to-face learningOnline learningPrerequisites- Fall
- ÞÝÐ444LMA-thesis in Translation StudiesMandatory (required) course0A mandatory (required) course for the programme0 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
MA-thesis in Translation Studies
PrerequisitesPart of the total project/thesis creditsÞÝÐ904FResearch Project for MA-thesisMandatory (required) course5A mandatory (required) course for the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionResearch Project for MA-thesis
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Spring 2
ÞÝÐ444LMA-thesis in Translation StudiesMandatory (required) course0A mandatory (required) course for the programme0 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionMA-thesis in Translation Studies
PrerequisitesPart of the total project/thesis credits- Fall
- DAN702FLiterature TranslationsElective course5Free elective course within the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
This course deals with literary translation between Icelandic and Danish. Students get a summary of the history of the Danish-Icelandic literary translation tradition and practice translation critic by analysing different translations from different periods. Students will face the challenges in translation as well as which strategies and methods they have to consider while finding solutions.
PrerequisitesDAN703FLanguage Usage and Expression: DanishElective course5Free elective course within the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course is theoretical as well as practical. Students refresh important rules in Danish language, language use and stylistics. They analyse how different types of texts have different purpose of communication. Emphasis will be on the students' writing skills in Danish language and their training in use of theoretical as well as practical aids.
Distance learningOnline learningPrerequisitesÞÝÐ601FIndependent project in Translation StudiesElective course10Free elective course within the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIndependent study.
PrerequisitesÞÝÐ602FIndependent project in Translation studiesElective course5Free elective course within the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIndependant study
PrerequisitesMOM301FLanguages and Culture IElective course10Free elective course within the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course concerns the diverse connections between culture and language, as seen from the perspective of cultural history, social sciences and linguistics. Ancient and modern world languages will be introduced and their origins, influence and effects investigated. Written and spoken language will be discussed: what sorts of things are written, why and how? Rules and alternate perspectives on the nature of language will be considered, raising the question of how we understand man with respect to thought and language.
PrerequisitesMFR701FCultural Studies and Social CritiqueElective course10Free elective course within the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe course reviews cultural studies on the whole and focuses on its value as a radical form of social and cultural criticism. Texts of key authors from the 19th Century and until recent years are discussed with the very concept of culture as a central issue and the question of its meaning for critical reflexion on society, history and contemporaneity. The interpellation of cultural criticism and the study of culture is scrutinized and the way in which this relationship is central for cultural studies. This conflict, which can be felt in older and recent texts has for the last decades been a fertile ground for the humanities in general and characterizes their connection to cultural politics. Concepts such as ideology, power, hegemony, gender and discourse play a central role in the discussion.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesÞÝÐ705FParatexts and translationElective course5Free elective course within the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionShould a translator discuss their translation work? Should they be visible in the target text or remain discreetly out of sight, so it won’t be apparent that the text is a translation?
The seminar will cover the main types of paratexts that may accompany translations, including forewords and afterwords, footnotes and endnotes, titles, dedications, and various types of additions as well as translation diaries, interviews, articles, etc. As the role of the translator has changed over the centuries, the importance and role of texts such as these has also changed, as have attitudes towards them.
In the seminar, we will familiarize ourselves with discourses on the use of paratexts with translations and explore studies that have been conducted on translators’ paratexts, but also try our hand at our own translations and the use of paratexts or translation criticism.
Students give presentations in class, translate texts of their own choosing or write a paper on a scholarly topic or translation criticism. The seminar is grounded on academic collaboration between students and teacher, with an emphasis on active participation, critical thinking and free exchange of ideas. At the end of the semester, students will collaborate in workshops.
PrerequisitesÍSL101FWriting and EditingElective course10Free elective course within the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionTraining in various aspects of the writing and editing of scientific texts. Various kinds of texts (non-fiction) examined and evaluated. Training in reviewing and commenting on scientific texts and in other aspects of editorial work. The main emphasis will be on the writing of articles, but other kinds of texts will also be considered, both shorter (conference abstracts, reviews) and longer (theses, books), as well as research proposals. Discussion of guidelines for the preparation of manuscripts. Types of plagiarism and how to avoid them and find them. Texts on different subjects will be used as examples, especially writings in linguistics, literature and history. The book Skrifaðu bæði skýrt og rétt will be used as a textbook (Höskuldur Þráinsson 2015).
