Contemporary Translation Studies
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| MLAC2158 | Modern Languages and Cultures | 2 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- MLAC2158
- School
- Modern Languages and Cultures
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
The module introduces the key concepts of translation theory, such as equivalence, text type, skopos, alongside relevant linguistic theories such as register and relevance, with a focus on enabling students to apply these concepts to translation practice.
Target Students
Core module for second-year MLT students (compulsory). Available for second year CLAS students with degree courses involving either post A-level French or post A-level German or post A-level Spanish or post A-level Russian, and to students from outside CLAS who meet the pre-requisites.
Classes
- One 1-hour seminar each week for 11 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 11 weeks
Assessment
- 50% Coursework 1: Coursework 1 is made up of two elements. Element 1 (80% of the mark): 1 x 250-word translation + 1 x 750-word commentary incorporating translation theory. Element 2 (20% of the mark): 1 x 500-word reflection on another students submitted coursework (peer feedback).
- 50% Exam (2-hour): 1 x 1.5-hr exam: 1 x 300-word translation + 1 x commentary incorporating translation theory (no word limit, but a rough guide of 1000 words). Students will have a choice between two texts to translate-one expressive, one informative/operative.
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
Increase students’ understanding of and expertise in dealing with the linguistic interface between English and the languages they are studying; provide students with a solid grounding in key concepts of translation theory, and enable them to explore how these relate to translation practice; significantly enhance students’ translation skills and their understanding of how languages work, independently and in relation to each other; provide a first grounding for professional work as a translatorLearning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding:
Students will have the opportunity to gain knowledge and critical understanding of key aspects of translation theory and current issues in translation studies, as well an understanding of the linguistic and cultural relationships between languages and the issues involved in translating. (A1, 4, 6)
Intellectual skills:
Students will gather, process and evaluate information from a variety of sources in English and the languages they study (B1).
They will gain experience in reflecting critically and making judgements about the accuracy or appropriateness of theoretical constructs (B2 and 3).
They will learn to identify and describe questions and problems (B4) and to apply techniques and concepts appropriate for the analysis of texts for the purpose of translation.
Professional practical and transferable skills:
Students will enhance their translation skills (C5), as well as their ability to read texts in two or more languages from a language-critical view-point (C3).
They will enhance their ability to express themselves clearly in English and on an appropriate conceptual level in writing (D1).
Transferable skills:
Students will develop their ability to work independently and in groups (D3 and 4).
Students will be expected to organise and manage working time, to schedule tasks and to meet deadlines (D7).
Students will need to use IT effectively to present their work (D8).
Conveners
- Dr Olivia Hellewell
- Dr Maike Oergel