Students

FRN 370 – French Translation

2018 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor
Alex Kurmann
AHH Level 2 North Wing
Wednesday 10am - 12pm
Convenor
Sarah Martin
By appointment
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
FRN336
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This is a unit in translation methodology. It examines the issues involved in translation, considers the problems raised by the translation of various genres and provides practice in recognising differences and resolving difficulties in the areas of vocabulary, idiom and syntax. Assessment in this unit involves translation from French to English, and therefore caters particularly, but not exclusively, for native speakers of English. Students whose first language is not English should see the coordinator before enrolling. (B2+ in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.)

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 gain an understanding of the methods of translation from French to English.
  • To encourage thoughtful consideration and discussion of solutions to practical translation problems.
  • To make students aware of fundamental issues in translation methodology and theory including translation as a process, translation as a product, cultural issues in translation, compensation in translation and the question of genre.
  • To expose students to issues in textual variables and to semantic and stylistic considerations.
  • To develop organisational and time management skills.
  • To develop a critical consciousness, informed by an understanding of ethical issues, and a self-reflexive awareness of the reasoned views of others.
  • To develop independent and analytical judgement and creative thinking to solve translation problems.

General Assessment Information

Indicative samples/exemplars and marking rubrics will be provided in iLearn to further guide students on standards and approach to assessment tasks.

Late Assessment Penalty

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

Some of the factors that enter into the calculation of a participation mark include:

  • independent engagement with online communicative activities, including discussion forums
  • spontaneous contributions to discussion, expression of opinions
  • evidence of preparation for class through contributing specific examples demonstrating understanding of textbook/readings/home study
  • constructive collaboration with and feedback to peers
  • consistent target language use
  • attentive note-taking
  • structured engagement with content including evidence of revision/ organisation of notes/continuous self-directed learning
  • promotion of a positive learning environment, including: 
    • mobile device etiquette ( targeted and appropriate use for learning purposes as instructed by staff)
    • respectful treatment of peers / instructor e.g. not listening while peers are learning/ engaging with instructor
    • appropriate class behaviour to foster student learning, avoiding: tardiness; leaving class without being excused; erratic attendance disrupting the formation of a classroom community.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Assignment 1 15% No Week 5
Assignment 2 20% No Week 11
Online Mid-Semester test 15% No Week 4
Participation 20% No Ongoing
Final written test 30% No Week 13

Assignment 1

Due: Week 5
Weighting: 15%

Assignment to be submitted online through Turnitin.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To gain an understanding of the methods of translation from French to English.
  • To make students aware of fundamental issues in translation methodology and theory including translation as a process, translation as a product, cultural issues in translation, compensation in translation and the question of genre.
  • To expose students to issues in textual variables and to semantic and stylistic considerations.
  • To develop organisational and time management skills.
  • To develop independent and analytical judgement and creative thinking to solve translation problems.

Assignment 2

Due: Week 11
Weighting: 20%

Assignment to be submitted online through Turnitin.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To gain an understanding of the methods of translation from French to English.
  • To make students aware of fundamental issues in translation methodology and theory including translation as a process, translation as a product, cultural issues in translation, compensation in translation and the question of genre.
  • To expose students to issues in textual variables and to semantic and stylistic considerations.
  • To develop organisational and time management skills.
  • To develop independent and analytical judgement and creative thinking to solve translation problems.

Online Mid-Semester test

Due: Week 4
Weighting: 15%

Online quiz.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To gain an understanding of the methods of translation from French to English.
  • To develop organisational and time management skills.
  • To develop independent and analytical judgement and creative thinking to solve translation problems.

Participation

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 20%

External students must prepare and post excerpts of their weekly translations online and contribute to online discussion. Internal students must complete reading and prepare all translations for class participation.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To gain an understanding of the methods of translation from French to English.
  • To encourage thoughtful consideration and discussion of solutions to practical translation problems.
  • To make students aware of fundamental issues in translation methodology and theory including translation as a process, translation as a product, cultural issues in translation, compensation in translation and the question of genre.
  • To expose students to issues in textual variables and to semantic and stylistic considerations.
  • To develop a critical consciousness, informed by an understanding of ethical issues, and a self-reflexive awareness of the reasoned views of others.