This course is open to students of many MA programmes in the School of Humanities, cf. the regulations of the individual subjects. Students in the MA programmes in Icelandic literature, Icelandic linguistics, Icelandic studies and Icelandic teaching can take the course as part of the MA course requirements in Icelandic literature or Icelandic linguistics. Students in the MA programme in Icelandic teaching can, however, not have this course as the only linguistics or literature course in their MA.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Spring 2
DAN802FDanish System of Governance, History and CultureElective course5Free elective course within the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe aim of this course is to give students a good overview of the historical, political and cultural development in Danish governance through the 20. century till now – from absolutism to representative democracy. The course will among other things be devoted to the Danish welfare model and the democratic safety net in light of the state finances, geography, demography and religion, the Danish labour market, the political system, the healthcare and educational system, Denmark’s international relations and general tendencies in Danish society. Students will make presentations during the semester and the course is closed with a written home assignment.
PrerequisitesÞÝÐ602FIndependent project in Translation studiesElective course5Free elective course within the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIndependant study
PrerequisitesÞÝÐ601FIndependent project in Translation StudiesElective course10Free elective course within the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIndependent study.
PrerequisitesCourse DescriptionStudents practice Applied Translation by translating texts pertaining to different fields. Students translate into their native language with the support of the teacher. Students practice working independently, as well as collaborating with others. Various aids and guidelines for translating will be presented. An emphasis is put on practical experience and discussions on the challenges of translating.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesMOM402MLanguages and Culture II: The European Intellectual TraditionElective course5Free elective course within the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe European intellectual tradition is characterized by the strong links between academia and society. Many of the most important European thinkers of the 19th and 20th Centuries worked outside of the universities – and many of those who did pursue an ordinary academic career also were public commentators frequently intervening in political discussion of the day and in some cases gaining considerable influence. In this course we present a selection of European thinkers who have been important both as scholars and as public intellectuals. We read and discuss samples of their work and look at critical discussion of their ideas. We also reflect on the time and place of the "European" – to what extent their work is quinessentially Eurocentric and to what extent awareness of cultural contingency emerges.
Face-to-face learningDistance learningPrerequisitesÍSL004MLanguage and SocietyElective course10Free elective course within the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIn this course we concern ourselves with how language and society interact by examining sociolinguistic methods and concepts with regard to international and domestic research in the field.
Among the topics discussed are language attitudes, language contact, dialects, language style and language management. We take a look at different manifestations of language use and language variation as well as contemplating on how factors such as environment, context and background of a language user potentially influence language use and choice of style.
We provide an overview of principal research methods, both quantitative and qualitative, discuss recent trends in sociolinguistics and evaluate methods and methodologies with respect to the particular research topic.
Besides presenting research on attitudes towards language and language use, considering both attitudes towards one’s own language and that of others, we consider possible outcomes of unconventional language use. Special emphasis will be put on considering the language use of those who speak Icelandic as a foreign language as well as the status of immigrants in Iceland.
Additionally, we address the current status of the Icelandic language, particularly in relation to English and other languages. Principles of language management are discussed along with people’s ideas and believes about language through time. In that respect, we have a look at Icelandic language policy, language management, language standardization and linguistic purism from different perspectives, e.g. a synchronic and diachronic angle as well as with regard to other speech communities.
We will discuss language use of particular social groups (e.g. teenagers) in terms of its social meaning for the group on the one hand and for the speech community as a whole on the other hand.
Students are expected to complete group or individual tasks on questions and problems originating from topics and discussions in the class room.
