Cultural Expression, Translation, Global Discourses: Novel Approaches to European Language Learning (LANG304)

This is a repeatable unit. However, topics are not repeatable and the unit cannot be undertaken more than once in any one teaching period. Enrolment is subject to unit coordinator (or delegate) approval.

Students must apply for permission to enrol at least three weeks prior to the commencement of the relevant Trimester.

2026 topics

Trimester 1

• Italian

Modern Italian Novel

This subject introduces you to the works of major Italian novelists of the 20th century. It traces the novel from the post-war period to the contemporary period. Through close textual analysis of the prescribed works, you will extend your competency in reading Italian to an advanced level. The authors studied are: Pavese, Banti and Calvino.

• Spanish:

Latin American Rhythms and Politics: From Tango to Rock

Musicians through the ages have always made reference to politics and the social issues of the day, and scholars often look to the music of a culture to analyse the values and beliefs of a society. In this subject you will study modern Latin American music and its relationship to politics. Discussion of the music will consider such topics as the relationship between the music and the historical and sociological context which it portrays and in which it was produced. The music will also be discussed in terms of the way in which the musicians present their subject matter, that is with regard to issues such as style and rhythm. This subject is only available to you if you have a background in Spanish language studies.

There are no French or German topics available in LANG304 in Trimester 1.

Trimester 2

• French:

French Translation

There are many opportunities for translators to work in international organisations in our global economy. This subject will help you build upon your advanced French language skills. You will be translating works from and into French at an advanced level. You will be able to show your knowledge of culture specific features of the language and analyse the stylistic features of contemporary French. Continue to pursue your goal of becoming a confident communicator in a second language and future proof your career in a global economy where over 275 million people speak French.

• German:

Beyond Inspector Rex: German Crime Fiction

Crime fiction is fascinating for those who love to analyse characters, human behaviour and motivations. Studying German fiction, in German, will give you a deeper insight into the structure of the language and the culture of German readers and writers. In this subject, you will read and watch German crime fiction from the 20th and 21st centuries. The subject focuses on developing your ability to examine a literary or film text critically and to relate it to the historical, political and social context of its era. Enhance your language skills through a detailed study of the texts and by producing your own piece of crime fiction in German.

• Italian:

The Italian Detective Novel

The detective novel is a popular literary genre in Italy. The Italian crime fiction genre escalated in the early 1900s and gained popularity after WWII. In this subject you will explore the detective novel as a literary form. Popular since the twenties this genre has been used by eminent writers such as Sciascia and Eco as a metaphor for the 'search for truth'. This subject will present three contemporary authors: Leonardo Sciascia, Umberto Eco and Andrea Camilleri (famous for his Montalbano series), as a basis for literary analysis.

• Spanish:

Theory and Practice of Translation

Translating texts enhances language acquisition because it allows you to clearly recognise the nuances in the language you are learning. You will notice patterns, and see similarities and differences between your native language and Spanish, further consolidating your learning of the language. In this subject you will study the theory of translation, concentrating in particular on research into translation processes that has emerged from linguistic studies over the past 50 years. The focus of this study is the development of an understanding of the way(s) translation operates as a sociolinguistic process and the strategies that may be applied by translators in practical situations. This subject is only available to you if you have a background in Spanish language studies.