Students
TRAN886 – Auslan Interpreting in Legal Settings
2018 – S2 External
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Della Goswell
Xufang Wu
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
TRAN869
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
The aim of this unit is to provide Auslan-English interpreting students with the opportunity to discuss and practice advanced interpreting skills in the specialised area of legal interpreting. Students will analyse the complex linguistic, cultural and ethical challenges of interpreting in legal settings. Students will explore theoretical and practical aspects of the legal system in Australia, legal terminology, the roles of various participants in the legal system, and specific interpretation issues faced by Auslan interpreting practitioners in this domain.
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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:
- Discuss linguistic, cultural and ethical issues faced by interpreters working in legal contexts
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role of a legal interpreter
- Identify and demonstrate appropriate interpreting techniques in different legal contexts
- Apply discourse analysis and self-reflection to legal interpretations
- Explain the framework of the Australian legal system
General Assessment Information
How to apply for a late submission of an assignment
All requests for special consideration, including extensions, must be submitted via https://ask.mq.edu.au/ and provide suitable supporting documentation. Contact your unit convenor first for advice, especially in the case of an emergency or if you are unsure about the extension policy.
Late Assignment Submission
- Late submissions without an extension will receive a penalty of 5% of the total mark available for the assignment per day
- Late submission of an assignment without an extension will not be permitted after marks have been released to the rest of the class.
- Extensions will only be given in special circumstances, and can be requested by completing the Special Consideration request at ask.mq.edu.au and providing the requisite supporting documentation. For more information on Special Consideration, see the university website https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration
- Assignments submitted after the deadline, regardless of the reason, will be marked and returned at a date determined by the unit convenor.
- Extensions cannot continue beyond the start of the following semester except under exceptional circumstances, and students should be aware that long extensions may impact graduation dates.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online legal system quizzes | 10% | Yes | 4 and 6 |
| Online postings | 20% | No | ongoing |
| Court observation report | 20% | No | week 8 |
| Legal interpretation | 25% | Yes | week 8 (on campus block) |
| Legal interpretation analysis | 25% | No | week 12 |
Online legal system quizzes
Due: 4 and 6
Weighting: 10%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
2 separate quizzes in first half of semester to check for understanding of 1. legal system, civil & criminal procedure, and 2. Legal discourse & questioning techniques.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain the framework of the Australian legal system
Online postings
Due: ongoing
Weighting: 20%
As this is a blended unit, most weeks students are required to post online - related to issues raised in their weekly readings.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Discuss linguistic, cultural and ethical issues faced by interpreters working in legal contexts
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role of a legal interpreter
Court observation report
Due: week 8
Weighting: 20%
Students are required to observe a court session in their locale, and to provide a short 500 word report ready to submit and discuss at the on-campus block.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Discuss linguistic, cultural and ethical issues faced by interpreters working in legal contexts
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role of a legal interpreter
- Identify and demonstrate appropriate interpreting techniques in different legal contexts
- Explain the framework of the Australian legal system
Legal interpretation
Due: week 8 (on campus block)
Weighting: 25%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
Students participate in 2 (filmed) role plays with legal practitioners at the on-campus block, one of which is marked for skills assessment.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role of a legal interpreter
- Identify and demonstrate appropriate interpreting techniques in different legal contexts
Legal interpretation analysis
Due: week 12
Weighting: 25%
Based on their week 8 (on-campus block) interpreting performance, students are required to submit a 1500 word research report which draws on the data from their performance (via ELAN) and relevant literature, to analyse their own work.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Discuss linguistic, cultural and ethical issues faced by interpreters working in legal contexts
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role of a legal interpreter
- Identify and demonstrate appropriate interpreting techniques in different legal contexts
- Apply discourse analysis and self-reflection to legal interpretations
- Explain the framework of the Australian legal system
Delivery and Resources
This unit is delivered in blended mode - predominantly on-line interaction, with one 3 day on-campus block. A range of legal practitioners provide guest lectures and simulate legal settings for interpreting practice at the block session. Readings and other resources draw from Australian legal process, T&I in legal settings, as well as Auslan-specific material.
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:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
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
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
- Discuss linguistic, cultural and ethical issues faced by interpreters working in legal contexts
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role of a legal interpreter
- Identify and demonstrate appropriate interpreting techniques in different legal contexts
Assessment task
- Legal interpretation
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
- Discuss linguistic, cultural and ethical issues faced by interpreters working in legal contexts
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role of a legal interpreter
- Identify and demonstrate appropriate interpreting techniques in different legal contexts
- Apply discourse analysis and self-reflection to legal interpretations
- Explain the framework of the Australian legal system
Assessment tasks
- Online legal system quizzes
- Online postings
- Court observation report
- Legal interpretation analysis
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
- Discuss linguistic, cultural and ethical issues faced by interpreters working in legal contexts
- Identify and demonstrate appropriate interpreting techniques in different legal contexts
- Apply discourse analysis and self-reflection to legal interpretations
Assessment tasks
- Online postings
- Court observation report
- Legal interpretation
- Legal interpretation analysis
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 outcome
- Apply discourse analysis and self-reflection to legal interpretations
Assessment task
- Legal interpretation analysis
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
- Discuss linguistic, cultural and ethical issues faced by interpreters working in legal contexts
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role of a legal interpreter
- Identify and demonstrate appropriate interpreting techniques in different legal contexts
- Apply discourse analysis and self-reflection to legal interpretations
- Explain the framework of the Australian legal system
Assessment tasks
- Online postings
- Court observation report
- Legal interpretation
- Legal interpretation analysis
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
- Discuss linguistic, cultural and ethical issues faced by interpreters working in legal contexts
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role of a legal interpreter