Course unit details:
Introduction to Translation and Interpreting studies
Unit code | ELAN64001 |
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Credit rating | 15 |
Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
Available as a free choice unit? | Yes |
Overview
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.
Pre/co-requisites
Available on MATIS programme
Available as free choice on MAIC programme
Taught in English
Aims
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
Syllabus
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.
Teaching and learning methods
The module is delivered through 11 x 1-hour lectures, 11 x 1-hour seminars, independent study, and guided group learning.
Knowledge and understanding
Demonstrate a firm grasp of the metalanguage used to discuss and analyse spoken and written texts
Understand how linguistic issues can affect translation decisions, connecting theory with practice as well as micro-linguistic choices with wider issues
Be familiar with the major disciplinary approaches in translation and interpreting studies since the 1960s
Intellectual skills
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
Practical skills
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
Transferable skills and personal qualities
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
Employability skills
- Analytical skills
- Proofreading
- Innovation/creativity
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Structuring an argument
- Other
- Supporting arguments with evidence
Assessment methods
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.
Feedback methods
Feedback method | Formative or Summative |
Written feedback on written assignments | Both |
Oral feedback on group discussions in seminars | Formative |
Peer feedback through seminars | Formative |
Recommended reading
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.
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
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Lectures | 22 |
Independent study hours | |
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Independent study | 128 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
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Kasia Szymanska | Unit coordinator |
Henry Jones | Unit coordinator |
Anna Strowe | Unit coordinator |