PrerequisitesÍSM703FSyntactic structures of Icelandic and other languagesElective course10Free elective course within the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe goal of this course is to strengthen the studentsʼ understanding of syntax by comparing selected phenomena in the syntactic structure of Icelandic to corrsesponding phenomena in other languages, both related and unrelated. It is assumed that all students have some knowledge of syntax, but a special attempt will be made to accommodate students with different background and expectations, even by splitting the group up into sections according to their previous knowledge of syntax and interest. Thus the course is meant to be suitable to graduate students of Icelandic and general linguistics, who mainly have theoretical interest in syntax, as well as to students of other languages, students in the School of Education and studdents of translation theory, provided that they have some basic knowledge of syntax.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesHMM240FCulture and Cultural CommunicationElective course10Free elective course within the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe course critically engages with the concept of culture, addressing predominant conceptualizations while simultaneously exploring the role, conditions and influence of culture in the present. The objective is to generate a disciplined discussion on cultural heritage, cultural politics and policy, and cultural sustainability in conjunction with questions on the practicality of presenting and communicating expressions of culture. Attention is paid to the relationship between the cultural field and other social, political and economic aspects of society and how these enable and limit the communication and dissemination of cultural resources. Questions on how cultural heritage, traditions, collective memory, ideas on authenticity and identity generate the formation and reproduction of cultural constellations are dealt with as well as how conceptualizations such as ‘cultural capital’, ‘cultural hegemony’ and ‘authorized discourse on heritage’ can be employed to understand and analyze manifestations of culture.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Year unspecified
Year unspecified- Fall
- ÞÝÐ027FTranslation StudiesMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
Introductory course in translation studies in which we will create a reader where important texts in the field are gathered. The most important theories of translation studies will be discussed and put into the context of contemporary discourse on translation with a view of seeing how they can be applied in research.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesÞÝÐ028FTranslation and Translation TechnologyMandatory (required) course5A mandatory (required) course for the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course will be dedicated to the Computer Assisted Translation-technology available to translators. Students get an insight into the importance of translation memories, how humans and machines use these memories, and learn how to align text corpora to create language data and dictionaries. How to use online dictionaries, data bases and other online means. We will consider language policy, technical terms and neologisms. The translators working environment will be considered as well as skills that help freelancers get by in the gig-economy. It is hoped that experienced translators will contribute to the seminar. Students work on projects during class to prepare them for the home assignments.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Spring 2
ÞÝÐ029FNew Voices in Translation StudiesMandatory (required) course5A mandatory (required) course for the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe aim of this course is to make students familiar with new research and discourse in translation studies; regarding for example the role of translation in a globalized world; the function of the translator; the translating process and participants; pros and cons of new translation technology; social, political, cultural and linguistic impact of translation; historical research on translators archives etc.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesÞÝÐ030FHistory of TranslationMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIn this course the major authors in the history of translation will be covered, from ancient times to modernity. Selected texts that have been highly influential, indeed reviolutionary at times, will be read, discussed and translated. A special focus will be on the argumentation and the argumentation structures of authors who translated similar or the same texts.
Face-to-face learningOnline learningPrerequisites- Fall
- ÞÝÐ444LMA-thesis in Translation StudiesMandatory (required) course0A mandatory (required) course for the programme0 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
MA-thesis in Translation Studies
PrerequisitesPart of the total project/thesis creditsÞÝÐ904FResearch Project for MA-thesisMandatory (required) course5A mandatory (required) course for the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionResearch Project for MA-thesis
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Spring 2
ÞÝÐ444LMA-thesis in Translation StudiesMandatory (required) course0A mandatory (required) course for the programme0 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionMA-thesis in Translation Studies
PrerequisitesPart of the total project/thesis credits- Fall
- DAN702FLiterature TranslationsElective course5Free elective course within the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
This course deals with literary translation between Icelandic and Danish. Students get a summary of the history of the Danish-Icelandic literary translation tradition and practice translation critic by analysing different translations from different periods. Students will face the challenges in translation as well as which strategies and methods they have to consider while finding solutions.
PrerequisitesDAN703FLanguage Usage and Expression: DanishElective course5Free elective course within the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course is theoretical as well as practical. Students refresh important rules in Danish language, language use and stylistics. They analyse how different types of texts have different purpose of communication. Emphasis will be on the students' writing skills in Danish language and their training in use of theoretical as well as practical aids.
