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| Module Availability |
| Autumn and spring semesters |
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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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A three hour open book examination at the end of the Spring Semester. Two scientific/technical texts of approximately 280-300 words must be translated
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70%
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A dossier of 5 translations selected from the weekly translation homework, plus 1 longer translation of 750 words to be presented towards the end of the Spring semester
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30%
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Qualifying condition(s): A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module. |
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| Module Overview |
| This module provides students with no previous experience of specialist translation in Science/Technology with the opportunity to reach an acceptable professional level of translation competence. It combines regular translation practice in smaller groups with lectures on underlying principles of Science and Technology. Offered in a range of languages, subject to demand: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish. |
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| Prerequisites/Co-requisites |
| Native or near-native competence in the relevant languages, including English. |
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| Module Aims |
This module aims to provide students with no previous knowledge of specialist translation in this area with professional-level competence in the translation of scientific and technical texts between English and another language from those available (subject to demand and staffing). The module incorporates selected aspects of the principles of science and technology as a basis for the translation work according to expertise and relevance to the particular translation pair and further translation-related research. This module aims to:
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familiarise students with technical and scientific terminology from selected sub-fields and style through practical work on texts;
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offer the opportunity for extensive background reading in technical domains in English and another language as a basis for informed translation practice;
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encourage research into technical and scientific topics in order to gain an insight into the complexities of technical translation.
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| Learning Outcomes |
On successful completion of this module, the student will:
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have acquired the skills and knowledge to research translation problems e.g. related to terminology;
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have gained an awareness of issues to be considered when translating technical and scientific documents;
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have an understanding of the characteristics of various technical and scientific text genres;
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have received sufficient grounding in the principles of modern science and technology to be able to understand what is read in appropriate reference material when working as translators.
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| Module Content |
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Texts are selected from a variety of sources that reflect the needs and demands of the market in selected subfields. The specific subject matter will vary depending on language combination and tutor expertise.
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Principles of Science and Technology: An introduction to the essential concepts of chemistry, physics, electricity and magnetism, wave theory, optics and sound, TV and radio, telecommunications, computers, combustion engines, pharmacology and astronomy, together with explanations covering the functioning of various important mechanical, electrical, electronic and optical devices and systems and a selection of chemical and other processes.
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| Methods of Teaching/Learning |
Translation practice:
Classes generally take the form of group workshops, sometimes on unseen texts. Translation assignments of 250-300 words in length are normally set each week. One longer translation of 750 words will be set over Easter. Students are expected to spend time researching the subject and are encouraged to develop Internet and research skills to enable them to find parallel texts. Translation problems arising from assignment texts are discussed in class.
Contact hours: 2 hours per week
Principles of Science and Technology:
Informal lectures with a high degree of student participation, supported by on-line discussion list.
Contact hours: 2 hours per week |
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| Selected Texts/Journals |
Chambers Dictionary of Science and Technology 1999
Dorling Kindersley Science Encyclopaedia London: Dorling Kindersley 1998
Larousse Dictionary of Science and Technology 1995
McGraw-Hill Encyclopaedia of Science and Technology (20 volumes) 1982
McGraw-Hill Concise Encyclopaedia of Science and Technology (1 volume) 2004
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Science and Engineering
Regular reading:
The Engineer
Nature
Electronic Engineering
New Scientist
PC World
Scientific American
Quantum
Quark
In addition, language-specific references will be provided by the module tutor in class. |
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| Last Updated |
| 27 August 2008 |
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