Module overview
This module is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of theoretical aspects of interpreting, along with an introduction to practical aspects including interpreting technology and devices. Through active engagement in various exercises, students are expected to enhance their skills in adapting interpreting techniques and strategies for effectively navigating the challenges found in professional settings. Throughout the semester, students will be able to analyse their practice in relation to professional standards, reflect on challenges, and develop solutions.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The impact of social-cultural contexts on interpreting practices and the ethical responsibilities of professional interpreters
- How interpreting theory is applied in a professional setting, dealing with the complexities of working and thinking globally and across cultures
- Interpreting theories and methods, including the fundamental theoretical frameworks in the field of interpreting
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Monitor and evaluate professional activity, including self-evaluation
- Communicate complex ideas and arguments orally and in writing
- Demonstrate high level interpersonal skills and intercultural awareness
- Engage in debate around complex ideas and theories
- Work at a professional level across at least two languages
- Use specialist IT skills confidently and appropriately in relevant professional contexts
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Analyse and reflect on your own professional practice and experience and identify areas for change
- Apply theory in order to communicate effectively between English and at least one other language in writing and orally in a variety of professional contexts
- Evidence advanced theoretical knowledge and (where appropriate) professional skills over an extended piece of work
Syllabus
The module will typically cover such themes as:
•Basic interpreting theories and research
•The historical and social context of Interpreting
•Ethics and ethical consideration in translation research
•The role and positioning of interpreters
•Interpreting Research Methods
•Interpreting skills: memorisation, logic analysis, note-taking skill
•Sight translation
•Oral summary and Shadow exercise
•Consecutive interpreting
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
- lectures and seminars;
- whole class, small group and pair work activities
- student-led activities, peer support activities
- blackboard as digital resource;
- tutor feedback on individual and group activities.
Learning activities include:
- academic reading related to specific subjects
- contributing individually and as a group to understand and discuss topics introduced in class
- use of interactive interpreting resources on a regular basis;
- assessing online resources for interpreting practice
- shadow practice/sight translation/note-taking/glossary building tasks
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Teaching | 24 |
| Independent Study | 126 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Franz Pöchhacker (2004). Introducing Interpreting Studies. Routledge.
Daniel Gile (2009). Basic Concepts and Models for Interpreter and Translator Training Revised edition. John Benjamins Publishing Company.
Holly Mikkelson; Renee Jourdenais (2015). The Routledge handbook of interpreting. Routledge.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Practical assessment | 40% |
| Critical Reflection | 30% |
| Practical assessment | 30% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Practical assessment | 40% |
| Practical assessment | 30% |
| Critical Reflection | 30% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Practical assessment | 40% |
| Practical assessment | 30% |
| Critical Reflection | 30% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External