2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SLAV3114 Russian Advanced Translation

20 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Pavel Gudoshnikov
Email: P.Gudoshnikov@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

Successful completion of SLAV2101/2 or equivalent level of language competence

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module is about the process, purpose and practice of translation, introduces you to the professional aspects of translations. It requires you to reflect on the nature of translation in general as well as to practise specific translation tasks (e.g. proof reading, editing, summary, commentary). You will be asked to identify the characteristic features of a particular text or text type (eg journalistic, consumer-oriented, technical, literary) and to formulate and put into practice appropriate strategies for reproducing the meaning and effect of the original Russian text in English. While assessment is individual, much emphasis is placed on on discussion and sharing ideas. Translation is from Russian into English and your level of English (punctuation, standard grammar, vocabulary, register) is as important as your level of Russian.You will be required to produce effective, accurate and appropriate translations of a range of text types, as well as translation commentaries and other written exercises designed to reflect professional practices.

Objectives

This module is about the process, purpose and practice of translation, and requires you to reflect on the nature of translation in general as well as specific translation tasks. You will be asked to identify the characteristic features of a particular text or text type (eg journalistic, consumer-oriented, technical, literary) and to formulate and put into practice appropriate strategies for reproducing the meaning and effect of the text in the target language and cultural context.

You will be required to produce effective, accurate and appropriate translations of a range of text types.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students should be able to:
1. demonstrate a greater understanding of the issues (linguistic, cultural, ethical and professional) involved in translation
2. identify the purpose and function of texts in both SL and TL culture
3. formulate an effective translation strategy
4. produce effective, accurate and appropriate translations of a range of text types
5. demonstrate an improved comprehension of written Russian and command of style and register in English
6. demonstrate a greater awareness of the linguistic conventions of the text types studied
to.

Skills outcomes
- Translation skills from Russian into English
- English writing skills
- Russian vocabulary, syntax and register
- Research skills
- Use of online and other resources to support translation
- Intercultural skills
- Textual analysis.

Syllabus

General issues in translation will be introduced and practiced through weekly translation, research, writing and reading tasks, which may be in groups or individual, online or face to face.
The module will be underpinned by a foundation in translation theory and methodology.

The characteristics and approaches to specific text types (e.g. journalistic, literary, instructional, administrative, technical/scientific, will be discussed, and practiced. There will be regular written tasks that practise the format and content of the assessments, on which you will receive feedback.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	7	1.00	7.00
Seminar	20	1.00	20.00
Private study hours			173.00
Total Contact hours			27.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

You will be expected to research the characteristics and function in both source and target language and culture of the text types under consideration and research the topic areas of the texts set, to engage with translation theory and to write translation notes for each text submitted.

You will work on translations and other written exercises individually and in groups of varying sizes, using wikis where appropriate, and will be expected to engage fully with the issues involved in professional translation.

You will use online resources including dictionaries and parallel texts as well as publications in the field of translation studies in order to develop their skills and knowledge and achieve the required standards.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Throughout both semesters, practice exercises will be set regularly, mimicking the form of the formally assessed pieces, in order to familiarise you with the assessment format.
These non-assessed assignments will be followed by both individual and group feedback, which may be in oral or written form as appropriate.
- Class participation will also be used to monitor progress.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Take Home Translation	60.00
Assignment	Commentary on Take Home Translation (2000 Words)	40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Alternative assessment or resit available only if advised by Exam board in the light of evidence submitted in mitigation.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 19/09/2024

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