Distance learningOnline learningPrerequisitesÞÝÐ601FIndependent project in Translation StudiesElective course10Free elective course within the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIndependent study.
PrerequisitesÞÝÐ602FIndependent project in Translation studiesElective course5Free elective course within the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIndependant study
PrerequisitesMOM301FLanguages and Culture IElective course10Free elective course within the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course concerns the diverse connections between culture and language, as seen from the perspective of cultural history, social sciences and linguistics. Ancient and modern world languages will be introduced and their origins, influence and effects investigated. Written and spoken language will be discussed: what sorts of things are written, why and how? Rules and alternate perspectives on the nature of language will be considered, raising the question of how we understand man with respect to thought and language.
PrerequisitesMFR701FCultural Studies and Social CritiqueElective course10Free elective course within the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe course reviews cultural studies on the whole and focuses on its value as a radical form of social and cultural criticism. Texts of key authors from the 19th Century and until recent years are discussed with the very concept of culture as a central issue and the question of its meaning for critical reflexion on society, history and contemporaneity. The interpellation of cultural criticism and the study of culture is scrutinized and the way in which this relationship is central for cultural studies. This conflict, which can be felt in older and recent texts has for the last decades been a fertile ground for the humanities in general and characterizes their connection to cultural politics. Concepts such as ideology, power, hegemony, gender and discourse play a central role in the discussion.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesÞÝÐ705FParatexts and translationElective course5Free elective course within the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionShould a translator discuss their translation work? Should they be visible in the target text or remain discreetly out of sight, so it won’t be apparent that the text is a translation?
The seminar will cover the main types of paratexts that may accompany translations, including forewords and afterwords, footnotes and endnotes, titles, dedications, and various types of additions as well as translation diaries, interviews, articles, etc. As the role of the translator has changed over the centuries, the importance and role of texts such as these has also changed, as have attitudes towards them.
In the seminar, we will familiarize ourselves with discourses on the use of paratexts with translations and explore studies that have been conducted on translators’ paratexts, but also try our hand at our own translations and the use of paratexts or translation criticism.
Students give presentations in class, translate texts of their own choosing or write a paper on a scholarly topic or translation criticism. The seminar is grounded on academic collaboration between students and teacher, with an emphasis on active participation, critical thinking and free exchange of ideas. At the end of the semester, students will collaborate in workshops.
PrerequisitesÍSL101FWriting and EditingElective course10Free elective course within the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionTraining in various aspects of the writing and editing of scientific texts. Various kinds of texts (non-fiction) examined and evaluated. Training in reviewing and commenting on scientific texts and in other aspects of editorial work. The main emphasis will be on the writing of articles, but other kinds of texts will also be considered, both shorter (conference abstracts, reviews) and longer (theses, books), as well as research proposals. Discussion of guidelines for the preparation of manuscripts. Types of plagiarism and how to avoid them and find them. Texts on different subjects will be used as examples, especially writings in linguistics, literature and history. The book Skrifaðu bæði skýrt og rétt will be used as a textbook (Höskuldur Þráinsson 2015).
This course is open to students of many MA programmes in the School of Humanities, cf. the regulations of the individual subjects. Students in the MA programmes in Icelandic literature, Icelandic linguistics, Icelandic studies and Icelandic teaching can take the course as part of the MA course requirements in Icelandic literature or Icelandic linguistics. Students in the MA programme in Icelandic teaching can, however, not have this course as the only linguistics or literature course in their MA.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Spring 2
DAN802FDanish System of Governance, History and CultureElective course5Free elective course within the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe aim of this course is to give students a good overview of the historical, political and cultural development in Danish governance through the 20. century till now – from absolutism to representative democracy. The course will among other things be devoted to the Danish welfare model and the democratic safety net in light of the state finances, geography, demography and religion, the Danish labour market, the political system, the healthcare and educational system, Denmark’s international relations and general tendencies in Danish society. Students will make presentations during the semester and the course is closed with a written home assignment.
