MA Translation and Interpreting Studies

This course unit provides students with a grounding in contemporary theories of translation and interpreting from the 1960s until the present time.

The first half of the course focuses on linguistic approaches, specifically the analysis and description of texts, using a range of skills and concepts from linguistics and sociolinguistics. The second half of the course explores approaches to translation that are employed in translation studies beyond linguistic approaches, or in conjunction with them, including:

systems approaches

sociological approaches

feminist approaches

postcolonial approaches

Sessions and exercises in both parts will connect with existing literature in translation and interpreting studies, as both examples and as the basis for exercises and discussions where relevant.

This course also provides a foundation for MA writing in translation and interpreting, using exercises and coursework to cover issues related to academic writing, critical reading, and the integration of textual analysis with other forms of analysis. 

Available on MATIS programme

Available as free choice on MAIC programme

Taught in English

To provide students with a metalanguage for analysing a broad range of texts and utterances, including their own translation and interpreting outputs

To enable students to write critically about methods and categories of textual analysis

To introduce key paradigms of research in translation and interpreting studies

To develop awareness of the relationship between theory and practice

To equip students with effective research and analytical skills 

Weeks 1-5: Linguistic approaches to translation, from basic categories of description in linguistics through sociolinguistics and pragmatics.

Weeks 7-12: Social and cultural approaches to translation, including major trends in thinking in translation studies starting in the second half of the 20th century.

The module is delivered through 11 x 1-hour lectures, 11 x 1-hour seminars, independent study, and guided group learning.

Analyse written and spoken texts

Evaluate translation choices using appropriate concepts and metalanguage  

Critically assess relevant academic literature

Develop and sustain a coherent argument in appropriately lucid and scholarly terms ge  

Make informed decisions about translation and interpreting (in practice)

Evaluate your own decisions and the decisions of others with reference to linguistic as well as cultural/social/political concerns

Select and synthesise literature to back up an argument 

Structure ideas clearly and present a well-structured analysis or argument

Adhere to guidelines and present a professional written product

Plan and carry out written assignments to a strict deadline 

Assessment task:

1. Critical review - 30%

2. Critical essay - 70%

Resit assessment:

If only one assessment task has been failed, that task will be resat.  

If both  tasks have been failed, Assessment 2 will be resat. 

  The readings listed here are indicative overviews of topics, elements of which may be part of the actual course reading list. This is not, however, the reading list itself, which is largely made up of individual scholarly articles on various topics.

Baer, Brian J. and Christopher D. Mellinger (2019) Translating Texts: An Introductory Coursebook on Translation and Text Formation, London & New York: Routledge.

Baker, Mona (1992/2011) In Other Words, London & New York: Routledge.

Baker, Mona (ed.) (2010) Critical Readings in Translation Studies, London & New York: Routledge.  

Bermann, Sandra and Catherine Porter (2014) A Companion to Translation Studies, Wiley Blackwell.

Hatim, Basil and Ian Mason (1990) Discourse and the Translator, London & New York: Longman.

Munday, Jeremy (2001/2008/2012/2016) Introducing Translation Studies, London & New York: Routledge (fourth edition).  

Venuti, Lawrence (2000/2004/2012) The Translation Studies Reader (first, second and third editions), London & New York: Routledge.