RESEARCH METHODS - 2020/1
Module code: TRAM478
In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, and in a departure from previous academic years and previously published information, the University has had to change the delivery (and in some cases the content) of its programmes, together with certain University services and facilities for the academic year 2020/21.
These changes include the implementation of a hybrid teaching approach during 2020/21. Detailed information on all changes is available at: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/coronavirus/course-changes. This webpage sets out information relating to general University changes, and will also direct you to consider additional specific information relating to your chosen programme.
Prior to registering online, you must read this general information and all relevant additional programme specific information. By completing online registration, you acknowledge that you have read such content, and accept all such changes.
Module Overview
In this module, students will learn about the principal frameworks, methods and data types used in conducting research into translation and interpreting.
Module provider
School of Literature and Languages
Module Leader
ORASAN Constantin (Lit & Langs)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 7
JACs code: X200
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Module Availability
Semester 2
Module content
Indicative content includes:
- Introduction to research in translation and interpreting
- Developing a research question
- The literature review, including critical reading
- Research design and research ethics
- Researching translation and interpreting process
- Researching translation and interpreting product
- Mixed methods
- Presenting research projects and results.
Assessment pattern
Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
---|---|---|
Coursework | CRITICAL REVIEW OF RESEARCH ARTICLES (2000 WORDS) | 50 |
Coursework | ESSAY (2000 WORDS) | 50 |
Alternative Assessment
N/A
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate
- Knowledge and understanding of approaches to research in translation and interpreting
- Ability to conduct a systematic literature review and to engage critically with existing research
- Ability to develop and present a research proposal
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
- A critical review of a research article (800 words). Students select a recent research article, synthesise its main arguments and provide a critical appreciation of the research including of its methodological approach
- A research proposal (2000 words). Students identify an original research problem and draft a proposal for addressing this problem in a systematic way, with a focus on formulating appropriate research questions and outlining an appropriate methodology.
Formative assessment and feedback
- Formative assessment will focus on student participation and class discussions throughout the module
- Students will be provided with detailed written feedback following coursework assignments
- Verbal feedback will also occur in class and individual appointments if required
Module aims
- Equip students with the means to initiate and carry out their own research projects
- Provide students with a sound understanding of how to link research questions with methods and data
- Enable students to present the outcomes of their research in an effective way
- Provide training which will allow students to develop critical reading and evaluation skills
Learning outcomes
Attributes Developed | ||
---|---|---|
001 | Explain the major frameworks for identifying, describing and explaining phenomena in translation, translating and translations | KC |
002 | Exercise critical judgement with respect to existing published research | CT |
003 | Formulate appropriate research questions | CT |
004 | Design research projects based on an understanding of how methods and data can be used in the exploration of research questions | CT |
005 | Analyse a range of data types | CPT |
006 | Present their projects in selected academic contexts | PT |
007 | Conduct research in an ethical manner | P |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Overall student workload
Independent Study Hours: 120
Lecture Hours: 22
Seminar Hours: 8
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:
Provide students with a good understanding of research in the field of translation studies. This is in line with the MA in Translation’s overall aims of instilling in students the capacity for carrying out independent research in an area of translation.
The learning and teaching methods include:
- Lectures will be interspersed with opportunities for group and whole class discussions (22 hours)
- Contact hours will be complemented with materials for and activities for guided study posted on SurreyLearn (8 hours)
- Self-study (120 hours)
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: TRAM478
Programmes this module appears in
Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
---|---|---|---|
Translation and Interpreting Studies MRes | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2020/1 academic year.