Translation Project
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| MLAC3152 | Modern Languages and Cultures | 3 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- MLAC3152
- School
- Modern Languages and Cultures
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
Students will carry out an extended translation project (translation plus commentary), applying their knowledge of translation theory and their practical translation skills gained during years 1 and 2. Students choose their own source text(s). The source text should be 3000 words long; it could be a single text, an extract from a longer text, or a series of linked texts (e.g. webpages). The source text must be original material composed in ONE of the languages studied by the student as part of their degree programme. It must not have been translated into English before and must be approved by the module convenor or another member of staff designated by the module convenor. The translation may be completed on a pro bono basis for an external client, perhaps drawing on opportunities that open up during the year abroad. Teaching takes place in the form of regular individual meetings with the allocated supervisor, and group meetings with the module convenor, centred more generally on translation and commentary writing skills.
Target Students
Only available for BA Modern Languages with Translation students.
Classes
- One 30-minute tutorial each week for 5 weeks
- One 2-hour seminar each week for 2 weeks
The School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies operates an attendance policy. The details of this policy can be found in the student handbook on Workspace and in module handbooks.
Assessment
- 75% Coursework 1: 3,000 word translation into English of an approved source text in any domain
- 25% Coursework 2: 1,000 word commentary in English outlining overall translation strategy and discussing translation difficulties and solutions
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
The aim of the module is to offer students an opportunity to consolidate and further improve their translation skills, drawing on knowledge of translation theory gained in year 1 and year 2 modules. The completion of an extended translation project also serves to help students to demonstrate relevant ‘work experience’ when applying for jobs in the translation sector.Learning Outcomes
- A1: The grammar, structures, registers and practical functioning of the chosen languages.
- A2: The techniques required for successful working at the interface of the chosen languages and English.
- A3: Selected aspects of linguistics and the literature, culture, history and/or society in which the chosen languages are spoken.
- A4: Principles of literary and textual analysis.
- A6: Linguistic, textual and cultural issues relating to translation, and techniques for resolving difficulties
Intellectual Skills
- B1: Undertake close textual analysis.
- B4: Engage in independent study and research.
- B5: Engage in critical and analytic reflection.
- B7: Engage in exchanges of ideas with others, giving due weight to their opinions.
- B8: Make a practical and effective use of both English and the target languages.
Professional and transferable skills:
- D1: Effective communication of information and ideas in appropriate registers of both oral and written English.
- D2: Gathering, processing and critically evaluating material from a variety of sources, written, oral or audio-visual.
- D3: Definition of problems and construction of strategies for their solution.
- D4: Working productively independently.
- D6: Working productively under pressure.
- D7: Organising time and work programmes effectively and meeting deadlines.
- D8: Effective use of IT as a means of communication, presentation and learning.
- D9: Ability to reflect on his/her own performance and recognise strengths and weaknesses.
- D10: General personal skills: self-reliance, flexibility, initiative, self-confidence.