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| Module Availability |
From end of Semester 2 |
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| Assessment Pattern |
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Unit(s) of Assessment
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Weighting Towards Module Mark (%)
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Either
Submission of a 10,000-12,000 word assignment on a translation issue by the date published in the Programme Handbook, normally during the second week of September;
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100%
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Or
Submission of a 3,000-5,000 word translation plus 5,000-7,000 word commentary by the date published in the Programme Handbook, normally during the second week of September;
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Project and Commentary are equally weighted
(50%/50%)
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Or
Submission of a bilingual Termbase supported by a 5,000-7,000 word commentary by the date published in the Programme Handbook, normally during the second week of September.
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Termbase and Commentary are equally weighted
(50%/50%)
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Qualifying condition(s): A mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
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| Module Overview |
| This module allows students to specialise in an aspect of the programme of particular interest by writing a topic-based dissertation, doing a translation with commentary or compiling an electronic termbase with a commentary. Successful completion of the module requires close collaboration with a supervisor and good planning and organisation skills. |
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| Prerequisites/Co-requisites |
A pass in the Postgraduate Diploma of 50% or above |
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| Module Aims |
As an extensive piece of work (10,000-12,000 words) which allows the student to work on a topic independently in depth – with appropriate guidance – the dissertation provides the opportunity for students to specialise in an aspect of the taught programme which is of particular interest and to synthesise the skills and knowledge which they have acquired. |
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| Learning Outcomes |
On successful completion of this module, students will:
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have produced a 10,000-12,000 word dissertation according to one of three patterns (see Content);
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have gained insight into and be able to reflect on the process of translation or terminology compilation or technical writing;
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be able to work independently on an extended piece of work in a sustained way with guidance;
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have further improved research skills;
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have applied the knowledge gained in theoretical modules to a project approaching professional requirements and have demonstrated their ability to reflect on practice, drawing systematically and effectively on the available scholarly literature;
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be better equipped to plan and manage larger projects over a period of time to meet deadlines and quality expectations.
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| Module Content |
Students will meet with their supervisor, or with the Convenor for their language group, to discuss possible topics during the second part of the Spring semester (or earlier if appropriate), and in any case not later than the first week of the summer break. Three main patterns of work are possible:
- a piece of research on a well-specified question related to translation, terminology or technical writing, drawing on the relevant literature; the work may be of an empirical or theoretical kind and must be written in English;
- a translation (3,000-5,000 words) and commentary (around 7,000 words in English) in which particular problems and solutions are explicated, drawing on the relevant literature and focussing thematically on an aspect of the translation of particular interest;
- a bilingual (or multilingual) terminology (as a printed Annex/electronic) which is supported by a description and analysis of the procedures, problems and solutions found, drawing on and commenting on the relevant literature; the language of presentation is English.
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| Methods of Teaching/Learning |
By individual consultation and discussion as well as independent research. See also Dissertation Guidelines in the Programme of Study for detailed guidance on scholarly conventions and procedures for writing the dissertation. Orientation sessions will be held in Semester 2 (before Easter) including workshop tasks.
A topic should be agreed normally by the first week of June. Students are responsible for completing and submitting the relevant form- Dissertation Proposal-see Programme Handbook. All proposals are subject to this approval process by the potential supervisor in co-operation with the Programme Director.
Students and supervisors will agree a timetable of work which will include regular meetings and/or communications, at which outlines, drafts and revisions of written work are discussed, students are responsible for completing and submitting the relevant form-Dissertation Deadlines Form-see Programme Handbook. Students are expected to submit sections of the dissertation for comment as their work proceeds. Means of communication between student and supervisor should be agreed at the beginning of the supervision period. See Appendix C for further information about the MA Dissertation plus Appendix D Guidelines for writing Commentaries and Appendix E Guidelines for writing Dissertations. |
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| Selected Texts/Journals |
Specific to individual topics but students are strongly advised to consult the references recommended for other modules, in particular for TRAM056 Translation Issues I and TRAM057 Translation Issues II.
Williams J & Chesterman A (2002) The Map. A beginner’s guide to doing research in translation studies. Manchester: St Jerome (chapter 1)
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| Last Updated |
6 May 2011 |
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