ACADEMIC RESEARCH METHODS - 2021/2
Module code: TRAM497
Module Overview
In this module, students will learn about the principal frameworks, methods and data types used in conducting research in translation and interpreting, as well as in interdisciplinary research with related fields.
Module provider
School of Literature and Languages
Module Leader
GOUGH Joanna (Lit & Langs)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 7
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Independent Learning Hours: 128
Seminar Hours: 11
Captured Content: 11
Module Availability
Semester 1
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
n/a
Module content
Indicative content includes:
• Introduction to research in translation and interpreting
• Developing a research question
• Literature review, including critical reading
• Research design and research ethics
• Research in translation and interpreting process
• Research in translation and interpreting product
• Quantitative, Qualitative and Mixed methods approaches (i.e. interviews, surveys, basic statistical methods)
• Presenting research projects and results.
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Critical review of a research article (800-1,000 words) | 30 |
| Coursework | Research proposal (1,500-2,000 words) | 70 |
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. Students select a recent research article related to their area of interest, synthesise its main arguments and provide a critical appreciation of the research including of its methodological approach.
• A research proposal. 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
Formative assessment will focus on student participation and class discussions throughout the module.
Feedback
- Students will be provided with detailed written feedback following coursework assignments
- Verbal feedback will also occur in class and individual appointments if required
- Formative feedback will be given during students’ final presentation on a chosen research proposal.
Module aims
- Equip students with the means to initiate and carry out their own research projects (i.e. MA dissertations, PhD proposals and theses)
- Enable students to develop critical reading and thinking, and evaluation skills in relation to a research project cycle
- Provide students with a sound knowledge to understand how to link research questions with methods of data collection and analysis
- Provide students with a sound knowledge to understand how to link research questions with methods of data collection and analysis
- Provide students with knowledge and tools to analyse and report data
- Enable students to present and disseminate the outcomes of their research in an effective way
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Explain the major frameworks for identifying, describing and explaining phenomena in translation and interpreting | CK |
| 002 | Exercise critical judgment with respect to existing published research | CP |
| 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 | Present projects in selected academic contexts | PT |
| 006 | Conduct research in an ethical manner | P |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
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, interpreting and interdisciplinary 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 these areas.
The learning and teaching methods include:
- Seminars providing opportunities for group and whole class discussions
- Materials and activities for guided study posted on SurreyLearn
- Self-study
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: TRAM497
Other information
n/a
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Translation MA | 1 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Interpreting MA | 1 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Translation and Interpreting MA | 1 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Translation and Interpreting Studies MRes | 1 | 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 2021/2 academic year.