Preparation Course – Diploma in Translation II (DipTrans II)

Course ID

PDT2110

Duration

One Semester (Fourteen Weeks)

Prerequisite

Preparation Course – Diploma in Translation I (DipTrans I)

Total Study Hours	Assessment Components	Assessment Description
• 252 Total • 49 Scheduled Learning & Teaching Hours • 210 Guided Independent Study	• Coursework – 40% • Examinations – 60%	• One (1) timed translation paper of 600 words and two (2) timed translation papers of 450 words each • Six (6) research projects and presentations • Eight (8) assignments

Course Summary

This course is the continuation of the DipTrans I course and brings together two semi-specialised areas, the general studies area and translation theory and techniques in the practice of translation. Students work on complex text related to the chosen semi-specialised areas and to the general studies area in the foreign language for proper and accurate professional translation into their mother tongue. They develop the mental stamina required to successfully complete all examinations. The course includes techniques and tips as well as the efficient use of printed material, glossaries and time management skills to face the assessment. Interactive lectures, seminars and group discussions are designed to improve the student’s level of professionalism, knowledge and skills needed for success in this endeavour.

Syllabus

The syllabus of this course includes:

The efficient and professional application of translation theory and techniques without assistance;
The efficient use of printed material and self-developed general and semi-specialised glossaries, both monolingual and bilingual, for timed CAT-unaided translation;
Critical analysis of text in the chosen semi-specialised areas and the general studies area both in the foreign language and in their mother tongue;
Critical analysis of third party translation from and into the foreign language;
Translation annotations and justifications;
The translation of journalistic texts on the topics above to a professional standard of accuracy.

Independent Study and Scheduled Teaching Activity

Weekly interactive lectures, seminars and discussions will allow for the discussion and presentation of the different themes outlined in the syllabus. There will be opportunities for tutor feedback to encourage personal development and reflection, with a view to producing the final version of assignments to the required international standards. Participants will also develop the various learning skills through exercises performed individually, in pairs and in groups. The teaching/facilitating process will focus on improving translation skills such as information seeking, research, critical reading, academic writing, comparative analysis and many others. Individual assignments, projects and extensive readings will aim at broadening the general knowledge of the participant in all the areas listed in the syllabus.

Learning Outcomes

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

Apply advanced knowledge in Translation Studies and translation theory and practice;
Critically analyse and process very complex papers in the chosen semi-specialised areas and in the general studies area in the foreign language;
Be able to produce translation into their mother tongue to a professional standard of accuracy that shows the correct transfer of information and evidence of comprehension, transfer of names, dates and figures, etc.;
Be able to solve translation problems and challenges without assistance;
Be able to efficiently use their general and semi-specialised glossaries, both bilingual and monolingual, for use in CAT-unaided translation;
Be able to efficiently use any printed support material for use in CAT-unaided translation;
Be familiar with, discuss, present, analyse and summarise local, regional and international social and natural phenomena of relevance as well as other aspects related to the chosen semi-specialised areas;
Demonstrate a professional command of the written skills required by the professional translation industry;
Be able to produce translation of highly complex text in the chosen semi-specialised areas and in the general studies area that is grammatically sound, cohesive and coherent, as well as well organised and accurate in punctuation, orthography and accentuation.

Assessment Strategy

Summative assessment is divided into coursework and examinations. Coursework is weighted at forty per cent (40%) of the total grade and comprises six (6) research projects, the findings of which will be presented to the class in the foreign language and a bilingual synopsis submitted and shared with the class, as well as eight (8) assignments to be submitted to the lecturer. The tutor will provide feedback for all coursework. Examinations are weighted at sixty per cent (60%) and comprise one (1) timed translation paper of six hundred (600) words of a general nature and two (2) timed translation papers of four hundred and fifty (450) words each of the chosen semi-specialised areas of expertise. The three (3) timed translation papers will be held on the same day, spanning an eight-hour period, mimicking the IoL external examinations.

Formative tasks will include glossary building, translation exercises and problem-solving exercises in translation.

Note

The DipTrans II does not certify participants as professional translators.

Prerequisite

Preparation Course – Diploma in Translation I (DipTrans I)