Students

TRAN8902 – Approaches to Translation and Interpreting

2025 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Jan-Louis Kruger
janlouis.kruger@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
TRAN870 or TRAN8070
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit develops students' knowledge and understanding of contemporary theories in translation and interpreting studies from an historical perspective, building on the introduction to translation and interpreting theory in TRAN8070. The translation theories discussed expand the focus from linguistic and textual approaches, to include cultural, sociological, ideological and cognitive approaches to translation. The unit further develops cognitive and sociolinguistic theoretical approaches to the study of interpreting. The interwoven relationship between theory, practice and research is highlighted across the unit.

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 a systematic understanding of translation and interpreting theories through a critical survey of past and present theories of translation and interpreting.
  • ULO2: Critically evaluate the contribution of translation and interpreting theories to our understanding of translation and interpreting as cultural, social and cognitive phenomena.
  • ULO3: Compare and contrast major approaches in translation and interpreting studies.
  • ULO4: Communicate theoretical concepts orally and in writing to a variety of audiences.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Critical review 20% No 12/09/2025
Learning portfolio 30% No 07/11/2025
Final examination 50% No Exam Period

Critical review

Assessment Type 1: Media presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 12/09/2025
Weighting: 20%

 

You will submit a critical review of an academic article, in a multimedia video format. 

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a systematic understanding of translation and interpreting theories through a critical survey of past and present theories of translation and interpreting.
  • Critically evaluate the contribution of translation and interpreting theories to our understanding of translation and interpreting as cultural, social and cognitive phenomena.
  • Compare and contrast major approaches in translation and interpreting studies.
  • Communicate theoretical concepts orally and in writing to a variety of audiences.

Learning portfolio

Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: 07/11/2025
Weighting: 30%

 

You will submit a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates your attainment of the unit learning outcomes.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a systematic understanding of translation and interpreting theories through a critical survey of past and present theories of translation and interpreting.
  • Critically evaluate the contribution of translation and interpreting theories to our understanding of translation and interpreting as cultural, social and cognitive phenomena.

Final examination

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Exam Period
Weighting: 50%

 

You will complete an in-person exam consisting of multiple-choice questions on the content of the different sections in the unit as well as critical paragraphs on selected theories.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a systematic understanding of translation and interpreting theories through a critical survey of past and present theories of translation and interpreting.
  • Critically evaluate the contribution of translation and interpreting theories to our understanding of translation and interpreting as cultural, social and cognitive phenomena.
  • Compare and contrast major approaches in translation and interpreting studies.
  • Communicate theoretical concepts orally and in writing to a variety of audiences.

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

Attendance and active participation in the tutorial/workshop are expected.  

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 connect.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/

Academic Success

Academic Success 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 the Service Connect Portal, 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.

Unit information based on version 2025.03 of the Handbook