LA821-7-AU-CO:
Translation Portfolio I (German)

The details
2023/24
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 15 December 2023
15
03 February 2023

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

LA822, LA898

Key module for

(none)

Module description

The aim of the module is to develop students' practical ability to translate between English and German (both ways) through a wide variety of tasks, working with material from different domains and genres.


You will be developing your skills as a professional translator through:
* Preparation for translation assignments
* Terminology management
* Translation assignments
* Quality Assurance
* Evaluation of your own performance as a translator, and that of your peers.

Module aims

The aim of this module is:



  • To develop students’ practical ability to translate between English and German (both ways) through a wide variety of tasks, working with material from different domains and genres.

Module learning outcomes

In this module, students will:



  1. Improve skills and strategies in German/English and English/German translation, including sensitivity to language structure and cultural concepts, recognising challenges, adopting creative solutions while maintaining accuracy.

  2. Develop suitable methods to prepare for translation assignments: e.g. analysing and identifying text type and salient features as well as purpose and audience for source text and target text, background reading on cultural context and semantic domains, internet searches, use of parallel texts.

  3. Develop techniques to compile and maintain a glossary of terms relevant to each translation task. 

  4. Evaluate, reflect and comment on the effectiveness of techniques used.

Module information

N/A

Learning and teaching methods

Students will take part in weekly translation practice of texts belonging to different genres and dealing with different topics such as: educational, socio-political, promotional, medical, technical, literary and academic texts. A detailed discussion of the texts, considering translation alternatives and choices in class with individual feedback will sharpen students’ awareness of challenges and creative purpose-driven solutions while maintaining accuracy and completeness in the target text.

Details of tasks for each week will be made available online on Moodle, and it is vital for students to prepare translations and readings before class.

Classes will be complemented by workshops and seminars led by professionals in the field. Please refer to the schedule that will be circulated by the MA Director. 

The main focus of this module is the preparation of a translation portfolio which is a detailed record of the translation work carried out during the term. It includes a reflective learning log or journal recording and evaluating the learning experience and three annotated translations, selected by your supervisor, on which you will be assessed.

The translation portfolio will include :

• Two translations into language A

• One translation into language B

• A detailed commentary for the three translations

• A reflective journal

Bibliography

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Timed Translation Test    25% 
Coursework   Translation Portfolio    75% 

Additional coursework information

N/A

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Ms Claudia Alsdorf, email: c.alsdorf@essex.ac.uk.
Claudia Alsdorf
4.315, c.alsdorf@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
Yes
No
No

External examiner

Dr Eloisa Monteoliva
Heriot-Watt University
Assistant Professor in Spanish (Translation & Interpreting)
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 12 hours, 0 (0%) hours available to students:
10 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
2 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information
Language and Linguistics

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