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2010/1 Module Catalogue
 Module Code: TRAM180 Module Title: RESEARCH METHODS IN TRANSLATION STUDIES
Module Provider: Language & Translation Studies Short Name: TRAM180
Level: M Module Co-ordinator: ROGERS MA Prof (Lang & Trans)
Number of credits: 15 Number of ECTS credits: 7.5
 
Module Availability

Semester 2

Assessment Pattern
Unit(s) of Assessment
Weighting Towards Module Mark (%)
A critical review of a research article (800-1,000 words)
30%
A research proposal (1,500-2,000 words)
70%

Qualifying Condition(s): an average mark of 50% must be achieved.
Module Overview
In this module, students will learn about the principal frameworks, methods and data types used in conducting research into translation, translating and translations.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
First degree in English, an appropriate language or equivalent. Near-native or native competency in English.
Module Aims
The module aims to provide students with the means to initiate and carry out their own research projects based on a sound understanding of how to link research questions with methods and data, and to present the outcomes of their research in academic contexts. Critical reading and evaluation skills will form an integral part of the module.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
  • explain the major frameworks for identifying, describing and explaining phenomena in translation, translating and translations;
  • exercise critical judgment with respect to existing published research;
  • formulate appropriate research questions;
  • design research projects based on an understanding of how methods and data can be used in the exploration of research questions;
  • analyse a range of data types;
  • present their projects in selected academic contexts
Module Content
  • Translation, translating and translations
  • The research question
  • The literature review, including critical reading
  • Hypotheses
  • Data types: primary and secondary; elicited, observational, descriptive; quantitative, qualitative; diachronic, synchronic
  • Data sources: texts, archives, human informants (e.g. translators, publishers, editors, commissioners, readers)
  • Research design and research ethics
  • Methods/instruments: text analysis, electronic (semi-automatic) processing of corpora, surveys (questionnaires), interviews, think aloud protocols, data logging
  • Frameworks/models/approaches for analysing data
  • Patterns, laws, norms, universals
  • Presenting research projects and results.
Methods of Teaching/Learning
Will include tutor-led sessions, group work and in-class and homework exercises applying and exploring the ideas introduced in the seminar.
Selected Texts/Journals
Essential reading
Schäffner, Christina (ed.) (2004) Translation Research and Interpreting Research: Traditions, Gaps and Synergies. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.
Williams, Jenny and Chesterman, Andrew (2002) The Map. A Beginner’s Guide to Doing Research in Translation Studies. Manchester: St. Jerome.
 
Recommended reading
Chesterman, Andrew (2001) Empirical research methods in Translation Studies. Erikoiskielet ja käännösteoria (VAKKI-symposiumi XX) 27, 9-22 (available at http://www.helsinki.fi/~chesterm/Selpubs.html)
Hatim, Basil (2001) Teaching and Researching Translation. Harlow etc.: Longman.
 
Background reading
Baker, Mona and Saldanha, Gabriela (eds) (2008)Routledge Encyclopedia of Translation Studies. London & New York: Routledge (2nd edition).
Bibliography of Translation Studies

Translation Studies Abstracts

Last Updated
11 August 2009