Translation Studies: Theories and Methodologies
Academic year: 2025
Module code: EDEN4027
Total credits: 20
Level: 4
Offering school: School of Education and English
Taught semesters: Autumn China Target students:
Students taking the MA in Interpreting and Translation at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China. Not open to mobility students.
Summary of content
This module offers an introduction to a range of translation and interpreting theories and research methodologies, including both linguistic and cultural approaches. It helps students to develop skills of source text analysis and to outline strategies appropriate to source text type and commission context, and mastery of research methodologies related to translation and interpreting studies and translating/interpreting analysis.
Please note: This module is assessed at the end of Autumn semester. First sit/ Re-sit exams are scheduled normally in the summer and can take the same form. as the missing/ failed component of the assessment (exam, essay etc.) or other form, as decided by the School.
This module is not compensatable, that is it must be passed before students can progress to the next stage.
Educational aims
This module is designed to equip students with a theoretical framework which enables them to develop and implement appropriate translation and interpreting strategies for a variety of source types; to enable students to assess critically advice given by colleagues or even the instructors, choose appropriate strategies and tactics when they are faced with new situations not met during the training programme; to prepare students explicitly for their dissertation work. It also provides training in specific research methods, giving students the tools to evaluate existing research and to apply research findings appropriately in their own academic work.
Method and frequency of class
Learning outcomes
(a) Knowledge and understanding
A1 Knowledge and understanding of linguistic, textual and cultural issues relating to translation and interpreting, and techniques for resolving difficulties
A2 Enriched knowledge and understanding of the lexis, structures and functions of English
A3 intercultural awareness of social and situational issues
A4 Understanding of the principles of mediation between English and Mandarin A5 intercultural awareness of social and situational issues
(b) Intellectual skills
B1 Critical analysis of source materials and strategies for resolving Community Interpreting problems
B2 Ability to mediate between people and cultures
B4 Critical assessment of own and others' translation and interpreting
Critically assess the limitations of existing theoretical concepts and research methodologies as a means of understanding translation and interpreting and, where possible, suggest alternatives, both orally and in writing.
(c) Professional practical skills
C4 Research, planning and preparation for interpreting and translation assignments Analyse stylistic and text-construction of source and target discourses; awareness of ethical conventions involved in producing and writing up a dissertation-type project in translation and interpreting studies.
The key research methods suitable for translation and interpreting research, and know the value of using multiple research methods. Be aware of the underlying methodological issues such as validity, reliability, sampling, etc., the purpose and value of descriptive statistics (in graphic and numeric format).
(d) Transferable (key) skills
D2 Independent learning skills
D3 Time management and organisational skills
Communicate clearly in oral presentations; display analytical skills; demonstrate well-structured written commentary based upon a critical/evaluative reading of sources; contribute to discussion, responding to and developing the ideas of others; use information retrieval skills; develop judgement; develop the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing.