Ateneo - UPO

Translation and Transmediality: Theories and Practices

The course aims to explore translation and transmediality from both a theoretical and practical perspective and is divided into two parts:
1. Theories of translation and transmediality;
2. Case studies of translation and transmediality.

In 1), the primary theoretical approaches to translation and adaptation will be presented, and the role of artificial intelligence in the fields of translation and transmediality will be reflected upon.
In 2), two case studies of transmediality involving narrative text, screenplays, graphic novels, manga, films and gamebooks will be examined.

A significant proportion of the course will be dedicated to literary translation exercises conducted by the students, with a subsequent comparison with the results produced by A.I.

1. Theories of Translation and Transmediality

- Stefano Arduini (a cura di), Siamo ciò che traduciamo, Marcos y Marcos, 2024;
- Henry Jenkins et al. (eds), Popular Culture and the Civic Imagination. Case Studies of Critica Social Change, NYU Press, 2020.

2. Case Studies of Translation and Transmediality

A. Napoli-New York
- Gabriele Salvatores, Napoli-New York (film), 2024;
- Federico Fellini, Tullio Pinelli, Napoli-New York, a cura di Augusto Sainati (screenplay), Marsilio, 2024;
- Jean-David Morvan, Ste Tirasso, Napoli-New York (graphic novel), Star Comics, 2024.

B. Innsmouth/Dagon
- H.P. Lovecraft, "The Shadow over Innsmouth" (1936)
https://www.hplovecraft.com/writings/texts/fiction/soi.aspx;
- Gou Tanabe, The Shadow over Innsmouth (Manga), translated by Zack Davisson, Dark Horse, 2023; -
- Stuart Gordon, Dagon, la secta del mar, 2001
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dagon_(film);
- Giny Valris, The Shadow over Innsmouth [book game], Steve Jackson Games 2023.

Supplementary reading for non-attending students
- Franco Nasi, Marina Guglielmi, "Traduzione e transmedialità", in Stefania Sini, Franca Sinopoli, Percorsi di teoria e comparatistica letteraria, Pearson, 2021, pp. 315-336;
- Barbara Ivančić, Tradurre senza il corpo. La traduzione letteraria al tempo dell’intelligenza artificiale, Meltemi, 2026;
- Tiziana Catarci et al. (a cura di), Letteratura e intelligenza artificiale. Un dialogo interdisciplinare, Lithos, 2025.

The learning objectives for the basic level are therefore as follows:

- Knowledge of the main theories of translation and transmediality;
- Knowledge of two case studies of translation and transmediality involving narrative text, screenplays, graphic novels, manga, films and gamebooks;
- Ability to apply the main theories of translation and transmediality to the two case studies presented during the course;
- Critical reflection on the role of artificial intelligence in the fields of translation and transmediality;
- Translation skills, with particular emphasis on literary translation.

The learning objectives for an advanced level also include, in addition to the basic ones:

- A well-established synergy between theoretical and methodological knowledge and interpretative skills;
- The ability to critically re-examine the course content in an independent and original manner, and to apply the tools and knowledge acquired to texts and materials other than those included in the syllabus;
- The ability to present the results of the readings undertaken with effective argumentation, excellent command of expression, and active and confident use of critical and theoretical terminology;
- Excellent translation skills.

In this course, the approach to teaching literature is fundamentally dialogic, with no neat distinction between lecture-based (DE) and interactive teaching (DI).

The 6 CFU credits earned during the course are distributed as follows:
1.5 CFU (30 hours of lectures and interactive sessions (DE + DI) (see ‘Teaching methods’);
4.5 CFU of independent study.

Knowledge, acquired during the three-year degree programme, of the history of Italian, European and non-European literature, of the major themes and issues in comparative literature, as well as the fundamental concepts of literary criticism and theory.

Frontal lessons, reading and analysis of texts, film screenings, discussions.
Literary translation exercises.
Throughout the duration of the course, Students have the option of presenting a text, a film, or a segment of the programme to their peers, either individually or collaboratively.
The DIR (Didattica in Rete - e-learning) platform will be used.

Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or Special Educational Needs (SEN) may request specific services and resources designed for them by contacting the Career Development and Coordination and Student Services Staff and consulting the dedicated page on the University website:
https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizistudentesse-e-studenti-condizione-di-disabilit%C3%A0-e-dsa.
Once they have contacted the University staff, students with disabilities, SLDs, or SEN may contact the professorr regarding the specific exam arrangements and any related instructional matters.

Oral examination
The examination comprises:
1) one or more questions of a theoretical and methodological character, relating to the part of the course devoted to theories of translation and transmediality;
2) analysis, interpretation and commentary on an extract taken from one of the case studies on translation and transmediality;
3) a personal proposal for a transmedial adaptation agreed with the teacher and prepared in advance of the examination.

To pass the exam with a sufficiency level, Students must therefore demonstrate:
1. (KNOWLEDGE)
1.a. Knowledge of the main theories of translation and transmediality.
1.b. Knowledge of the case studies on translation and transmediality presented during the course.
2. (SKILLS)
Ability to apply the main theories of translation and transmediality to the case studies presented during the course.
3. (TRANSVERSAL SKILLS)
Ability to present clearly, using appropriate terminology, the results of the readings, analyses and comparisons carried out.

In particular, the following weightings will be applied when assessing the achievement of the learning objectives: 1. 40%; 2. 40%; 3. 20%.

To achieve an advanced level, Students must demonstrate:

- a comprehensive and coherent understanding of the course content, with a confident integration of theoretical and methodological competences and interpretative skills;
- the ability to critically rework the course content in an independent and original manner, and to apply the tools and knowledge acquired to texts and materials other than those covered in the syllabus;
- the ability to present the results of their reading with effective argumentation, excellent command of expression, and active, confident use of critical and theoretical terminology.

Non-attending Students are invited to contact the Professor in good time for any clarification regarding exam preparation.

Students are requested to bring the materials for the case studies on the syllabus (in paper or digital form) to the exam.

Week 1: Course introduction. Translation Studies. Theories of translation throughout history. Introduction to the Napoli-New Yor case study.
Week 2: Translation and the canon. Polysystem and translation as a social practice. Translation and gender differences. Napoli-New York, the screenplay:
reading, analysis and commentary.
Week 3: Translation, globalisation and World Literature. NapoliNew York, the film: viewing, analysis, commentary. Translation and artificial intelligence: preliminary reflections and a first exercise.
Week 4: Intertextuality, pluridiscursivity, polyphony (Bakhtin), palimpsests (Genette). Napoli–New York, graphic novel:introduction, reading, analysis, commentary. Translation and artificial intelligence: reflection, exercise, assessment, discussion.
Week 5: Translation and adaptations. Remediations. Literature and convergent culture. Transmedia storytelling. Translation and artificial intelligence: reflection, exercise, assessment, discussions. H.P. Lovecraft, ‘The Shadow
over Innsmouth’: introduction, reading, analysis, commentary.
Week 6: Adaptations and expanded narratives. Gou Tanabe, The Mask of Innsmouth by H.P. Lovecraft (manga): introduction, reading, analysis, commentary. Translation and artificial intelligence: reflection, exercises, assessment, discussions.
Week 7: Stuart Gordon, 'Dagon, the Cult of the Sea, film: introduction, viewing, analysis, commentary. The Mask of Innsmouth. Choose Cthulhu, gamebook: introduction, reading/playing, analysis, commentary.
Week 8: Discussion of case studies and translation exercises. Conclusion of the course.

As well as being a focus of attention in the theoretical part of the course, the issue of gender is addressed on several occasions in the case studies, with particular reference to the female characters in ‘Napoli-New York’.

In order to demonstrate the requisite knowledge and skills that correspond to the minimum pass mark, students are required to demonstrate:

1. (KNOWLEDGE)
1.a. Knowledge of the main theories of translation and transmediality.
1.b. Knowledge of the case studies on translation and transmediality presented during the course.
2. (SKILLS)
Ability to apply the main theories of translation and transmediality to the case studies presented during the course.
3. (TRANSVERSAL SKILLS)
Ability to present clearly, using appropriate terminology, the results of the readings, analyses and comparisons carried out.

In order to demonstrate the requisite knowledge and skills that correspond to the advanced level, Students are required to demonstrate:

- a comprehensive and coherent understanding of the course content, with a confident integration of theoretical and methodological competences and interpretative skills;
- the ability to critically rework the course content in an independent and original manner, and to apply the tools and knowledge acquired to texts and materials other than those covered in the syllabus;
- the ability to present the results of their reading with effective argumentation, excellent command of expression, and active, confident use of critical and theoretical terminology.