Students
TRAN908 – Research Methods in Translation and Interpreting Studies
2017 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convener and lecturer
Ilija Casule
Contact via 8660
C5A 554
by appointment
Lecturer
Canzhong Wu
Contact via 8764
C5A560
by appointment
Lecturer
Zhongwei Song
Contact via x9608
C5A 551
by appointment
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
TRAN870 or admission to MConfInt
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
In this unit students will engage critically with a range of approaches to translation and interpreting as evident in theories in these two fields. Students will be given an overview of the dominant directions in thinking about translation and interpreting from the classical era to the contemporary era. The unit will build on the basic introduction to theoretical concepts in TRAN870 and develop a deeper understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of the field of Translation and Interpreting Studies. Although the emphasis will be on guiding students to an understanding of the relevance of theoretical developments to the practice of translation and interpreting, 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.
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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 | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Literature review | 20% | No | Week 7 |
| Research Methodology | 20% | No | Week 10 |
| Oral presentation of research | 10% | No | Weeks 12 and 13 |
| Research proposal | 50% | No | June 12 |
Literature review
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 20%
Students present a critical literature review of studies that have dealt with their research topic and formulate the main research questions. (1500 words).
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: 20%
Students provide a detailed research methodology for their proposed study, describing the material they will use in their study and their sample and the type of data.
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.
Oral presentation of research
Due: Weeks 12 and 13
Weighting: 10%
The oral presentation is a summary of the research project and its contextualisation.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- 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.
Research proposal
Due: June 12
Weighting: 50%
The research proposal is the framework of the research. It should be between 2000 and 2500 words and should include the literature review and methodology as revised and the schedule.
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.
- 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.
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 29 February 2016. 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
1 Introduction. What is research?
2 Deciding on a research topic.
3 Asking the right questions. Research proposal.
4 Finding resources.
5 What has been done? Areas in translation research.
6 Contextualising your problem.
7 Literature review.
8 Finding the best way to answer your research questions.
9 Conducting surveys.
10 Studying the process: Case studies and think-aloud protocols.
11 Studying the process: Observational studies.
12 Studying the product: Comparative analysis and corpus studies.
13 Conclusion: The way forward.
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_2016.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
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://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources 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
- 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
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.
- 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
- Literature review
- Research Methodology
- Oral presentation of research
- Research proposal
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.
- 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
- Literature review
- Research Methodology
- Oral presentation of research
- Research proposal
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.
- 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
- Literature review
- Research Methodology
- Oral presentation of research
- Research proposal
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
- Research Methodology
- Oral presentation of research
- Research proposal
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
- Communicate theoretical concepts relevant to translating and interpreting theory for the benefit of peers, clients and the general public.
Assessment tasks
- Research Methodology
- Oral presentation of research
- Research proposal
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.