SS25 – Asynchronous Online, 3cr
Are you looking to deepen your Spanish language skills and explore new dimensions of cultural understanding? SPN452: Reading and Translation offers the perfect opportunity. Taught by Prof. Miguel Cabañas, this course is designed for intermediate-advanced learners eager to delve into the fascinating world of translation from Spanish to English.
Translation goes beyond simply converting words; it’s about bridging cultures and conveying meaning in a way that honors the original intent. Accurate translation requires more than understanding vocabulary and grammar—it’s about knowing how these elements function in different contexts. In this course, you’ll learn to interpret the deeper meaning behind the text, ensuring your translations are smooth and fully capture the original message. By working with diverse materials, such as news articles and artistic media, you’ll develop the skills to translate not just words, but the cultural and contextual meanings that make each piece unique. This experience will help you craft translations that are just as impactful in English as they are in Spanish.
Throughout this course, you’ll delve into the socio-historical contexts and cultural nuances that shape the texts you are translating. You’ll explore the deeper meaning of how language reflects culture and identity, and how thoughtful translation is key to preserving these elements. Whether translating a thought-provoking piece of Spanish literature or interpreting a journal article, you’ll learn how to maintain the original tone and intent while still ensuring that your translation resonates with English speaking audiences.
The course also offers valuable insight into the linguistic differences between Spanish and English, exploring how idiomatic expressions, vocabulary, and grammar play unique roles in both languages. Through hands-on practice, you will develop a deeper appreciation of how these differences shape communication and meaning.
This course is fully online and asynchronous, so you can complete the material on your own schedule. Whether you’re pursuing a career in translation, international relations, or simply looking to deepen your appreciation for both languages and improve your bilingual skills, this course will equip you with tools in linguistic analysis, cultural understanding, and precise translation techniques.
For more information on the course, contact Prof. Cabañas (mcabanas@msu.edu). For help enrolling, get in touch with Jennifer Gansler (gansler@msu.edu).
