2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

MODL3320 Final Year Project: Translation

20 credits

Module manager: Dr Nigel Armstrong
Email: N.R.Armstrong@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Pre-requisite qualifications

Level 2 language in the relevant subject

This module is mutually exclusive with

FREN3770	Theory and Practice in French-English Translation
GERM3092	Advanced Translation from German into English
MODL3340	Final Year Project: Extended Translation
SPPO3420	Spanish-English Translation

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module provides students with the opportunity to develop research, writing and translation skills through the completion of both a translation and an extended essay on a topic of their own choice and refined in consultation with an academic member of staff. The translation can either be into or out of English depending on number of places open. The extended essay may be written in either English or, subject to the approval of the Module Leader and project supervisor, the Target Language. Workshops early in the academic year provide the skills training necessary, whereas more specific tuition is provided through one to one supervision with a member of staff.

Objectives

- To provide students with the opportunity to carry out a translation and a research project in a clearly-defined topic.
- To introduce students to core translation skills (consideration of genre, audience, text function) and research skills (critical analysis, methodological skills, evaluation of primary and secondary material, accessing library material)
- To enhance autonomous learning skills (organisation and self-management of an extended research project)
- To allow students to avail of one-to-one supervision with a member of academic staff.
- To encourage a capacity for independent analysis, thought and criticism.

Learning outcomes
Translation
Ability to consider aspects such as genre, target audience, text type and function
Ability to make a consistent and coherent translation conforming to a rigorous theoretical approach
The capacity to research translation strategies and choose a consistent and coherent approach

Research
The capacity to gather and select primary data (normally collected independently by the student, but may be derived from a collaborative research project, e.g. one involving the supervisor)
The ability to develop and test hypotheses for the interpretation of the primary data
The ability independently to manage quantities of complex information in a structured and systematic way
The capacity to evaluate critically the data gathered
The capacity to evaluate critically the methodology used
Ability to draw examples from own practice to illustrate theoretical principles

Methodology
Ability to design and execute a research project, using appropriate methodology to address a problem in depth, drawing on appropriate primary and secondary source material
Awareness, as appropriate, of ethical issues in research
Ability to construct a clear, coherent and fluent argument
Ability to present findings in an extended written report, conforming to the academic standards of the discipline with regard to style, conventions for presenting information, and intellectual and academic integrity
Ability to manage time independently, in order to deliver a complex and extended project by an agreed deadline

Subject knowledge
In-depth knowledge of the chosen topic
Ability to engage with the existing literature on the topic in order to situate the research project within the disciplinary field
Ability to summarise and synthesise appropriate information drawn from subject literature to inform analysis of primary data

Syllabus

Weeks 2, 3, 5, 7 (semester 1) focus on the introduction of key theorists and concepts in literary translation, centring the discussion on concepts such as equivalence, quality in translation, strategy and the discussion of different approaches to translation; other key aspects include the discussion of contextual elements to consider when translating, the different typologies of strategies and procedures available, and the contextual relevance of forces such as tradition, identity and ideology. In each of these classes, students will first be introduced to different theoretical proposals in the lecture before moving on to practice and to look critically at published translations as examples in the seminars.

Week 1 (semester 2) focuses on how to write a essay in translation studies.

Four 30-minute meetings with supervisor will take place over the course of the year. For the first meeting, students need to submit a proposal with the selected topic and text to be translated. The second meeting will focus on the theoretical approach to the topic and the students will have to submit a detailed essay outline. The third meeting will be focused on the strategy to be followed in the translation and general problem areas arising - students will have to provide a 10-20% sample translation. The forth and final meeting will focus on the writing of the project - students will have to submit a 10-20% sample of the essay.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Supervision Meetings	4	0.50	2.00
Lecture	5	1.00	5.00
Seminar	5	1.00	5.00
Private study hours			188.00
Total Contact hours			12.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Students will pursue translation and structured independent research on a chosen topic throughout the two semesters.

In semester 1, students will also be expected to spend part of their private study time for the module preparing for seminars by reading the set texts. Alongside the primary texts to be used as case studies, scholarly articles will also be set as preparatory or follow-up reading. Students will also occasionally be called upon to find and present their own examples of literary translation: this will require independent research and preparation for a discussion in the seminar.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Supervisors will monitor student progress through the scheduled supervision meetings, held in November, February, March and late March/April. They will also provide written and oral feedback on 1 draft extract (10-20%) of the translation and 1 draft extract (10-20%) of the extended essay. This will normally happen at the third and fourth supervision meetings.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	6000 words (submitted together with translation)	60.00
Assignment	Other translation - 1000-2000 words	40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Each student will submit an extended essay and one translation. The essay (6000 words excluding bibliography, word count and appendices) should demonstrate research-led consideration of a particular academic perspective on translation and present some original data and examples from the student’s own translation. Re-sit opportunity will be provided to the students, but no supervision will be offered in that case.

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 18/10/2017

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