Students

CHN 385 – English-Chinese Translation II

2018 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Hui Ling Xu
Lan Zhang
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(39cp at 100 level or above) including CHN252
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
Professional translators need special skills to achieve effective translation. This unit aligns translation theories and skills with translation practice, enabling students to identify the meaning of the text by examining its function and structure, and exploring how the same function can be achieved in the Chinese translation. Students will develop an awareness of the cultural and social factors that contribute to effective translation. Students will also become familiar with translation procedure and be able to identify and solve problems when translating from English into Chinese.

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:

  • Understand the main translation theories
  • Demonstrate key translation skills in English-Chinese translation practice
  • Analyze various English texts to identify the genre, style, register and potential reader of the text
  • Develop awareness of the cultural and social factors that contribute to effective translation
  • Translate different genres of English text into Chinese
  • Identify and solve problems when translating from English into Chinese

General Assessment Information

Apart from attending the class, you are expected to spend 11-12 hours on your assignments and reflection on your translation each week.

Indicative examples of assessment tasks will be available on iLearn or in class.

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.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Class participation 10% No every week
Weekly Translations 45% No week3 to week11
presentation 15% No A Week by choice on ilearn
Reflective journal 10% No Week 13
Final test 20% No week 13

Class participation

Due: every week
Weighting: 10%

Class participation is required.  Participation will be marked on in-class activities, your willingness to participate in class discussion, preparation and performance of reading and responding to questions. Students are expected to be well prepared in order to participate in class discussion – this will ensure good use of class time as well as improving your learning skills and sharing your knowledge with others.Class participation is expected and will be part of the assessment. This means you not only come and sign in the class but come well prepared and participate in class discussion. You need to reflect on your assignments and think about the translation issues you have encountered and share your thought with others.Your marks for class participation will be determined by

a)    Whether you attend class regularly or not; b)    How much effort you have taken to prepare for the class; c)    How actively you participate in class discussion; and d)    How helpful your comments are on the work of our fellow students.

Description of the behaviours evaluated for high-level student participation

  • independent engagement with online communicative activities, including discussion forum, zoom, voice thread etc, reading game/ revision/ vocab acquisition
  • 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.

On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand the main translation theories
  • Demonstrate key translation skills in English-Chinese translation practice
  • Analyze various English texts to identify the genre, style, register and potential reader of the text
  • Develop awareness of the cultural and social factors that contribute to effective translation
  • Translate different genres of English text into Chinese
  • Identify and solve problems when translating from English into Chinese

Weekly Translations

Due: week3 to week11
Weighting: 45%

 

There will be 1 weekly translation assignment (from English into Chinese) given on iLearn every week from week 2 to week 10. You are required to submit each of your translation assignment on iLearn by the due time. It is strongly suggested that you write annotations for your translation assignments, which can contribute to your in-class presentation/participation and your reflective journals (see the tasks below).

You marks will be determined by but not limited to:

1)      your understanding of the source language text;

2)      grammar in your translation;

3)      idiomatic usage in your translation;

4)      meaning and word choice in your translation;

5)      style and tone in your translation.  

Assignments are to be submitted by 9am on the due date through iLearn.

General feedback of the weekly assignments will be given in class. Students who wish to have a detailed feedback of their assignments can bring a hard copy to the class on the due day.

Students will only be granted extensions/special consideration with valid reasons (eg. serious and unavoidable disruption from completing any unit requirements in accordance with their ability.) via lodging Disruption to Studies application. 

Work that is submitted late will be subjected to an assessment penalty if an extension has not been granted.

Please check the late submissions section of the unit guide.

Indicative examples of assessment tasks will be available on iLearn or in class.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand the main translation theories
  • Demonstrate key translation skills in English-Chinese translation practice
  • Analyze various English texts to identify the genre, style, register and potential reader of the text
  • Develop awareness of the cultural and social factors that contribute to effective translation
  • Translate different genres of English text into Chinese
  • Identify and solve problems when translating from English into Chinese

presentation

Due: A Week by choice on ilearn
Weighting: 15%

 

There will be one individual in class presentation.  In the beginning of the semester, by the end of week 2, you will be asked to choose one weekly assignment to present the problems you meet in doing the translation. 

