Interpreting and Translation Studies (10cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Objective

Part A: Interpreting and Translation Studies (8 ECTS; 240 h) :
Building on students’ existing knowledge and in preparation for the research modules 4.2
and 5, the aim of this module is to provide students with an overview and an enhanced
understanding of theoretical issues in Translation and Interpreting Studies (T&IS).
Students will develop an awareness of the development of the field of T&IS and an
advanced knowledge of selected influential studies of the discipline, as well as the ability
to critically reflect on existing research in discussions and written texts. Students will be
expected to express their theoretical understanding and demonstrate their ability to
critique academic theories in the form of a written essay according to appropriate
academic standards. They will be further expected to communicate their ideas and give
constructive feedback in peer groups. Overall, this module will prepare students to have
the theoretical knowledge to produce further work at an academic level.

Part B: Developing Reflective Practice I (2 ECTS; 60 h):
The aim of this strand, Developing Reflective Practice, is for students to improve and
deepen their self-reflection skills. By increasing self-reflection, students will also
improve their self-awareness and the ability to regulate their behaviour in interpreting
practice. This strand is centred on the need for practitioners to maintain professional
integrity in their work decisions that are in line with broader theories from the field of
professional ethics. The particular aim of this course is to introduce students to the
applicable theories both within and outside of interpreting and to begin to apply them
in their current practice as interpreters. This course begins this discussion with a
critique of various ethical codes.

Accomplishment methods

In an initial period of self-directed learning (phase A, 40 h), students will undertake
compulsory preparatory reading of texts from Translation, Interpreting and Sign
Language (Translation and) Interpreting Studies, which will be discussed later in phase
B. A literature list including background reading and a number of selected key texts will
be made available to students prior to the beginning of the module. The background
reading of two key texts, Munday’s Introducing Translation Studies (2016) and
Pöchhacker’s (2004) Introducing Interpreting Studies, will give students the necessary
overview of the fields to follow the discussions in class and support their understanding
of the discussed theories. Other key texts are treated as examples of the discussed
theories and should be read intensively and with critical reflection. Students’ reading will
be further guided by monitoring questions provided in advance.
During the block seminar (= Phase B, 25 h), a series of sessions will be held, all of which
will include lecture as well as seminar elements. A number of theoretical approaches
within T&IS will be presented by the lecturer and reflected upon within plenary and group
discussions.
Phase C & D (175h) will contain further self-study, monitored by the lecturers and
accompanied by discussions with peers in online discussion groups, and the submission
of an essay. Students will be asked to choose one of several possible essay questions,
provided during phase B. The task is to explore one topic area in further depth, critically
engaging with literature and current debates in the field of T&IS, in response to a specific
question.

Content

Part A:
This module focuses on theoretical issues in translation and interpreting studies, offering
students the opportunity to discuss, critically reflect upon and further develop theories of
translation and interpreting. A number of pertinent theories in the field will be addressed,
providing an outline of the scholarly history of the discipline as well as introducing
cutting-edge research. The course will cover wider ‘mainstream’ theories focusing on
written/spoken languages as well as those developed particularly with a view to signed
language interpreting. A connection to translating and interpreting involving at least one
signed language and/or translation involving deaf and hearing people, however, will be
maintained throughout.
Classes will cover topics such as the following:
– Overview of Translation Studies
– Functionalist views of translation
– Translation and ideology
– Social and political issues in Translation and Interpreting Studies
– Multimodality and Translation
– Translation and deconstruction
– Overview of Interpreting Studies
– Early views of interpreting: theorie du sssense and cognitive approaches to
interpreting
– The pragmatics of interpreting
– Interpreting as interaction
– Ethics in an interpreting context
– Approaches to performance and the profession

Part B:
In this course, the focus is on the individual’s practice and how theories of ethics and
effective work can be applied to their own work.
Topics include:
Normative & non-normative ethics
Values-based decision making
Cognitive biases and their impact on moral sensitivity and moral motivation
Four component model
Teaching methods
There will be 10hs of contact time during the block seminar. In addition, students will spend 50 hours on self-study before and after the block seminar