2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
MODL5235M Advanced Computer-Assisted Translation
15 creditsClass Size: 90
Module manager: Faruk Mardan
Email: f.mardan@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
Pre-requisites
| MODL5210M | Introduction to Computer-Assisted Translation |
This module is not approved as an Elective
Module summary
This module allows students to develop advanced practical expertise in computer-assisted translation by engaging with a variety of computer-assisted translation tools and applications and participating in two cross-programme formative team projects. You will learn a full range of advanced technologies and skills required for the language service industry, including file management, translation of content in different file formats, translation quality assurance, editing, machine translation post-editing and project management.Objectives
The teaching is focused on the following goals:1. in-depth understanding the appropriate use of translation, terminology, translation memory and project management features of CAT tools, server- and cloud-based translation project management software and dedicated quality assurance software
2. in-depth understanding of translation technology and current professional practices in the language service industry
3. enhancing professional competences in a group translation project
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Use, in a professional context, a variety of different computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools, including server- and cloud-based translation project management software, and quality assurance software, to manage terminology, translate documentation of various types, and manage projects with a high degree of professional proficiency and expertise;
2. Describe critically the state of the art in computer-assisted translation (CAT) and evaluate the relative merits of different tools and reflect on personal experiences of using CAT software modern translation project workflows;
3. Implement industry-standard translation project workflows and processes across a variety of file types and project types, and participate in and/or coordinate multilingual translation projects;
4. Comment on ethical questions in relation to the translation industry, translation technology, and the translator employment market;
5. Locate and exploit translation resources available on the Internet;
6. Understand how to design and evaluate professionally-oriented documentation such as offers of services, quotations, and invoices, and understand how translation projects are priced on the market.
Skills Learning Outcomes
1. Translation, editing and post-editing of content using CAT tools;
2. Practical management of multilingual translation projects;
3. Researching and sharing advanced functionalities of CAT tools;
4. Using quality assurance software in the translation project workflow;
5. Researching rates and profit margins, and quoting and invoicing for multilingual translation projects.
Syllabus
This module offers a wide range of forums to engage in translation, editing and post-editing using advanced functionalities of computer-assisted translation software. Building on knowledge already acquired on the programme, students will be exposed to a wider range of content types to enhance students’ awareness of wider issues in the localisation of content for professional purposes.
Classes take the form of short demonstrations and discussions of key software features, accompanied by dedicated practical tasks to practice the use of relevant software to aid the translation, post-production and project management processes. Students will build on existing skills in terms of setting up projects and managing resources such as translation memories, termbases and machine translation, and progress to a range of advanced features in the specialist software, ranging from server-based project management and cloud-based project management, to dedicated quality assurance software.
Students will engage with scenarios replicating real-world professional processes, including two large-scale simulated translation projects, where students will have the opportunity to test their skills working as vendors and project managers in order to satisfy specific client demands. Students will also engage in tasks to prepare training materials on certain features of the software, again replicating the varied roles that project managers and translation professionals undertake in their day-to-day work. The module also addresses relevant professional documentation and explores some of the ethical dimensions of translation technology use against the wider backdrop of the changing professional landscape of translation.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Supervision | 8 | 2.00 | 16.00 |
| Lecture | 3 | 1.00 | 3.00 |
| Practical | 6 | 2.00 | 12.00 |
| Seminar | 3 | 1.00 | 3.00 |
| Independent online learning hours | 71.00 | ||
| Private study hours | 45.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 34.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 | ||
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
- In-class weekly exercises focusing on CAT tool workflows, processes, and technical details- Continuous interaction through the module virtual learning environment area
- Two team projects with group feedback from project clients and project managers (including feedback on a final project presentation) on linguistic deliverables (translations, revisions, translation memories, term bases, etc.) and professional documentation (quotations, invoices, email communications, etc.)
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Assignment | Portfolio | 100.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
Resits will assume largely the same format. The reflective essay will adopt the same format, but the project deliverables will need to be compiled using the student’s own in-class project resources.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 13/03/2024
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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