| Module Code: TRAM313 |
Module Title: SCIENTIFIC/TECHNICAL TRANSLATION I |
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Module Provider: Language & Translation Studies
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Short Name: TRAM313
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Level: M
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Module Co-ordinator: KORKAS V Mr (Lang & Trans)
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Number of credits: 15
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Number of ECTS credits: 7.5
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| Module Availability |
| Semester 1 |
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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 one-and-a-half hour computers-only examination on Week 5. One semi-specialised scientific/technical text of approximately 150-170 words must be translated, revised and proof-read.
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60%
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A dossier of 2 translations selected from the weekly translation homework, plus 1 longer translation of 500 words to be presented towards the end of semester.
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40%
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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. Students will also receive instruction on issues of practical translation methodology, terminology research, proofreading and editing, etc. Offered in a range of languages, subject to demand: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, and Turkish. |
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| Prerequisites/Co-requisites |
First degree in English, an appropriate language or equivalent. Near-native or native competency in 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:
· provide a grounding on activities that revolve around translation practice per se (e.g. background research, reviewing, presentation, etc.);
· familiarise students with technical and scientific terminology and style from selected sub-fields through practical work on texts;
· offer the opportunity for extensive background reading in technical domains in English and another language as a basis for informed translation practice;
· 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:
· be able to use the World Wide Web effectively for monolingual and bilingual terminology research;
· have acquired a basic understanding of processes such as proofreading, editing and revision of own and third-party translations;
· have acquired the skills and knowledge to research translation problems e.g. related to terminology, genre conventions and style;
· be able to identify and analyse linguistic and subject-related problems when translating technical and scientific documents;
· be able to identify and explain the characteristics of various technical and scientific text genres;
· be able to identify and locate appropriate reference material in order to inform linguistic, stylistic and translation choices;
· be able to translate, revise and format semi-specialised scientific and technical texts of various genres in selected sub-fields to an acceptable level. |
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| Module Content |
· Part 1: Introduction to translation methodology. Hands-on work on internet research skills, file and project management, editing/reviewing/proofreading, document formatting.
· Part 2: Practical translation workshops. Texts are selected from a variety of sources that reflect the needs and demands of the market in selected sub-fields. The specific subject matter will vary depending on language combination and tutor expertise.
· Principles of Science and Technology: An introduction to the essential concepts of chemistry, physics, biology and genetics, electricity and magnetism, wave theory, optics and sound, together with explanations covering a selection of chemical, biological and other processes. |
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| Methods of Teaching/Learning |
Introduction to Translation Methodology:
For the first five weeks of teaching, classes will not be language-specific. Students will be provided with a general introduction on translation methodology (how to approach a text, identifying linguistic / terminological problems, etc.) and then hands-on sessions will follow with techniques for using the World Wide Web effectively in order to locate relevant documentation and tackle translation problems. In the next stage there will be sessions with principles of good practice in file and project management and a thorough introduction on translation-related activities, which will include hands-on tasks in editing, reviewing, proofreading, document formatting and presentation (advanced skills in Office applications).
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 500 words will be set over Christmas. Students are expected to spend time researching the subject and are encouraged to develop on-line and off-line research skills to enable them to find parallel texts. Translation problems arising from assignment texts are discussed in class. The module will normally involve twenty-two hours class contact.
Principles of Science and Technology:
Informal lectures with a high degree of student participation, supported by on-line discussion list. Also incorporating case studies. Contact time: 2 hours per week. |
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| Selected Texts/Journals |
Recommended reading
The Engineer
Nature
Electronic Engineering
New Scientist
PC World
Scientific American
Quantum
Quark
How Stuff Works (Available at: http://www.howstuffworks.com/)
Background reading/reference
Chambers Dictionary of Science and Technology 2007
Dorling Kindersley Science Encyclopaedia London: Dorling Kindersley 1998 (version 3 now available)
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
In addition, language-specific references will be provided by the module tutor in class. |
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| Last Updated |
| 4 May 2011 |
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