Late submission policy will be applied if you fail to register a presentation topic by the due time set on iLearn. Please check the  Late submissions section of this unit guide.

You are expected to share your experiences in dealing with translation problems when doing your assignments. Your oral presentation is expected to be 5-8 minutes long and delivered in English.  You have to finish your presentation within the time limit or marks will be deducted. You should be prepared that the rest of the class will raise questions. 

When preparing your presentation, you may wish to consider the following questions:

1)      What are the functions of the source language texts?

2)      What difficulties do you have in understanding the source language text?

3)      What difficulties do you have in finding equivalent expressions in Chinese?

4)      What kinds of translation strategies do you use in your translation?

5)    What factors do you consider in finding equivalent expressions in Chinese?

After the in class presentation, you need to submit a presentation report through iLearn by the end of the week you do the presentation.

Indicative examples of assessment tasks will be available in class from week 1.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand the main translation theories
  • Demonstrate key translation skills in English-Chinese translation practice
  • Analyze various English texts to identify the genre, style, register and potential reader of the text
  • Develop awareness of the cultural and social factors that contribute to effective translation
  • Translate different genres of English text into Chinese
  • Identify and solve problems when translating from English into Chinese

Reflective journal

Due: Week 13
Weighting: 10%

You are required to submit a 1000-word reflective journal in English by week 13. This task aims to learn how to justify your translation decisions. The journal should contain problems identified, possible solutions and the decision in selecting the best solution. You are NOT allowed to use the same examples used in your or your classmates' presentations, or examples analyzed in the class. Moreover, journal is a written assignment, it should cover the issues from more than one of your translation assignments, and your language skills will be taken into account in the mark of this task. This assignment should be your own original work.  Plagiarism is not acceptable (For further information and advice, see www.student.mq.edu.au/plagiarism). Students will only be granted extensions/special consideration with valid reasons (eg., serious and unavoidable disruption from completing any unit requirements in accordance with their ability.)via lodging special consideration application.  Work that is submitted late will be subjected to an assessment penalty if an extension has not been granted. Please check the late submissions section of the unit guide.

 

Indicative examples of assessment tasks will be available on iLearn or in class.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand the main translation theories
  • Demonstrate key translation skills in English-Chinese translation practice
  • Analyze various English texts to identify the genre, style, register and potential reader of the text
  • Develop awareness of the cultural and social factors that contribute to effective translation
  • Translate different genres of English text into Chinese
  • Identify and solve problems when translating from English into Chinese

Final test

Due: week 13
Weighting: 20%

There will be a final test for this unit in week 13. During the end-semester test, you are to translate one approximately 350-400 word text from English into Chinese and to answer an ethic question for professional translators. You will have 2 hours to translate the text and to answer the question.  Any paper based and dictionaries are allowed in the examination.

Indicative examples of assessment tasks will be available on iLearn or in class

The only exception to not sitting an examination at the designated time is because of documented illness or unavoidable disruption. In these circumstances you may wish to consider applying for Special Consideration. Information about unavoidable disruption and the special consideration process is available under the Extension and Special Consideration section of this Unit Guide. It should also be stressed that failing to turn up for exams without prior notification to (WITH DOCUMENTATION ) and obtaining approval from the lecturers for resitting the exams will mean that the students have forgone (that is, given up the opportunity to sit for) the exams.  In which case, no supplementary exams can be arranged.

If a Supplementary Examination is granted as a result of the Special Consideration process, the examination will be scheduled after the conclusion of the official examination period. Individual Departments should contact the Associate Dean Learning and Teaching to confirm when Supplementaries are scheduled.

You are advised that it is Macquarie University policy not to set early examinations for individuals or groups of students. All students are expected to ensure that they are available until the end of the teaching semester, that is the final day of the official examination period.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand the main translation theories
  • Demonstrate key translation skills in English-Chinese translation practice
  • Analyze various English texts to identify the genre, style, register and potential reader of the text
  • Develop awareness of the cultural and social factors that contribute to effective translation
  • Translate different genres of English text into Chinese
  • Identify and solve problems when translating from English into Chinese

Delivery and Resources

Recommended texts and/or materials

Baker, M, 1992. In Other Words: A Coursebook on Translation, Routledge.

