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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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Submission of a 10,000-12,000 word assignment on a (cultural) 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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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 which is particularly interesting to them by writing a topic-based dissertation. This means that students can conduct thorough research on a specific translation issue from the angle of linguistic and intercultural mediation. 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 throughout the academic year. |
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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 (excluding references) reflecting the interdisciplinary focus of the degree programme;
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have gained personal insight into and be able to reflect on and critically engage with the different angles from which translation activity can be seen in complex contexts where different ideologies, community formations and cultural policies are at stake;
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be able to monitor, use and evaluate appropriate strategies for effective communication across different (sub)cultures;
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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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show evidence of research skills developed to a level of complexity and sophistication commensurate with masters level descriptors;
- 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 communicate with the Programme Director 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. Orientation sessions will be held in the Spring semester (before Easter) in preparation for choosing a topic and commencing work on the dissertation; this will include workshop tasks and group work.
The pattern of work for the dissertation is as follows: a piece of research on a well-specified question related to Translation Studies drawing on the relevant literature; the work may integrate empirical work, case studies and theory from the area of translation and intercultural communication and must be written in 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 Handbook for detailed guidance on scholarly conventions and procedures for writing the dissertation.
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 reviewed. Students are expected to submit sections of the dissertation for comment as their work proceeds. |
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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 Translating Cultures and for Translation Issues II.
Essential reading
Chesterman, Andrew and Jenny Williams (2002) The Map. A Beginner’s Guide to Doing Research in Translation Studies. Manchester: St Jerome. (chapter 1)
Citing references: http://portal.surrey.ac.uk/portal/page?_pageid=734,200347&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL |
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| Last Updated |
| 12 August 2009 |
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