Final written test

Due: Week 13
Weighting: 30%

A final test to be completed online in class for internal students and at home for external students.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To gain an understanding of the methods of translation from French to English.
  • To develop organisational and time management skills.
  • To develop independent and analytical judgement and creative thinking to solve translation problems.

Delivery and Resources

Required and recommended texts

Hervey, S and Higgins, I. 2002. Thinking French Translation, 2nd Edition. London: Routledge (free ibook available on iLearn)

 A large, recently published bilingual dictionary.

 Access to a large monolingual dictionary such as Le Petit Robert.

There are numerous additional texts and readings available on iLearn. All students need to consult the iLearn website for this unit.

TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED

Online Unit

Login is via: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/

Is my unit in iLearn?: http://help.ilearn.mq.edu.au/unitsonline/ to check when your online unit will become available.

Technology

Students are required to have regular access to a computer and the internet. Mobile devices alone are not sufficient.

For students attending classes on campus we strongly encourage that you bring along your own laptop computer, ready to work with activities in your online unit. The preferred operating system is Windows 10.

Students are required to access the online unit in iLearn by the end of Week 1 and follow any relevant instructions and links for downloads that may be required. If applicable, students are required to download the relevant language package prior to Week 2.

Please contact your course convenor before the end of Week 1 if you do not have a suitable laptop (or tablet) for in-class use.

Unit Schedule

FRN 370 French translation is a unit designed for people who are already competent in French language (grammar and vocabulary) and who have native competency in English. It is taught in English and does not seek to teach French language as such. Rather, it is about translation methodology, how to tackle the very difficult task of rendering a French text into English as faithfully, semantically and stylistically, as possible all the while attempting to retain something of the glory of the original.

Students are required to attend all classes and to have completed the reading and any preparation needed for each class. Bring your text book Thinking French Translation to all classes (or a laptop/iPad so you can consult it online). As you will often be working in groups, note that if you arrive unprepared, you will hold back and disadvantage not only yourself but also those working with you.

It is a good idea to bring a good bilingual dictionary with you to class. Part of the challenge of undertaking translation in the real world is working to tight deadlines. Extensions will not be given for assignments except in cases of illness (Medical certificate required) or serious misadventure (written evidence required).  Please refer to the Special Consideration Policy (link available under Policy and Procedures in this guide).

All Students Please Note: While debate and discussion on class translations and translations from the textbook, Thinking French Translation, are par for the course, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ASSIGNMENTS BE DISCUSSED WITH YOUR CLASSMATES OR ON THE ILEARN DISCUSSION FORUM. Assignments must be your own personal work and plagiarism in any form will not be tolerated.

External Students

External Students are expected to keep to the class schedule followed by the internal students in order for them to be able to keep up with discussions on iLearn. To log on, go to: www.ilearn.mq.edu.au and use your Student ID number and your MyMQ Portal password.

It is essential that external students use the iLearn discussion forum as sharing ideas and discussing possible solutions to translation problems are key skills students need to develop in this unit. I will be monitoring the external students’ discussions on iLearn and will allocate a mark for participation in this forum. The mark will take into account not only participation but the quality of discussion and solutions offered. Each week, external students will be expected to discuss particular translations in the relevant chapter of Thinking French Translation or alternative texts available on iLearn. After class, I will post the “fair copy” for students to compare with their own work on iLearn. After this, I expect students to take up any major points of difference and make suggestions for better solutions if they have any. Remember, there is no perfect translation, and the published “models” are not always the best ones (often far from it). Do not be shy to offer your opinion! All online forums must be completed by the due date after which they will close.