PrerequisitesÞÝÐ602FIndependent project in Translation studiesElective course5Free elective course within the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIndependant study
PrerequisitesÞÝÐ601FIndependent project in Translation StudiesElective course10Free elective course within the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIndependent study.
PrerequisitesCourse DescriptionStudents practice Applied Translation by translating texts pertaining to different fields. Students translate into their native language with the support of the teacher. Students practice working independently, as well as collaborating with others. Various aids and guidelines for translating will be presented. An emphasis is put on practical experience and discussions on the challenges of translating.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesMOM402MLanguages and Culture II: The European Intellectual TraditionElective course5Free elective course within the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe European intellectual tradition is characterized by the strong links between academia and society. Many of the most important European thinkers of the 19th and 20th Centuries worked outside of the universities – and many of those who did pursue an ordinary academic career also were public commentators frequently intervening in political discussion of the day and in some cases gaining considerable influence. In this course we present a selection of European thinkers who have been important both as scholars and as public intellectuals. We read and discuss samples of their work and look at critical discussion of their ideas. We also reflect on the time and place of the "European" – to what extent their work is quinessentially Eurocentric and to what extent awareness of cultural contingency emerges.
Face-to-face learningDistance learningPrerequisitesÍSL004MLanguage and SocietyElective course10Free elective course within the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionIn this course we concern ourselves with how language and society interact by examining sociolinguistic methods and concepts with regard to international and domestic research in the field.
Among the topics discussed are language attitudes, language contact, dialects, language style and language management. We take a look at different manifestations of language use and language variation as well as contemplating on how factors such as environment, context and background of a language user potentially influence language use and choice of style.
We provide an overview of principal research methods, both quantitative and qualitative, discuss recent trends in sociolinguistics and evaluate methods and methodologies with respect to the particular research topic.
Besides presenting research on attitudes towards language and language use, considering both attitudes towards one’s own language and that of others, we consider possible outcomes of unconventional language use. Special emphasis will be put on considering the language use of those who speak Icelandic as a foreign language as well as the status of immigrants in Iceland.
Additionally, we address the current status of the Icelandic language, particularly in relation to English and other languages. Principles of language management are discussed along with people’s ideas and believes about language through time. In that respect, we have a look at Icelandic language policy, language management, language standardization and linguistic purism from different perspectives, e.g. a synchronic and diachronic angle as well as with regard to other speech communities.
We will discuss language use of particular social groups (e.g. teenagers) in terms of its social meaning for the group on the one hand and for the speech community as a whole on the other hand.
Students are expected to complete group or individual tasks on questions and problems originating from topics and discussions in the class room.
PrerequisitesÍSM703FSyntactic structures of Icelandic and other languagesElective course10Free elective course within the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe goal of this course is to strengthen the studentsʼ understanding of syntax by comparing selected phenomena in the syntactic structure of Icelandic to corrsesponding phenomena in other languages, both related and unrelated. It is assumed that all students have some knowledge of syntax, but a special attempt will be made to accommodate students with different background and expectations, even by splitting the group up into sections according to their previous knowledge of syntax and interest. Thus the course is meant to be suitable to graduate students of Icelandic and general linguistics, who mainly have theoretical interest in syntax, as well as to students of other languages, students in the School of Education and studdents of translation theory, provided that they have some basic knowledge of syntax.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesHMM240FCulture and Cultural CommunicationElective course10Free elective course within the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe course critically engages with the concept of culture, addressing predominant conceptualizations while simultaneously exploring the role, conditions and influence of culture in the present. The objective is to generate a disciplined discussion on cultural heritage, cultural politics and policy, and cultural sustainability in conjunction with questions on the practicality of presenting and communicating expressions of culture. Attention is paid to the relationship between the cultural field and other social, political and economic aspects of society and how these enable and limit the communication and dissemination of cultural resources. Questions on how cultural heritage, traditions, collective memory, ideas on authenticity and identity generate the formation and reproduction of cultural constellations are dealt with as well as how conceptualizations such as ‘cultural capital’, ‘cultural hegemony’ and ‘authorized discourse on heritage’ can be employed to understand and analyze manifestations of culture.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Year unspecified