Course Title: Translate special purpose texts from LOTE to English

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2015

Course Code: LANG5776C

Course Title: Translate special purpose texts from LOTE to English

School: 365T Global, Urban and Social Studies

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6133 - Advanced Diploma of Translating

Course Contact: Bing Lee Teh

Course Contact Phone: +(61 3) 9925 0326

Course Contact Email: binglee.teh@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Mr. Bum Lee - bum.lee@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 60

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This unit describes the skills required to translate special purpose texts from another language to English. It identifies the skills needed to convey the purpose and use of the source information in functionally equivalent translated texts for a specific audience. This unit will be delivered in a cluster as follows:

Translation Cluster (LOTE>ENG) (3 units)

  • LANG5836C Translate special purpose texts from LOTE to English
  • LANG5838C Demonstrate complex written English proficiency in different subjects and cultural contexts
  • COMM5975C Edit texts


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

PSPTIS611A Translate special purpose texts from LOTE to English

Element:

1. Analyse special purpose source texts

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Receive and manage source texts according to client requirements and conditions and confirm that it is complete and legible.
1.2 Review personal skills and experience required to undertake assignments and meet client requirements.
1.3 Identify complex areas of content and language requiring additional research and gather reference material in suitable format and timeframe.
1.4 Identify suitable tools and equipment to aid in translation.
1.5 Analyse source texts and apply knowledge of subject and context and experiences in related texts to determine key elements and potential translation quality issues.
1.6 Restructure source texts to clarify meaning and address issues arising with clients.
1.7 Choose approach to translation suitable to target audience and purpose of translation.

Element:

2 Translate LOTE source texts to draft texts in English

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Research and apply established translation precedents and information from resources aimed to ensure consistent outcomes.
2.2 Analyse and adapt cultural and linguistic content of source texts as appropriate for document end use.
2.3 Identify areas requiring further research or assistance and seek and incorporate additional information.
2.4 Produce draft translations of source texts that are accurate, coherent, and appropriate for document end use and assignment requirements.
2.5 Record translation decisions and justification in glossary.
 

Element:

3 Check draft translations

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Critically evaluate subject-specific terminology and concepts, consistency, accuracy and functional equivalence of translated text.
3.2 Identify and correct errors, distortions and unsupported translation decisions.
3.3 Use tools and equipment to check translations, refine and improve target texts and manage and correct errors.

 

Element:

4 Revise translations

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Assess and incorporate advice from checking translator and subject experts.
4.2 Discuss and resolve outstanding issues with appropriate persons.
4.3 Undertake further revision until target text is functionally equivalent to source text.

Element:

5 Finalise and evaluate translations

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Use technology to format translated texts according to agreed specifications and end use requirements, and liaise with clients where required.
5.2 Proofread formatted texts using standard methods to annotate proof corrections.
5.3 Return final version of translated texts and supporting documentation to clients according to agreed procedures and within suitable timeframe.
5.4 Discuss issues and solutions with colleagues and advisers and explore process improvement strategies.
 


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

This is where skills and knowledge learned in other units are applied to produce professional translation that will meet the industry expectations. As such, the learning activities in this unit include simulated translation tasks to provide opportunities to practice the skills and knowledge covered in this unit as well as other units. The activities are undertaken in and outside of translation labs / classrooms, and involve the use of word processing and terminology management and typesetting technologies.Computer literacy and keyboard typing skills are essential.

There is strong emphasis on self-learning and peer-review as well as industry feedback by teachers who are practising translators and have NAATI accreditation at this level.

Students are encouraged to practice skills in free lab sessions supervised by a staff member and seek feedback on their translations by working systematically on the feedback they receive.
 


