Students

TRAN908 – Research Methods in Translation and Interpreting Studies

2015 – S2 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor, lecturer and tutor
Jan-Louis Kruger
Contact via 0298501467
C5A 506
By appointment
Margaret Wood
Tutor
Izumi Inoue
Contact via 9850 9803
C5A412
Tutor, Lecturer
Zhongwei Song
Contact via 9850 9608
C5A 408
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
TRAN870 or admission to the Master of Advanced Conference Interpreting
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit is designed to provide students with an overview of some of the most important research methodologies used in research on translation and interpreting. Students will be introduced to a range of areas and models in translation and interpreting research as well as different approaches to research. The formulation of research topics, questions, aims and hypotheses will be discussed with reference to examples, and students will get the opportunity to formulate research topics, motivate their choice of research topic, formulate research questions explore appropriate methodologies for answering the research questions. They will also be introduced to library research in working on literature reviews and ultimately create a research plan in the form of a research proposal which they will have to present orally in their group. By planning individual research projects based on the theoretical knowledge and practical skills acquired in earlier units, and more systematic readings on research methodologies, the students will be guided to explore T&I related areas from multiple perspectives and to use their acquired expertise and knowledge to conduct systematic inquiry.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Select, apply and integrate principles, techniques and theoretical approaches within translation and interpreting studies in applications of theory to quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research practice
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive, informed and systematic understanding of key historical and contemporary developments in translation and interpreting research methods.
  • Identify unfamiliar concrete and abstract translation and interpreting research problems by means of sophisticated theoretical reflection, and assess previous research.
  • Apply linguistic skills and knowledge to investigate, analyse and synthesize complex information, problems, concepts and theories within the fields of T&I.
  • Communicate theoretical concepts relevant to translating and interpreting theory for the benefit of peers, clients and the general public.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Literature review 15% Week 7
Research methodology 15% Week 10
Oral presentation of research 10% Week 12 to 13
Research proposal 50% 10 November
Quiz (in class) 10% Week 13

Literature review

Due: Week 7
Weighting: 15%

Based on the topic chosen in week 2 and the one-page motivation, questions and aims, you have to write a critical literature review of studies that have dealt with this topic in the past. This is a library research task which means that you have to plan the literature review in such a way that you:

  1. Show that the research problem is relevant.
  2. Define the terms and concepts relevant to the topic.
  3. Critically engage with studies that have dealt with the topic, including a summary of the main points, a critical discussion of the positive aspects and the limitations of these studies.
  4. Indicate how your study will contribute to addressing the research problem.
  5. Conclude with the main research questions of your proposed study.

Scope:

  • This literature review should be between 1000 and 1500 words.
  • A minimum of 5 to 10 references are required, and 75-80% of the references must have been published within the last 10 years. Credit will be given for reading outside of the provided articles and chapters.

 

Assessment criteria:

  1. Idea introduced clearly with a problem statement (20%)
  2. Report flows well (20%)
  3. Adequate coverage of range of relevant literature (30%)
  4. Clear and cohesive academic writing style (5%)
  5. Synthesis of ideas concluding with a research question (20%)
  6. Appropriate use of APA style for citations and referencing (5%)

 

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Select, apply and integrate principles, techniques and theoretical approaches within translation and interpreting studies in applications of theory to quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research practice
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive, informed and systematic understanding of key historical and contemporary developments in translation and interpreting research methods.
  • Identify unfamiliar concrete and abstract translation and interpreting research problems by means of sophisticated theoretical reflection, and assess previous research.
  • Apply linguistic skills and knowledge to investigate, analyse and synthesize complex information, problems, concepts and theories within the fields of T&I.

