Module and Programme Catalogue

Search site

Find information on

2021/22 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

MODL5000M Computer-Assisted Translation and Localisation Project Management

45 creditsClass Size: 70

Module manager: Dr Callum Walker
Email: c.m.walker@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2021/22

This module is mutually exclusive with

MODL5005MComputers and the Translator

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- describe critically the state of the art in computer assisted translation (CAT)
- be aware of and have experience of translation and localisation project workflows and processes
- use a range of commercial CAT tools in the practical tasks of terminology management, translation of documentation, website localisation and project management
- export and import translations and terminology between different applications
- evaluate the relative merits of different tools
- set up environments for working with different alphabets and other writing systems, where relevant, e.g. Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, Japanese
- participate in and coordinate multilingual translation projects
- locate and exploit translation resources available on the Internet
- advise on appropriate production methods for internationalised websites.

Learning outcomes
- advanced understanding of appropriate use of the terminology, translation memory and project management features, and where appropriate, the localisation features, of a range of at least 5 industry-standard CAT tools (these may change from year to year to reflect market use)

Skills outcomes
- Translating, editing and post-editing content using CAT tools
- Managing multilingual translation projects
- Researching and sharing advanced functionalities of CAT tools
- Researching rates and profit margins, and subsequently Quoting and Invoicing for multilingual translation projects
- Researching, storing and retrieving terminology effectively
- Presentation skills
- File management
- Importing and exporting content using a range of CAT tools
- Effective working practices with other translators, terminologists, project managers and clients.


Syllabus

Few professional translators and translation project managers nowadays work in isolation; most communicate with clients and colleagues via the Internet. They are expected to make effective use of specialised tools to enhance their productivity, share data and manage project teams distributed around the world.
By engaging you with a variety of computer-assisted translation tools, this module allows you to develop not only practical expertise but also a critical faculty for evaluating their relative merits. The module also features team projects inspired by our long-term collaborations with industry partners. These projects enable our students to fine-tune the full range of essential professional skills acquired throughout the module, including pricing; quoting; dealing efficiently with content in a variety of alphabets and file formats using some of the latest CAT tools; editing and post-editing; exchanging resources; finalising projects; invoicing, and performing project analyses.
You will have exposure to state-of-the-art applications widely used in the language industries for terminology management, translation of documentation and content in a variety of file formats, website localisation and project management. Moreover, you will develop transferable skills so that you can cope with new or updated tools. The module assessment focuses on a critical appraisal of the usefulness and usability of the tools, and includes an important element of working effectively in multilingual translation teams.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Group learning410.0040.00
Lecture201.0020.00
Practical203.0060.00
Independent online learning hours185.00
Private study hours145.00
Total Contact hours120.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)450.00

Private study

- Completing exercises distributed in class; preparation for team projects;
- Completion of team project translations, self and peer monitoring & project management tasks;
- Research and completion of training tasks online using the module's interactive tools.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- In-class weekly exercises focusing on Project Management and CAT tool workflows, processes, and technical details
- Continuous interaction through the module virtual learning environment area
- Three team projects with group feedback from project clients and project managers (including feedback on a final project presentation)
- Feedback from the mid-way essay
- Feedback from the final Portfolio

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Essay2,500 words to be submitted in January40.00
PortfolioPortfolio to be submitted in May consisting of: 1,500 essay of 1,500 words, and a range of project deliverables from the CAT Team Projects (e.g. quotes, invoices, translation memories, terminology databases, translated files, peer and self-reflections)60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 05/07/2021

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD

© Copyright Leeds 2019