Teaching Schedule

Class Unit Elements Recommended Topics Other Events
1-12 LANG5776C
  1. Analyse special purpose source texts
  2. Translate LOTE source texts to draft texts in English
  3. Check draft translations
  4. Revise translations
  5. Finalise and evaluate translations
  • Welfare and Social Issues
  • Education
  • Health
  • Medical
  • Legal
  • Immigration
  • Environment
  • Science and Technology
  • Australian Issues
  • Politics
  • Industrial Relations
  • Business
  • Trade
  • Finance
  • Insurance
AT1 (Week 3 -12)

AT2 (Week 6-7)
 

13-16   Final Examinations (AT3)


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Learning Resources
The University Library provides extensive services, facilities and study space as well as comprehensive collections of books, periodicals and other course related materials, such as DVD’s, magazines, slides, films etc. Computer laboratories with access to a wide range of desktop publishing software are also available. The library also has an expanding virtual collection of electronic resources and networks, including product data, e-books, electronic journals and newspapers, web based tutorials, online reference and document delivery services etc., all of which are accessible on campus, and off campus 24 hours per day. More information on library resources and services can be found at: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library
If you need additional support, visit RMIT’s Learning Lab, either in person or online: http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/

GUSS Skills Central (http://Gussskillscentral.edu.au/) is a site developed specifically for students in the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies at RMIT. It provides links to a range of resources for supporting student work on assessments and negotiating university studies more generally.
 


Overview of Assessment

Assessment  and feedback will be ongoing during the semester. Assessments tasks may include, but not limited to, :

- translation projects

- peer reviewed practical tasks

- real or simulated translation assignments

- practical demonstrations/assignments in which theories and strategies are applied


Assessment Tasks

All THREE assessment tasks must be undertaken and completed satisfactorily in order to achieve CAG (Competency Achieved Graded) result for academic qualification.

The result of Assessment Task 3 (AT3) will be entered as the grade for this unit and be used for NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) recommendation. To be eligible for NAATI Professional Translator accreditation, a student must:

  • achieve a minimum result of 29 marks out of 45 for each passage, and 63 marks out of 90 (i.e. 70%) for the two required passages in this unit;
  • undertake and satisfactorily complete Assessment Task 1 (AT1) and Assessment Task 2 (AT2); and
  • obtain a pass for all units in the other relavant clusters.

AT1: Practice Translation and Self reflection & Peer Review (by completion)

  • Produce 2 translated passages every week (week 3 - 12) which will be reviewed by your peer (i.e. your classmates in the same language stream) and then yourself. Your peer has to complete a Peer Review template for you and you have to finalise your translation based on their feedback. Then you have to complete a Self Reflection template.
  • Submssion is according to schedule listed below (including all the required documents either in electronic format or in properly scanned file format) by uploading your work to a designated repository. Further instructions will be provided by instructor. Each submission must be accompanied by a completed Cover Sheet for Submission of Work for Assessment downloadable via http://mams.rmit.edu.au/s1llva641yxuz.pdf
  • Submission Schedule:
    - Week 3 - Due end of week 4
    - Week 4, 5, 6 - Due end of week 7
    - Week 7, 8, 9 - Due end of week 10
    - Week 10, 11, 12 - Due end of week 13

AT2: Translation of Special Purpose Texts (by completion)

  • Translate into English two 250-word special purpose texts out of three in a computer lab setting within 2.5 hours. This task will be conducted around week 6-7. You will be given feedback on your translation and will be asked to work through the feedback and review and finalise your translation.

AT3: Translation of Special Purpose Texts (graded task)

  • Translate into English, two 250-word special purpose texts out of three in a computer lab setting within 2.5 hours. This task will be conducted around week 13-16. This is a graded task and will be used for NAATI recommendation. The actual exam date and time will be announced by the program.
  • Each passage is marked out of 45. Those who achieve the following and passed all units in other relevant clusters are eligible for NAATI Professional Translator accreditation.
    • Min. 29 marks out of 45 for each passage
    • Total 63 marks out of 90 for both passages (i.e. 70%)


Assessment Tasks 2 and 3 (AT2 and AT3) will be administered under NAATI exam conditions and be graded by instructor against RMIT performance descriptors and NAATI accreditation exam standards (reflecting industry standards and expectations). A copy of the NAATI accreditation exam marking sheet and RMIT performance descriptors are available in the Essential Program Information that you received at the start of the semester. It is important that you familiarise yourself with the marking standards and performance descriptors early in your studies, and seek clarifications from your instructors and program coordinators if your are unsure about any aspects of them.

GRADING INFORMATION

A student must undertake and complete ALL assessment tasks satisfactorily in this unit to achieve CAG (Competency Achieved Graded) result for academic qualification. The graded result of AT3 will be used for NAATI recommendation if a student achieves a minimum grade of 29 marks out of 45 for each passage, and 63 marks out of 90 (i.e. 70%) for both passages according to the marking guidelines which you have been given a copy of in the Essential Program Information at the beginning of the semester. .

