2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

MODL5380M Interpreting Skills: Consecutive and Simultaneous

15 creditsClass Size: 35

Module manager: Binhua Wang
Email: B.H.W.Wang@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module is the core, synoptic backbone of the interpreting programmes. It provides a comprehensive introduction to key interpreting skills in the two common modes of interpreting: consecutive and simultaneous. Students will learn fundamental interpreting skills, acquire professional knowledge and be able to reflect on their progress. Students will be taught in mixed-language groups and participate the multilingual mock conferences, both of which are conducive to the cultivation of professional qualities of interpreter

Objectives

This module aims to equip students with fundamental skills of consecutive interpreting and simultaneous interpreting, including advanced listening and analysis skills, working memory and recall skills, competent note-taking techniques, reformulation skills and the ability to express the speaker's structure and intentions in a clear, natural and articulate way in the target language. It also develops the cultural knowledge and reflective ability essential to succeeding as an autonomous professional.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. have comprehensive knowledge of consecutive and simultaneous interpreting skills;
2. reflect upon relevant interpreting skills and techniques in practice and in context;
3. take a proactive and self-reflective role in skills progression and in development of interpreting competence;
4. give and take constructive/systematic feedback on interpreting performances;
5. conduct interpreting-task-based research on subject matters independently and proactively.
6. Work-ready skills, such as: communication; analytical skills; active learning; time management, planning and organising; teamwork/collaboration; interpersonal skills; working under pressure, as required by the work of interpreting.
7. Academic skills, such as: reflection; critical thinking; information searching, as required by the work of interpreting.
8. Digital skills, such as: digital proficiency; digital communication, as required by the work of interpreting.

Syllabus

This module will be delivered in mixed-language groups. The mixed-language environment engendered by this mode of delivery greatly enhances interpreting students’ learning experience and improves the overall development of their skills and knowledge. This will play an important part in their overall professional development. Semester 1 will focus on fundamental consecutive interpreting skills such as active listening, analytical and presentation skills, effective recall and note-taking techniques, and target-language reconstruction. Guidance on speech preparation and making, stress management, quality evaluation, peer-feedback, task-based preparation will also be given. Semester 2 will focus on fundamental simultaneous interpreting skills such as simultaneous listening and speaking, segmentation, self-monitoring and coping tactics. Multilingual mock international conferences mediated in the simultaneous mode feature as part of the training. During these conferences, all the presentations and discussions are carried by native speakers of various languages. The topics discussed at such conferences emulate the variety of issues raised in government, non-governmental and international organisations, as well as in
business and commerce. Such training accurately corresponds to the professional demands placed on interpreters.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Mini Conference	3	3.00	9.00
Lecture	3	2.00	6.00
Practical	26	2.00	52.00
Private study hours			83.00
Total Contact hours			67.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

Students are required to prepare for each class by undertaking research through online and written sources – with regard to both interpreting skills and various subject matter areas. Individual and group practise after class is required in order to build upon the practical work done in class following guidance provided by the tutors. Students will be required to carry out regular, reflective study of their own skill progression and development and the implementation of the skills covered. They will be required to compile a learning log of their own skill progression and competence development as a formative and reflective tool to aid their development and private study.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

As the classes are skills-based, a week-by-week/class-by-class formative appraisal can be made by the tutors across the degree content in the modules in which these skills will be put into practice (consecutive interpreting; simultaneous interpreting and advanced consecutive interpreting). Progress will be monitored throughout the year through regular/oral feedback on students’ development status of interpreting skills (consecutive interpreting; simultaneous interpreting and advanced consecutive interpreting). A specially developed skill progression feedback grid and interpreting quality assessment criteria will be shared with the students.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Commentary on consecutive interpreting (end of Semester 1)	50.00
Assignment	Reflective Report on simultaneous interpreting (end of Semester 2)	50.00
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: 19/08/2024

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