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| Module Availability |
| 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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A dossier of 4 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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A three-hour computers-only examination at the end of semester 2. Two semi-specialised scientific/technical text of approximately 280-300 words each must be translated.
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60%
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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 |
The module is aimed at acquiring advanced skills and strategies for scientific/technical translation in a variety of professional settings and expectations. Through a range of class-work exercises and homework assignments, the module will enable students to consolidate and expand the skills developed in “Scientific/Technical Translation I” and to apply them in a professional capacity. Critical reflection upon different translation situations will help students to prepare for professional practice in a wide variety of scientific/technical text types and genres. |
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| Prerequisites/Co-requisites |
Successful completion of Scientific/Technical Translation I or equivalent, normally at Masters level. |
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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;
· translate, to a standard approaching professional level, in a wide variety of contexts including popular –scientific publications, journals, press releases, user manuals, product summaries, etc., subject to language-/market-related constraints;
· work effectively under conditions of temporal and cognitive pressure;
· 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;
· proofread, edit and revise 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, analyse and solve problems when translating technical and scientific documents;
· be able to describe and explain the characteristics of various technical and scientific text genres;
· be able to apply the principles of modern science and technology in the decision-making process of solving translation problems, and to identify and locate appropriate reference material;
· be able to translate, revise and format specialised scientific and technical texts of various genres in selected sub-fields to a standard approaching a professionally acceptable/revisable level. |
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| Module Content |
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 TV and radio, telecommunications, computers, combustion engines, pharmacology and astronomy, together with explanations covering the operation of various important mechanical, electrical, electronic and optical devices and systems. |
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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 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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