Course Title: Advanced Theory of Translating and Interpreting

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Advanced Theory of Translating and Interpreting

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

LANG1223

City Campus

Postgraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2008,
Sem 2 2008,
Sem 1 2009,
Sem 2 2009,
Sem 1 2010,
Sem 2 2010,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 2 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 2 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 2 2013,
Sem 2 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 2 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 2 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 2 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 1 2024

LANG1223

City Campus

Postgraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face or Internet

Sem 1 2023

Course Coordinator: Dr. Miranda Lai

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 3523

Course Coordinator Email: miranda.lai@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Bulilding 37. Level 5. Room 18

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

In the first half of the semester this course undertakes a brief historical overview of modern translation theory post the 1950s and introduces a range of “classical” theoretical approaches to Translating & Interpreting [T&I] from the international literature. It engages with the central “debates” in the theory –the nature of meaning, equivalence, translatability, etc- and focuses on translation as a process rather than product. It looks at the contributions of related disciplines –linguistics, pragmatics, semiotics etc- to T&I theory. It looks at the effects of globalisation on world cultures and their stock of concepts and how this may affect the work of the professional T&I. It encourages students to adopt appropriate theoretical frameworks for their T&I practice. In the second half of the semester, this course looks into interpreting studies and focuses on the theory regarding interpreting from its ancient roots until the modern era. The course will cover the theories regarding different interpreting modes and techniques, and will  analyse interpreting as a cognitive process. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes 

In this course, you will develop the following program learning outcome: 

Critically reflect on and apply advanced concepts and knowledge of languages, cultures and research methods in order to facilitate communication across cultures and languages. 

 

 


Course Learning Outcomes 

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to: 

  1. Discuss the central debates in the translation theory
  2. Examine the contribution of T&I theory to related disciplines (e.g. linguistics, pragmatics, semiotics)
  3. Demonstrate advanced skills in applying range of theoretical approaches to translating and interpreting based on professional practice and discipline knowledge locally and globally
  4. Apply knowledge of global best practice in interpretation and translation in diverse professional contexts
  5. Use appropriate frameworks and metalanguage in evaluating and discussing T & I performance.


Overview of Learning Activities

Classes will be based on set reading each week from the theoretical and linguistic literature, examining the historical development of T&I theories, their central contemporary debates and the growing contribution of related disciplines to our understanding of Translating and Interpreting as theory and practice. 


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. 

The course draws on the substantial literature on T&I theory in the RMIT University collection and contemporary journal and professional articles and conference proceedings. 

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal. 


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. 

Assessment in this course will test and give feedback on your understanding of the historical development of T&I and your ability to use metalanguage in addressing contemporary theoretical issues, and will consist of written assignments. 

Assessment Tasks 

Assessment Task 1: Essay x 2 (40% total) (CLO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 

Assessment Task 2: Essay x 2 (40% total) (CLO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 

Assessment Task 3: Translation Quiz and Interpreting Quiz (20% total) (3,4) 

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks. 

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program manager or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more. 

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.