Students

TRAN8905 – Specialised Translation Practice

2022 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Adelis Huang
Marc Orlando
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
TRAN820 or TRAN8020
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
Professional translators are required to work in a broad range of institutional settings with a great variety of genres. The aim of this unit is to provide students with the opportunity to discuss and practice advanced translation skills in specialised areas such as business, law, medicine and technology. Students will analyse the complex linguistic, cultural and ethical challenges of translating specialised documents. They will explore theoretical and practical aspects of different specialised domains, and build up skills in specialised terminology management. Applied aspects of the unit focus on the specific expectation and challenges faced by translators working in different institutional settings, preparing them for professional practice in specific translation markets and working with professionals in other fields. This unit will comprise a mix of combined and language-specific sessions.

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:

  • ULO1: Demonstrate advanced translating skills and techniques.
  • ULO2: Apply theoretical and integrated knowledge of established principles and recent developments in specialist translation studies.
  • ULO3: Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the specialist translators working with professionals in other fields.
  • ULO4: Discuss the linguistic, cultural and ethical issues faced by translators working in specialised domains/institutional settings.
  • ULO5: Identify appropriate translation techniques to be used with specialist texts.
  • ULO6: Develop specialist translation skills in both language directions (English and LOTE).
  • ULO7: Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills of technological applications for the practice of translation.
  • ULO8: Generate creative solutions to complex problems arising in translation practice in relation to translational choices, interpersonal relations and professional conduct.
  • ULO9: Communicate theoretical concepts relevant to specialised translating practice for the benefit of peers, clients and the general public.
  • ULO10: Manage major translation projects in specialised settings.

General Assessment Information

Grade descriptors and other information concerning grading are contained in the Macquarie University Assessment Policy.

All final grades are determined by a grading committee, in accordance with the Macquarie University Assessment Policy, and are not the sole responsibility of the Unit Convenor.

Students will be awarded a final grade and a mark which must correspond to the grade descriptors specified in the Assessment Procedure (clause 128).

To pass this unit, you must demonstrate sufficient evidence of achievement of the learning outcomes, meet any ungraded requirements, and achieve a final mark of 50 or better.

Further details for each assessment task will be available on iLearn.

Late Submissions

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (OF THE TOTAL POSSIBLE MARK) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern. 

 For example:

Number of days (hours) late

Total Possible Marks

Deduction

Raw mark

Final mark

1 day (1-24 hours)

100

5

75

70

2 days (24-48 hours)

100

10

75

65

3 days (48-72 hours)

100

15

75

60

7 days (144-168 hours)

100

35

75

40

>7 days (>168 hours)

100

-

75

0

 

Late submission of time sensitive tasks, such as timetabled tests/exams, scheduled performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs, will be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special consideration application.  

Special Consideration

If you are unable to complete an assessment task on or by the specified date due circumstances that are unexpected, unavoidable, significantly disruptive and beyond your control, you may apply for special consideration in accordance with the special consideration policy. Applications for special consideration must be supported by appropriate evidence and submitted via ask.mq.edu.au.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Learning Journal 20% No Various
Translation assignments 40% No Various
Major Translation Project 40% No Week 14

Learning Journal

Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Various
Weighting: 20%

 

Students are required to maintain a weekly learning journal to reflect on the learning experience, problem solving strategies in dealing with specialised translations and to compile and edit specialist glossaries.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate advanced translating skills and techniques.
  • Apply theoretical and integrated knowledge of established principles and recent developments in specialist translation studies.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the specialist translators working with professionals in other fields.
  • Discuss the linguistic, cultural and ethical issues faced by translators working in specialised domains/institutional settings.
  • Identify appropriate translation techniques to be used with specialist texts.
  • Develop specialist translation skills in both language directions (English and LOTE).
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills of technological applications for the practice of translation.
  • Generate creative solutions to complex problems arising in translation practice in relation to translational choices, interpersonal relations and professional conduct.
  • Communicate theoretical concepts relevant to specialised translating practice for the benefit of peers, clients and the general public.
  • Manage major translation projects in specialised settings.

Translation assignments

Assessment Type 1: Translation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Various
Weighting: 40%

 

Students will be required to complete various specialised translation tasks of 300 to 500 words each and in both directions

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate advanced translating skills and techniques.
  • Apply theoretical and integrated knowledge of established principles and recent developments in specialist translation studies.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the specialist translators working with professionals in other fields.
  • Discuss the linguistic, cultural and ethical issues faced by translators working in specialised domains/institutional settings.
  • Identify appropriate translation techniques to be used with specialist texts.
  • Develop specialist translation skills in both language directions (English and LOTE).
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills of technological applications for the practice of translation.
  • Generate creative solutions to complex problems arising in translation practice in relation to translational choices, interpersonal relations and professional conduct.
  • Communicate theoretical concepts relevant to specialised translating practice for the benefit of peers, clients and the general public.
  • Manage major translation projects in specialised settings.

Major Translation Project

Assessment Type 1: Project
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: Week 14
Weighting: 40%

 

Students will be required to complete a major translation project of approximately 5000 words in either direction. Project planning and management, and peer learning activities are part of this task.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate advanced translating skills and techniques.
  • Apply theoretical and integrated knowledge of established principles and recent developments in specialist translation studies.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the specialist translators working with professionals in other fields.
  • Discuss the linguistic, cultural and ethical issues faced by translators working in specialised domains/institutional settings.
  • Identify appropriate translation techniques to be used with specialist texts.
  • Develop specialist translation skills in both language directions (English and LOTE).
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills of technological applications for the practice of translation.
  • Generate creative solutions to complex problems arising in translation practice in relation to translational choices, interpersonal relations and professional conduct.
  • Communicate theoretical concepts relevant to specialised translating practice for the benefit of peers, clients and the general public.
  • Manage major translation projects in specialised settings.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

As a student enrolled in this unit, you will engage in a range of learning activities. Classes in the Translation and Interpreting Program will be delivered in a blended mode. Students will cover weekly pre-recorded lectures made available on iLearn and will attend a tutorial/workshop where activities will allow them how to discuss and apply the concepts dealt with in the lecture to their translation and interpreting practice. Attendance and active participation in the tutorial/workshop are expected.

Students will take part in weekly sessions consisting of one hour of common workshop and 1-2hours of language specific workshops. 

Translation task materials are sourced from different domains and require in-depth and specialist knowledge. For detailed information, please refer to the Unit iLearn page. 

Unit Schedule

The unit schedule will be circulated in the first week of the semester.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

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

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

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

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.

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.

SECTION 7: PROFESSIONALISM

In the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, and in the Department of Linguistics, professionalism is a key capability embedded in all our courses.

As part of developing professionalism, students enrolled in the Translation and Interpreting program are expected to attend all small group interactive sessions including tutorials, workshops, practical and team-based learning activities.

Some learning activities are recorded (e.g., face-to-face lectures), however you are encouraged to avoid relying upon such material as they do not recreate the whole learning experience and technical issues can and do occur. As an adult learner, we respect your decision to choose how you engage with your learning, but we would remind you that the learning opportunities we create for you have been done so to enable your success, and that by not engaging you may impact your ability to successfully complete this unit. We equally expect that you show respect for the academic staff who have worked hard to develop meaningful activities and prioritise your learning by communicating with them in advance if you are unable to attend a small group interactive session.

Another dimension of professionalism is having respect for your peers. It is the right of every student to learn in an environment that is free of disruption and distraction. Please arrive to all learning activities on time, and if you are unavoidably detained, please join activity as quietly as possible to minimise disruption. Phones and other electronic devices that produce noise and other distractions must be turned off prior to entering class. Where your own device (e.g., laptop) is being used for class-related activities, you are asked to close down all other applications to avoid distraction to you and others. Please treat your fellow students with the utmost respect. If you are uncomfortable participating in any specific activity, please let the relevant academic know.

SECTION 8: INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY

Social inclusion at Macquarie University is about giving everyone who has the potential to benefit from higher education the opportunity to study at university, participate in campus life and flourish in their chosen field. The University has made significant moves to promote an equitable, diverse and exciting campus community for the benefit of staff and students. It is your responsibility to contribute towards the development of an inclusive culture and practice in the areas of learning and teaching, research, and service orientation and delivery. As a member of the Macquarie University community, you must not discriminate against or harass others based on their sex, gender, race, marital status, carers' responsibilities, disability, sexual orientation, age, political conviction or religious belief. All staff and students are expected to display appropriate behaviour that is conducive to a healthy learning environment for everyone.


Unit information based on version 2022.03 of the Handbook