Research methodology

Due: Week 10
Weighting: 15%

In this assignment you have to provide a detailed research methodology for your proposed study. Your methodology should contain the following:

  • An introduction of no more than 400 words in which you indicate how you will go about finding the answers to your research questions. This should be a summary of your approach (i.e. comparative text analysis, survey-based research, experimental research, etc.) as well as an explanation of why this is the appropriate methodology (25%)
  • A description of the material you will use in the study (i.e. translated works, recorded interpreting of a specific event) (10%)
  • A description of your sample (what is the population for your study, how will you select participants or texts, ethics, etc.) (25%)
  • A description of the type of data you will collect (questionnaires, performance measurements, think-aloud protocols, etc., annotations) (20%)
  • Timeline for conducting the research. (20%)

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Select, apply and integrate principles, techniques and theoretical approaches within translation and interpreting studies in applications of theory to quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research practice
  • Identify unfamiliar concrete and abstract translation and interpreting research problems by means of sophisticated theoretical reflection, and assess previous research.
  • Communicate theoretical concepts relevant to translating and interpreting theory for the benefit of peers, clients and the general public.

Oral presentation of research

Due: Week 12 to 13
Weighting: 10%

This will be the final opportunity to receive feedback on your research proposal.

Your oral presentation has to be prepared and delivered as a slide show. It will be assessed according to the following criteria:

  • Focused nature of the research questions
  • Clarity of contextualisation
  • Fluency and composition of your argument
  • Appropriateness of methodology
  • Delivery of presentation
  • Appearance of presentation

On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Select, apply and integrate principles, techniques and theoretical approaches within translation and interpreting studies in applications of theory to quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research practice
  • Communicate theoretical concepts relevant to translating and interpreting theory for the benefit of peers, clients and the general public.

Research proposal

Due: 10 November
Weighting: 50%

The research proposal is the framework of your research. The research proposal should be between 2000 and 2500 words and should include the literature review and methodology as revised. You should cover the following elements in your proposal:

  1. Topic
  2. Literature review
  3. Research questions
  4. Research objectives
  5. Methodology/research design
  6. Bibliography
  7. Schedule

Assessment criteria:

  1. Well-written and easily understood (20%)
  2. Provides brief summary of problem and how proposed research would contribute to solving the problem (20%)
  3. Plan is feasible and clear (20%)
  4. Review of related/complementary research (20%)
  5. Realistic projected schedule (20%)

On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Select, apply and integrate principles, techniques and theoretical approaches within translation and interpreting studies in applications of theory to quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research practice
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive, informed and systematic understanding of key historical and contemporary developments in translation and interpreting research methods.
  • Identify unfamiliar concrete and abstract translation and interpreting research problems by means of sophisticated theoretical reflection, and assess previous research.
  • Apply linguistic skills and knowledge to investigate, analyse and synthesize complex information, problems, concepts and theories within the fields of T&I.
  • Communicate theoretical concepts relevant to translating and interpreting theory for the benefit of peers, clients and the general public.

Quiz (in class)

Due: Week 13
Weighting: 10%

Students will sit for a multiple-choice and short answer quiz, based on the lecture materials.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Select, apply and integrate principles, techniques and theoretical approaches within translation and interpreting studies in applications of theory to quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research practice
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive, informed and systematic understanding of key historical and contemporary developments in translation and interpreting research methods.
  • Apply linguistic skills and knowledge to investigate, analyse and synthesize complex information, problems, concepts and theories within the fields of T&I.

Delivery and Resources

This subject requires full attendance at lectures and tutorials. Students are required to attend one lecture each week. The lectures will also be made available through Echo recordings and the iLearn site for TRAN908 for later reference.

To login to the website, go to https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/MQ/.  You will have access to the TRAN 908 website from Monday 23 February 2015. You’ll find it has a range of resources for the unit (links, discussion forums, postings etc).