This unit will be graded as follows, using the percentage result (not the number result) from AT3:

CHD (80%+): Competency with High Distinction
CDI (70-79%): Competency with Distinction (Minimum result for NAATI accreditation)
CC (60-69%): Competency with Credit
CAG (50-59%): Competency Achieved (minimum result for academic qualification)
NYC (0-49%): Not Yet Competent
DNS: Did Not Submit for assessment


Assessment Matrix

 

Elements AT1 AT2 AT3
  1. Analyse special purpose source texts
X X X
  1. Translate LOTE source texts to draft texts into English
X X X
  1. Check draft translations
X X X
  1. Revise translations
X X X
  1. Finalise and evaluate translations
X X X

Other Information

Applying for an Extension
Extension of time for assessment tasks may be granted where circumstances beyond your control prevent submission by the published due date. An application for extension of time must be lodged with your tutor or the course coordinator as early as possible, and no later than one working day before the due date for submission.
You can apply for extension using the University’s Extension Application Form – http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf – or by emailing your course coordinator or tutor directly.
An extension of up to seven calendar days may be granted if good reason can be demonstrated. Include supporting evidence (such as medical certificates) with your application.
Extensions beyond seven calendar days cannot be granted by course coordinators, tutors or the School. To apply for an extension of time greater than seven calendar days you must lodge an application for Special Consideration.

Applying for Special Consideration
If you are seeking an extension of more than seven calendar days (from the original due date) you must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form, preferably prior to, but no later than two working days after the official due date. Late applications will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances. For information about Special Consideration and how to apply, see: http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration

No assessment task shall be accepted after the due date without special consideration.

Assessment Appeals
If you believe your assessment result or final result is wrong please contact the course coordinator and provide the reason why you think your result is incorrect. Valid reasons for seeking a review of results include:
a) You believe an error has occurred in the calculation of the grade; or,
b) You believe the assessment did not comply with criteria published in the Course Guide; or,
c) You believe the assessment did not comply with University Policies on Assessment (i.e. an error in process has occurred).
Full details of the procedure (including appeals procedure) can be located at this RMIT site: http://www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academic#assessment

Academic Integrity
Academic integrity means honesty and responsibility in scholarship through respecting the work of others whilst having the freedom to build new insights, new knowledge and ideas. RMIT University upholds the values of academic integrity as fundamental to the scholarship undertaken by all members of its community. Whenever you refer to another person’s research or ideas (either by directly quoting or paraphrasing them) you must acknowledge your source.
If you are even in doubt about how to properly cite a reference, consult your lecturer or the academic integrity website: http://www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity The RMIT library provides tools to assist with your referencing http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/info-trek/referencing

Plagiarism and Collusion
Plagiarism and collusion constitute extremely serious academic misconduct, and are forms of cheating. You are reminded that cheating, whether by fabrication, falsification of data, or plagiarism, is an offence subject to University disciplinary procedures. Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. It is a form of cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. Plagiarised material can be drawn from, and presented in, written, graphic and visual form, including electronic data, and oral presentations. Plagiarism occurs when the origin of the material used is not appropriately cited. Plagiarism is not acceptable.
Examples of plagiarism include:
* Copying sentences or paragraphs word-for-word from one or more sources, whether published or unpublished, which could include but is not limited to books, journals, reports, theses, websites, conference papers, course notes, etc. without proper citation;
* Closely paraphrasing sentences, paragraphs, ideas or themes without proper citation;
* Piecing together text from one or more sources and adding only linking sentences;
* Copying or submitting whole or parts of computer files without acknowledging their source;
* Copying designs or works of art and submitting them as your original work;
* Copying a whole or any part of another student’s work; and
* Submitting work as your own that someone else has done for you.
* Enabling Plagiarism: the act of assisting or allowing another person to plagiarise or to copy your own work is also an offence.

For further information, please see the RMIT Plagiarism Policy – http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=sg4yfqzod48g1 – and the RMIT Student Discipline Statute and Regulations - http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=11jgnnjgg70y

Plagiarism Software
The originality verification software Turnitin may be used in this course. For details, see: http://www.turnitin.com
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview