Form C4
Version 4.0 (2010/2011)
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor Template
2. Course
Title
C41IE
5. School
Management and Languages
7. Delivery:
Location &
Semester
Edin
SBC
Orkney
Dubai
IDL
Collaborative Partner
Approved Learning Partner
Sem 1
Sem….
Sem………..
Sem…..
Sem….
Name ….Sem…
Name …………………………………Sem………..
8. Pre-requisites
-
9. Linked Courses
(specify if synoptic)
10. Excluded Courses
11. Replacement Courses
Code:
Translating between International Sign and English
3. SCQF
Level
6. Course
Co-ordinator
-
12. Degrees for which
this is a core course
11
4. Credits
5ECTS/
10SCQF
1. Course
Code
Professor Jemina Napier
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
This course builds on the courses "Similarity and diversity in European sign languages" and "Introducing International Sign"; by offering a comparative perspective, it lays
the foundations for dealing with International Sign (IS) and English texts in translation and interpreting settings. The course exploits the existing knowledge and skills of
students and their actual experience as practitioners and professionals with the aim of providing students with knowledge and skills in translation between IS and English.
The course aims to provide students with:
 an enhanced awareness of contrasts in structure between IS and national signed and spoken languages
 an enhanced awareness of the linguistic potential and limitations of IS
 the ability to communicate in IS beyond a basic level, employing appropriate general, structural and communicative features
 the ability to articulate and put into practice strategies in translation for exploiting and responding to the linguistic potentials and limitations of IS
 the ability to undertake basic English-IS and IS-English translation
 the ability to reflect in an informed way upon their own and others’ translation processes and products where IS is involved)
16. Syllabus
The course covers topics such as the following:
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Reinforcing and extending IS skills
Reviewing descriptive notions of equivalence and non-equivalence in communication between signed and spoken language
Tools and processes for identifying communicative contrasts between languages and texts (contrastive textology)
Contrasting national signed and spoken languages
Re-examining IS as a contrasting form of communication: does it present unique challenges for interpreters/translators?
Identifying the linguistic potential and limitations of IS
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Form C4
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Version 4.0 (2010/2011)
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor Template
Strategies for analysing and re-casting meaning to respond to the characteristics of IS
Employing familiar strategies to deal with IS-English and English-IS translation
Developing extended strategies (i.e. in recognition of any unique challenges) to address IS translation
Using familiar tools and techniques for reviewing and critiquing existing IS translations
Applying these tools to one’s own and peers’ IS translations.
17. Learning Outcomes (HWU Core Skills: Employability and Professional Career Readiness)
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Subject Mastery
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Personal Abilities
articulate and put into practice strategies in translation for exploiting and responding to the linguistic potentials and limitations of IS
reflect in an informed way upon their own and others’ translation processes and products where IS is involved
demonstrate critical understanding of contrasts in structure between IS and national signed and spoken languages
demonstrate critical understanding of the linguistic potential and limitations of IS
A critical understanding of the principal principles relating to the comparison and translation of IS and English.
A critical awareness of current issues in the practice of translating between spoken/written and signed languages in international
settings.
be able to communicate in IS beyond a basic level, employing appropriate general, structural and communicative features
undertake basic English-IS and IS-English translation
Begin to use a significant range of the principal skills and techniques which are associated with translating IS and English.
Begin to demonstrate originality or creativity in the translation between IS and English.
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critically review and consolidate
knowledge and theoretical approaches
with reference to appropriate literature
develop original and creative
responses to problems and issues
related to the translation between IS
and English.
critically reflect on their skills and
practice of translations between IS and
English.
communicate and present their critical
reflections and ideas to an appropriate
academic standard
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Communicate, using appropriate
methods, to a range of audiences in a
variety of modes of communication.
Communicate with peers, more senior
colleagues and specialists.
Use a wide range of software to
support and enhance work at this level.
18. Assessment Methods
Method
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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’ roles and
responsibilities.
19. Re-assessment Methods
Duration of Exam
Weighting (%)
Synoptic courses?
Method
(if applicable)
Coursework & Continuous
assessment
Duration of Exam
(if applicable)
100%
Re-submission of
coursework
2/3
Diet(s)
Form C4
Version 4.0 (2010/2011)
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor Template
20. Date and Version
Date of Proposal
October 2012
Date of Approval by
School Committee
Date of
Implementation
September 2014
Version
Number
3/3
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