For general information about iLearn and how it works, start by checking:

http://www.mq.edu.au/iLearn/studentinfo.htm

For specific student guides on accessing discussions, etc., go to:

http://www.mq.edu.au/iLearn/student_info/guides.htm

 

At the end of the first lecture students will be assigned to one of three tutorial groups. Each group will have a maximum of 10 to 15 students. The tutor will then be available every week to guide students through the different research methodologies, and for developing their own research proposal. Please note: Although the tutorial times are allocated for 2 hours it is not expected that students meet with their tutors for 2 hours each week. Students should expect to meet with their tutor for 1-2 hours, and the remaining hour students will be able to stay in the tutorial room to discuss their work with other students if required.

Unit Schedule

 

Week

Topic

Lecturer

Activity

1

Introduction: What is research?

Jan-Louis Kruger

 

2

Deciding on a research topic

Jan-Louis Kruger

Choose topic (class discussion)

3

Asking the right questions.

Research proposal.

Jan-Louis Kruger

Analyse article (class discussion)

4

Finding resources

Library staff

Find at least 5 sources relevant to topic (individual)

5

What has been done? Areas in translation research.

Stanley Song

One-page proposal (class discussion)

6

Contextualising your problem.

Izumi Inoue

Analyse sources (class discussion)

7

Literature review

Jan-Louis Kruger

Assignment 1: Literature review due 11 September

8

Finding the best way to answer your research questions.  

Stanley Song

Draft methodology (class discussion)

9

Conducting surveys.

Izumi Inoue

Example of survey

10

Studying the process and the context of T&I

Izumi Inoue

Assignment 2: Methodology due 16 October

11

Studying the process: Observational studies

Izumi Inoue

 

12

Studying the product: Comparative analysis and corpus studies

Canzhong Wu

Assignment 3: Oral presentation of proposal

13

Conclusion: The way forward

Jan-Louis Kruger

Assignment 3: Oral presentation of proposal

In class quiz.

 

Final assessment: Research proposal due November 6

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy  http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Communicate theoretical concepts relevant to translating and interpreting theory for the benefit of peers, clients and the general public.

Assessment tasks

  • Oral presentation of research
  • Research proposal

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Select, apply and integrate principles, techniques and theoretical approaches within translation and interpreting studies in applications of theory to quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research practice
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive, informed and systematic understanding of key historical and contemporary developments in translation and interpreting research methods.
  • Apply linguistic skills and knowledge to investigate, analyse and synthesize complex information, problems, concepts and theories within the fields of T&I.

Assessment tasks

  • Literature review
  • Research methodology
  • Oral presentation of research
  • Research proposal
  • Quiz (in class)

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Select, apply and integrate principles, techniques and theoretical approaches within translation and interpreting studies in applications of theory to quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research practice
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive, informed and systematic understanding of key historical and contemporary developments in translation and interpreting research methods.
  • Apply linguistic skills and knowledge to investigate, analyse and synthesize complex information, problems, concepts and theories within the fields of T&I.
  • Communicate theoretical concepts relevant to translating and interpreting theory for the benefit of peers, clients and the general public.

Assessment tasks

  • Literature review
  • Research methodology
  • Oral presentation of research
  • Research proposal
  • Quiz (in class)

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Select, apply and integrate principles, techniques and theoretical approaches within translation and interpreting studies in applications of theory to quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research practice
  • Identify unfamiliar concrete and abstract translation and interpreting research problems by means of sophisticated theoretical reflection, and assess previous research.
  • Apply linguistic skills and knowledge to investigate, analyse and synthesize complex information, problems, concepts and theories within the fields of T&I.

Assessment tasks

  • Literature review
  • Research methodology
  • Oral presentation of research
  • Research proposal
  • Quiz (in class)

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Communicate theoretical concepts relevant to translating and interpreting theory for the benefit of peers, clients and the general public.

Assessment tasks

  • Oral presentation of research
  • Research proposal
  • Quiz (in class)

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Identify unfamiliar concrete and abstract translation and interpreting research problems by means of sophisticated theoretical reflection, and assess previous research.

Assessment tasks

  • Literature review
  • Research methodology
  • Research proposal