There will be i-Lectures for external students. As pointed out above, discussion of possible translation solutions is essential to this unit and I would like the external students to be part of the in-class discussion.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To gain an understanding of the methods of translation from French to English.
  • To encourage thoughtful consideration and discussion of solutions to practical translation problems.
  • To develop independent and analytical judgement and creative thinking to solve translation problems.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment 1
  • Assignment 2
  • Online Mid-Semester test
  • Participation
  • Final written test

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To gain an understanding of the methods of translation from French to English.
  • To encourage thoughtful consideration and discussion of solutions to practical translation problems.
  • To make students aware of fundamental issues in translation methodology and theory including translation as a process, translation as a product, cultural issues in translation, compensation in translation and the question of genre.
  • To expose students to issues in textual variables and to semantic and stylistic considerations.
  • To develop organisational and time management skills.
  • To develop a critical consciousness, informed by an understanding of ethical issues, and a self-reflexive awareness of the reasoned views of others.
  • To develop independent and analytical judgement and creative thinking to solve translation problems.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment 1
  • Assignment 2
  • Online Mid-Semester test
  • Participation
  • Final written test

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To gain an understanding of the methods of translation from French to English.
  • To encourage thoughtful consideration and discussion of solutions to practical translation problems.
  • To develop a critical consciousness, informed by an understanding of ethical issues, and a self-reflexive awareness of the reasoned views of others.
  • To develop independent and analytical judgement and creative thinking to solve translation problems.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment 1
  • Assignment 2
  • Online Mid-Semester test
  • Participation
  • Final written test

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To gain an understanding of the methods of translation from French to English.
  • To encourage thoughtful consideration and discussion of solutions to practical translation problems.
  • To make students aware of fundamental issues in translation methodology and theory including translation as a process, translation as a product, cultural issues in translation, compensation in translation and the question of genre.
  • To expose students to issues in textual variables and to semantic and stylistic considerations.
  • To develop organisational and time management skills.
  • To develop independent and analytical judgement and creative thinking to solve translation problems.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment 1
  • Assignment 2
  • Online Mid-Semester test
  • Participation
  • Final written test

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To gain an understanding of the methods of translation from French to English.
  • To encourage thoughtful consideration and discussion of solutions to practical translation problems.
  • To make students aware of fundamental issues in translation methodology and theory including translation as a process, translation as a product, cultural issues in translation, compensation in translation and the question of genre.
  • To expose students to issues in textual variables and to semantic and stylistic considerations.
  • To develop a critical consciousness, informed by an understanding of ethical issues, and a self-reflexive awareness of the reasoned views of others.
  • To develop independent and analytical judgement and creative thinking to solve translation problems.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment 1
  • Assignment 2
  • Online Mid-Semester test
  • Participation
  • Final written test

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To gain an understanding of the methods of translation from French to English.
  • To encourage thoughtful consideration and discussion of solutions to practical translation problems.
  • To develop a critical consciousness, informed by an understanding of ethical issues, and a self-reflexive awareness of the reasoned views of others.
  • To develop independent and analytical judgement and creative thinking to solve translation problems.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment 1
  • Assignment 2
  • Online Mid-Semester test
  • Participation
  • Final written test

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • To encourage thoughtful consideration and discussion of solutions to practical translation problems.

Assessment task

  • Participation

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To encourage thoughtful consideration and discussion of solutions to practical translation problems.
  • To develop a critical consciousness, informed by an understanding of ethical issues, and a self-reflexive awareness of the reasoned views of others.
  • To develop independent and analytical judgement and creative thinking to solve translation problems.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment 1
  • Assignment 2
  • Online Mid-Semester test
  • Participation
  • Final written test

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To encourage thoughtful consideration and discussion of solutions to practical translation problems.
  • To develop organisational and time management skills.
  • To develop a critical consciousness, informed by an understanding of ethical issues, and a self-reflexive awareness of the reasoned views of others.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment 1
  • Assignment 2
  • Online Mid-Semester test
  • Participation
  • Final written test