Translation: Methodology and Practice - LAN00130H

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Module summary

This module introduces core principles and practices of translation into English. You will learn about different types of translation from a real-world context, discuss some of the issues relevant to the profession, and have the opportunity to engage with a wide range of texts, reflecting on your output and exploring the specificities of your language combination.

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Semester 1 2025-26

Module aims

This module aims to:

• introduce students to the concepts, practices and issues of translation

• explore some of the issues specific to translation from French, German, Italian and/or Spanish into British English

• develop the ability to engage with difficult concepts

• guide students in being able to translate a variety of texts and reflect on their production

• develop skills in analysing written French, German, Italian and/or Spanish texts and other content such as commentary

• develop the ability to formulate a balanced, coherent argument.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module students should be able to:

• discuss issues relating to translation generally and/or from French, German, Italian and/or Spanish into English specifically

• reflect critically on their translation production, referencing concepts and terminology specific to Translation Studies

• comment critically on the translation output of others, giving valid bases for their assertions

• formulate a balanced, coherent argument referencing relevant literature.

Module content

Lecture topics include: Issues of translation; Contexts of translation (literary, legal, journalistic, etc); AI and CAT tools; Interpreting; Translation quality; Perceptions of translation; and Ethics.

Follow-up seminars will explore lecture topics in greater depth. Practical workshops will provide opportunity for real-world translation tasks across a wide variety of text types and genres while working to compile the translation portfolio along the course of the module.

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)	40
Essay/coursework	60

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Open Examination	100

Module feedback

Formative feedback

Oral feedback to be given in class for tasks and weekly assignments completed as part of Seminars 1 and 2. Students will also receive oral/written feedback on their draft versions of portfolio pieces 1 and 2, which can then be revised before final submission.

Summative feedback

Written feedback within the university-mandated time limit.

Indicative reading

Aranda, L. (2007). Handbook of Spanish-English translation. Lanham, MD: University Press of America.

Baker, M. (2011). In other words. London: Routledge.

Hatim, B., & Munday, J. (2004). Translation: an advanced resource book. London: Routledge.

Haywood, L., Thompson, M., & Hervey, S. (2013). Thinking Spanish translation. Oxon: Routledge.

Hervey, S., & Higgins, I. (2002). Thinking French Translation. London: Routledge.

Munday, J. (2009). The Routledge Companion to Translation Studies. London: Routledge.

Munday, J. (2016). Introducing Translation Studies: theories and applications. Oxon: Routledge.

O’Hagan, M. (2023). The Routledge Handbook of Translation and Technology. London: Routledge.

Olohan, M. (2015). Scientific and technical translation. London: Routledge.