TRANSLATION OF SPECIALISED AND CREATIVE TEXTS - 2021/2

Module Overview

This module provides an overview of the main theoretical premises that underpin Translation Studies as an independent discipline. It offers students the opportunity to use theoretical concepts as aids of problem solving, describing/assessing translation and promoting translators’ self-image or of becoming aware of cultural and ideological issues linked to translation. Different text types are examined in practical exercises used throughout the module, ranging from the creative (museum and tourism texts, news items, international/localized websites, subtitled excerpts, novels) to the more factual (official documents, popular science texts, medical texts, instruction manuals, public information leaflets), also focusing on various units of translation (from specialised terms and interlinked sentences to ‘text acts’ and non-verbal components).

Module provider

School of Literature and Languages

Module Leader

ASIMAKOULAS Dimitris (Lit & Langs)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

Level 5 or European university equivalent or equivalent language competence. Qualifying condition(s) A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module.

Module content

The module offers an overview of various strands in translation theory and attempts to formulate principles about translation. It also provides a comprehensive overview of important concepts such as equivalence, loyalty, ethics of practice and professional norms. Students are encouraged to approach various frameworks in a critical manner and assess the extent to which an awareness of theoretical approaches helps translators find appropriate solutions. The scope of the discussion gradually broadens to account for the various contexts in which translation occurs (i.e. the ‘black box’/cognitive environment, language, the ‘industry’, and society in general). Similarly, the range of issues examined ranges from linguistic problems in translation to ideological and ethical issues that are inextricably linked with the production, dissemination and reception of translation.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate

 

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  Knowledge and understanding of the use of translation models
  


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  Ability to analyse and interpret translated discourse
  


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  Ability to select and synthesise information in a principled, lucid and scholarly manner
  


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  Subject-specific knowledge of translation theory
  

 

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

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  1 written assignment of 2000 words. Takes the form of a translation with commentary, enabling students to explore and test subject specific knowledge and develop research skills
  


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  1 written assignment of 2000 words. Takes the form of a translation with commentary in a specialised area (legal or medical translation), enabling students to develop subject-specific knowledge in this field and to develop research skills
  
   
  
  Formative assessment and feedback
  
   
  


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  Formative assessment will focus on student participation and class discussions throughout the module.
  


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  Students will be provided with detailed written feedback following coursework assignments.
  


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  Verbal feedback will also occur in class and individual appointments if required.
  

Module aims

• (this module aims to:) Familiarise students with some of the principal approaches in Translation Studies, including its evolution as a discipline.
• Introduce students to key concepts and debates in translation.
• Familiarise students with frameworks for analysis of informative/technical texts and of texts where creativity is a key feature.
• Familiarise students with frameworks for analysis of informative/technical texts and of texts where creativity is a key feature.
• Equip students with the skill to understand translation as a creative process and to (re)frame or recontextualise information in order to secure a similar/equivalent response in selected target texts .
• Equip students with the skill of critically evaluating translation approaches and of applying given approaches to practical translation problems.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

 

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  Enable students to develop their translation analysis skills, through attending classes and by engaging with practical exercises that focus on the process, product and cognitive context of translation activity
  

• Assist students in locating their translation work professionally and/or academically by developing in them an understanding of how to reflect on lexis, discourse organisation, register and ideological manipulation though written assignments and writing exercises


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  Encourage student participation and learner autonomy, through small group exercises/discussion and reading outside contact hours
  


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  Equip students with the research and writing skills and with the ability to assess translation model relevance to translation practice, through reading, presenting findings in group work as well as in the written assignment
  


• 
  Enable students to acquire explicit knowledge of the development of translation studies as a discipline through in-class discussion and individual study
  

 

The learning and teaching methods include:

 

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  Two contact hours per week over Semester 1.
  


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  Classes will include lectures;
  


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  Students are expected to read extensively outside classes in order to follow lectures.
  

Problems of translation will be discussed and students will be encouraged to participate actively, drawing on their knowledge of other cultures and languages in order to identify and illustrate phenomena and principles related to translation.

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: TRA3036

Programmes this module appears in

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 2021/2 academic year.