Students

TRAN902 – Approaches to Translation and Interpreting

2015 – S2 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Margaret Wood
Lecturer
Jean Cho
by appointment
Lecturer
Haidee Kruger
by appointment
Izumi Inoue
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
TRAN870
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
At the higher levels of translation and interpreting practice, practitioners are required to be familiar with and able to draw on a deep understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of the fields of Translation Studies and Interpreting Studies. This is necessary in order to creatively resolve complex problems arising in practice. In this unit, students will deepen their knowledge and understanding of the important theoretical movements of the past century.

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:

  • To develop a systematic understanding of translation theories through a critical survey of past and present theories of translation.
  • To assess available empirical evidence of the relevance of translation theories to professional tasks undertaken by advanced translators.
  • In this unit, students will deepen their knowledge and understanding of the important theoretical movements of the past century.
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive, informed and systematic understanding of key historical and contemporary developments in translation and interpreting studies.
  • Tto obtain a solid grasp of modern translation theories and the possibilities for their application.
  • To obtain a broad knowledge of the history and development of translation studies and translation theory.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Essay outline. 20% Week 7
Major essay. 50% Week 10
Oral presentation. 30% Weeks 12-13

Essay outline.

Due: Week 7
Weighting: 20%

Assignment 1. ESSAY OUTLINE (20% of final grade).                       Due:  Week 7

 

In this assessment task you will choose the translation theory from the textbooks, course notes, references or lectures, that you will be analysing critically in the major essay in Assignment 2. You are required to write up a two-page outline of the organisation of your essay. In this outline you need to plan your essay as regards its structure and composition, but more importantly, you need to highlight the major aspects of the theory you intend to cover. It should include a list of not more than 10 references directly relevant to your topic, and a 100 word abstract on the essential characteristics of the theory. You will then meet with your lecturer for an oral discussion of your outline.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To develop a systematic understanding of translation theories through a critical survey of past and present theories of translation.
  • Tto obtain a solid grasp of modern translation theories and the possibilities for their application.

Major essay.

Due: Week 10
Weighting: 50%

Describe what is required of a good translation theory. Examine (analyse) the selected theory (following your outline in Assignment 1) and how it satisfies the requirements of a good theory. You can use other author’s opinions, but you must also provide your own view. Pass judgment on the selected theory – this must be well backed by your analysis. Avoiding presentation of your own view will result in a lower grade. Unjustified claims will attract heavy penalties. Well justified claims will attract bonus points.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To develop a systematic understanding of translation theories through a critical survey of past and present theories of translation.
  • To assess available empirical evidence of the relevance of translation theories to professional tasks undertaken by advanced translators.
  • In this unit, students will deepen their knowledge and understanding of the important theoretical movements of the past century.
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive, informed and systematic understanding of key historical and contemporary developments in translation and interpreting studies.
  • Tto obtain a solid grasp of modern translation theories and the possibilities for their application.
  • To obtain a broad knowledge of the history and development of translation studies and translation theory.

Oral presentation.

Due: Weeks 12-13
Weighting: 30%

Select two related articles or a chapter of a book, or a book from the various references provided and prepare a presentation – critical review to be delivered in class. While it is preferable that you choose articles that analyse empirical studies with theoretical implications, you may choose more theoretical works or items dealing with the history of translation studies.

You will have to speak 8 minutes (+ 2 mins. discussion), prepare a handout and formulate 3 questions that you will ask the class to initiate discussion.

In this assessment task you will be graded on the choice of subject matter, your understanding of the basic theoretical issues involved, your fluency and ability to connect with your audience, your language competence and confidence of delivery, the relevance and quality of your handout, the ability to instigate discussion. You should also relate your chosen articles/chapters/book to the general issues analysed in this unit.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To develop a systematic understanding of translation theories through a critical survey of past and present theories of translation.
  • To assess available empirical evidence of the relevance of translation theories to professional tasks undertaken by advanced translators.
  • In this unit, students will deepen their knowledge and understanding of the important theoretical movements of the past century.
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive, informed and systematic understanding of key historical and contemporary developments in translation and interpreting studies.
  • Tto obtain a solid grasp of modern translation theories and the possibilities for their application.
  • To obtain a broad knowledge of the history and development of translation studies and translation theory.

Delivery and Resources

This subject requires full attendance at 2 hour lectures each week. The lectures will also be made available through Echo recordings and the iLearn site for TRAN902 for later reference.

To login to the website, go to https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/MQ/.  You will have access to the TRAN 902 website from Monday 27 July 2015. You will 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

 

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 outcomes

  • To develop a systematic understanding of translation theories through a critical survey of past and present theories of translation.
  • Tto obtain a solid grasp of modern translation theories and the possibilities for their application.
  • To obtain a broad knowledge of the history and development of translation studies and translation theory.

Assessment tasks

  • Essay outline.
  • Major essay.
  • Oral presentation.

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

  • To develop a systematic understanding of translation theories through a critical survey of past and present theories of translation.
  • To assess available empirical evidence of the relevance of translation theories to professional tasks undertaken by advanced translators.
  • In this unit, students will deepen their knowledge and understanding of the important theoretical movements of the past century.
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive, informed and systematic understanding of key historical and contemporary developments in translation and interpreting studies.
  • Tto obtain a solid grasp of modern translation theories and the possibilities for their application.
  • To obtain a broad knowledge of the history and development of translation studies and translation theory.

Assessment tasks

  • Essay outline.
  • Major essay.
  • Oral presentation.

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

  • To develop a systematic understanding of translation theories through a critical survey of past and present theories of translation.
  • To assess available empirical evidence of the relevance of translation theories to professional tasks undertaken by advanced translators.
  • In this unit, students will deepen their knowledge and understanding of the important theoretical movements of the past century.
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive, informed and systematic understanding of key historical and contemporary developments in translation and interpreting studies.
  • Tto obtain a solid grasp of modern translation theories and the possibilities for their application.
  • To obtain a broad knowledge of the history and development of translation studies and translation theory.

Assessment tasks

  • Essay outline.
  • Major essay.
  • Oral presentation.

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

  • To develop a systematic understanding of translation theories through a critical survey of past and present theories of translation.
  • To assess available empirical evidence of the relevance of translation theories to professional tasks undertaken by advanced translators.
  • Tto obtain a solid grasp of modern translation theories and the possibilities for their application.
  • To obtain a broad knowledge of the history and development of translation studies and translation theory.

Assessment tasks

  • Essay outline.
  • Major essay.

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 outcomes

  • To assess available empirical evidence of the relevance of translation theories to professional tasks undertaken by advanced translators.
  • In this unit, students will deepen their knowledge and understanding of the important theoretical movements of the past century.
  • Tto obtain a solid grasp of modern translation theories and the possibilities for their application.

Assessment task

  • Oral presentation.

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 outcomes

  • In this unit, students will deepen their knowledge and understanding of the important theoretical movements of the past century.
  • Tto obtain a solid grasp of modern translation theories and the possibilities for their application.

Assessment task

  • Oral presentation.