Baker, M & Malmkjar (ed.), 1998. Routledge Encyclopaedia of Translation Studies, Routledge.

Munday, J. 2008. Introducing Translation Studies: Theories and Appications, Routledge

Paltridge, B., 2006. Discourse Analysis: An Introduction. Continuum, London.

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.

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

  • Understand the main translation theories
  • Demonstrate key translation skills in English-Chinese translation practice
  • Analyze various English texts to identify the genre, style, register and potential reader of the text
  • Develop awareness of the cultural and social factors that contribute to effective translation
  • Translate different genres of English text into Chinese
  • Identify and solve problems when translating from English into Chinese

Assessment tasks

  • Class participation
  • Weekly Translations
  • presentation
  • Reflective journal
  • Final 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

  • Understand the main translation theories
  • Demonstrate key translation skills in English-Chinese translation practice
  • Analyze various English texts to identify the genre, style, register and potential reader of the text
  • Develop awareness of the cultural and social factors that contribute to effective translation
  • Translate different genres of English text into Chinese
  • Identify and solve problems when translating from English into Chinese

Assessment tasks

  • Class participation
  • Weekly Translations
  • presentation
  • Reflective journal
  • Final 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

  • Understand the main translation theories
  • Demonstrate key translation skills in English-Chinese translation practice
  • Analyze various English texts to identify the genre, style, register and potential reader of the text
  • Develop awareness of the cultural and social factors that contribute to effective translation
  • Translate different genres of English text into Chinese
  • Identify and solve problems when translating from English into Chinese

Assessment tasks

  • Class participation
  • Weekly Translations
  • presentation
  • Reflective journal
  • Final 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

  • Understand the main translation theories
  • Demonstrate key translation skills in English-Chinese translation practice
  • Analyze various English texts to identify the genre, style, register and potential reader of the text
  • Translate different genres of English text into Chinese
  • Identify and solve problems when translating from English into Chinese

Assessment tasks

  • Class participation
  • Weekly Translations
  • presentation
  • Reflective journal
  • Final 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

  • Understand the main translation theories
  • Demonstrate key translation skills in English-Chinese translation practice
  • Analyze various English texts to identify the genre, style, register and potential reader of the text
  • Develop awareness of the cultural and social factors that contribute to effective translation
  • Translate different genres of English text into Chinese
  • Identify and solve problems when translating from English into Chinese

Assessment tasks

  • Class participation
  • Weekly Translations
  • presentation
  • Reflective journal
  • Final 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

  • Understand the main translation theories
  • Demonstrate key translation skills in English-Chinese translation practice
  • Analyze various English texts to identify the genre, style, register and potential reader of the text
  • Develop awareness of the cultural and social factors that contribute to effective translation
  • Translate different genres of English text into Chinese
  • Identify and solve problems when translating from English into Chinese

Assessment tasks

  • Class participation
  • Weekly Translations
  • presentation
  • Reflective journal
  • Final 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 outcomes

  • Understand the main translation theories
  • Demonstrate key translation skills in English-Chinese translation practice
  • Analyze various English texts to identify the genre, style, register and potential reader of the text
  • Develop awareness of the cultural and social factors that contribute to effective translation
  • Translate different genres of English text into Chinese
  • Identify and solve problems when translating from English into Chinese

Assessment tasks

  • Class participation
  • Weekly Translations
  • presentation
  • Reflective journal
  • Final test

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

  • Demonstrate key translation skills in English-Chinese translation practice
  • Analyze various English texts to identify the genre, style, register and potential reader of the text
  • Develop awareness of the cultural and social factors that contribute to effective translation
  • Translate different genres of English text into Chinese
  • Identify and solve problems when translating from English into Chinese

Assessment tasks

  • Class participation
  • Weekly Translations
  • presentation
  • Reflective journal
  • Final 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

  • Demonstrate key translation skills in English-Chinese translation practice
  • Analyze various English texts to identify the genre, style, register and potential reader of the text
  • Develop awareness of the cultural and social factors that contribute to effective translation
  • Translate different genres of English text into Chinese
  • Identify and solve problems when translating from English into Chinese

Assessment tasks

  • Class participation
  • Weekly Translations
  • presentation
  • Reflective journal
  • Final test