Form C4
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor
2. Course
Title
Management and Languages
C41TS
7. Delivery:
Location &
Semester
Edin
SBC
Orkney
Dubai
IDL
Collaborative Partner
Approved Learning Partner
Sem
Sem….
Sem………..
Sem…..
Sem….
Name Magdeburg-Stendal University of
Applied Sciences (Germany) Sem 2
Name …………………………………Sem………..
8. Pre-requisites
-
9. Linked Courses
(specify if synoptic)
10. Excluded Courses
11. Replacement Courses
Code:
3. SCQF
Level
Interpreting and Translation Studies
6. Course
Co-ordinator
-
12. Degrees for which
this is a core course
11
4. Credits
10ECTS/
20SCQF
1. Course
Code
5. School
Dr Svenja Wurm
MSc in Sign Language Interpreting (EUMASLI)
Date Of Replacement:
13. The course may be
14. Available as an Elective?
Yes
No
UG only
PG only
UG & PG
delivered to:
15. Aims
Building on students’ existing knowledge and in preparation for the research courses 4.2 and 5, the aim of this course is to provide students with an overview and an
enhanced understanding of theoretical issues in Translation and Interpreting Studies (T&IS). Students will develop an awareness of the development of the field of T&IS and
an advanced knowledge of selected influential studies of the discipline, as well as the ability to critically reflect upon existing research in discussions and written texts.
Students will be expected to formulate their theoretical understanding and demonstrate their ability to critique academic theories in the form of a written essay following
appropriate academic standards. They will be further expected to communicate their ideas and give constructive feedback in peer groups. A reflective strand, which is
threaded through courses 2.2, 3.2 and 4.2, provides students with enhanced tools for skills in reflecting on professional practice. Overall, this course will prepare students to
have the theoretical knowledge to produce further work in the area at an academic level.
16. Syllabus
This course focuses on theoretical issues in translation and interpreting studies, offering students the opportunity to discuss, critically reflect upon and begin to further
develop theories of translation and interpreting. A number of pertinent theories in the field will be addressed, providing an outline of the scholarly history of the discipline as
well as introducing cutting-edge research. The course will cover wider ‘mainstream’ theories focusing on written/spoken languages as well as those developed particularly
with a view to signed language interpreting. A connection to translating and interpreting involving at least one signed language, however, will be maintained throughout.
Classes will cover topics such as the following:
 Overview of Translation Studies to date including the discussion of translation in a sign language context
 Functionalist views of translation
 Descriptive Translation Studies
 Cultural approaches to Translation Studies
 Social and political issues in Translation and Interpreting Studies
 Overview of the fields of Interpreting Studies and Sign Language Interpreting Studies to date
 Early views of interpreting: theorie du sense and cognitive approaches to interpreting
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Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor
The pragmatics of interpreting
Interpreting as interaction
Ethics in an interpreting context
Approaches to performance and the profession
Tools for reflection on professional practice 1
17. Learning Outcomes (HWU Core Skills: Employability and Professional Career Readiness)
Subject Mastery
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Knowledge that covers and integrates the main areas of Interpreting and Translation Studies with relevance to signed language
contexts, including their features, boundaries, terminology and conventions.
Critical awareness of the principal theories, principles and concepts of Interpreting and Translation Studies with relevance to signed
language contexts.
A critical understanding of selected specialised theories, principles and concepts of Interpreting and Translation Studies with particular
relevance to signed language contexts.
Apply a range of standard research techniques of enquiry to a selected topic within Interpreting and Translation Studies with particular
relevance to signed language contexts.
Plan and execute a project of research and investigation in a selected area within Interpreting and Translation Studies with particular
relevance to signed language contexts.
Demonstrate originality or creativity in the application of knowledge, understanding and/ or practices to a selected area within
Interpreting and Translation Studies with particular relevance to signed language contexts.
Personal Abilities
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Apply critical analysis, evaluation and
synthesis to issues which are informed
by current thinking and theoretical
approaches at the forefront of the
discipline.
Identify and conceptualise abstract
problems and issues.
Develop original and creative
responses to problems and issues.
Critically review, consolidate and begin
to extend knowledge and thinking in
T&IS.
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Communicate, using appropriate
methods, with peers and more senior
colleagues.
Use an appropriate range of software
to support and enhance work at this
level.
Undertake critical evaluations of data.
18. Assessment Methods
Method
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19. Re-assessment Methods
Duration of Exam
Weighting (%)
Synoptic courses?
Method
(if applicable)
Coursework & Continuous
assessment
Take responsibility for own work.
Take responsibility for a significant
range of resources.
Practise in ways which draw on critical
reflection on own and others’
contributions.
Duration of Exam
(if applicable)
100%
Resubmission of
coursework
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Diet(s)
Form C4
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor
20. Date and Version
Date of Proposal
October 2012
Date of Approval by
School Committee
Date of
Implementation
January 2014
Version
Number
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