CHIN 7007 - Foundations of Translation and Interpreting

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2020

This course provides theoretical foundations for the translation and interpreting studies and professional practice required by applicants of certified translators and interpreters. It develops students? knowledge and understanding of contemporary theories in translation and interpreting studies, cross-cultural linguistics and cross-cultural communication relevant to translation and interpreting. It also introduces the professional ethics and code of conduct, and familiarises students with the development of the profession in Australia and overseas.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code CHIN 7007
    Course Foundations of Translation and Interpreting
    Coordinating Unit Asian Studies
    Term Semester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Incompatible CHIN 5012
    Assumed Knowledge Fluency in both Chinese and English
    Restrictions Available to MA (InterpTrnsltnTrnscultComm), GDipInterpTrnsltnTrnscultComm students only
    Course Description This course provides theoretical foundations for the translation and interpreting studies and professional practice required by applicants of certified translators and interpreters. It develops students? knowledge and understanding of contemporary theories in translation and interpreting studies, cross-cultural linguistics and cross-cultural communication relevant to translation and interpreting. It also introduces the professional ethics and code of conduct, and familiarises students with the development of the profession in Australia and overseas.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Hong Cai

    Course Coordinator/Lecturer
    Dr Hong Cai
    RM 641, Kenneth Wills Building
    Ph: +61 8 83132598
    Email: hong.cai@adelaide.edu.au
    Consultation hours: By appointments

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

    1. gain comprehensive and in­depth knowledge of the major theoretical frameworks in translation and interpreting studies
    2. develop a good understanding of the link between the practice of translation and interpreting and relevant theories
    3. gain a broad understanding of the field of translation studies, including how other disciplines (e.g. linguistics) relate to the field of study
    4. develop critical thinking skills and ability to assess translation and interpreting practice from theoretical perspectives
    5. achieve a good command of the code of ethics for translation and interpreting
    6. develop skills in managing and dealing with clients from diverse cultural and social backgrounds
    7. develop skills in identifying potential conflicts and reflect on strategies for problem-solving
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1,2,3,5
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    4,5,6
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    4,5,6,7
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    3,5
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    3,5,6,7
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    6,7
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Munday, Jeremy, Introducing Translation Studies: Theories and Applications, 3rd or 4th edition, Routledge, London and New York, (available at the Ebook Library)

    Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators Inc, AUSIT Code of Ethics (full version)
    Recommended Resources
    Books:
    Baker, Mona. In other words: a coursebook on translation (2nd Edition), 2011. Florence, KY, USA: Routledge, e-book available
    Gambier, Y. and Doorslaer, L. (Ed) (2010). Handbook of Translation Studies. Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins Publishing Company, e-book available
    Gile, D. (2009). Basic Concepts and Models for Interpreter and Translator Training. Amsterdam: John Benjamins Publishing Company, e-book available
    Gouadec, D. (2007). Translation as a Profession. Amsterdam: Benjamins, e-book available
    Levý, JiÅ™í, Corness, Patrick, Hausenblas, Karel, & Jettmarová, Zuzana. (2011). The Art of Translation. Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins Publishing Company, e-book available
    Valerie Pellatt, Eric T. Liu, Yalta Ya-Yun Chen. Translating Chinese culture: the process of Chinese-English translation; 2014, Call No. 495.1802 P385tr, e-book available
    Catford, J. (1965). A linguistic theory of translation: An essay in applied linguistics / J.C. Catford (Language and language learning). London: Oxford University Press. Call No. 808 C359
    Munday, J., & Zhang, Meifang, editor. (2017). Discourse analysis in translation studies / edited by Jeremy Munday, Meifang Zhang. (Benjamins current topics ; v. 94), e-book available
    Newmark, P. (1991). About translation. (Multilingual matters (Series) ; 74). Clevedon [England] ; Philadelphia: Multilingual Matters., Call No. 418.02 N556ab
    Nida, E., & Taber, Charles R. (1974). The theory and practice of translation / by Eugene A. Nida and Charles R. Taber (Helps for translators ; v.8). Leiden: Brill. Call No. 418.02 N664

    Journals:
    Babel; Chinese Translators Journal (Zhong Guo Fan Yi‘); Meta; Target; Translation; TTR (Traduction, Terminologie, Rédaction); The Translator
    Online Learning
    Course plans, assessment arrangments and learning materials will be provided on MyUni via Announcements, Course Outline, Week by Week, Lecture Recordings, Assessment, etc.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    1-hour Lecture + 2-hour Workshop

    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    1 x 1 - lecture per week 12 hours per semester
    1 x 2 – hour workshop per week 24 hours per semester
    5 hours practice per week 60 hours per semester
    3 hours reading and research per week 36 hours per semester
    2 hours assignment preparation per week 24 hours per semester
    TOTAL = 156 hours per semester
    Learning Activities Summary
    Week 1 Introduction; Translation as a profession; Main issues of translation studies
    Week 2 Translation theory before the twentieth century; Equivalence and equivalent effect
    Week 3 Studying translation product and process; Functional theories of translation
    Week 4 Functional theories of translation (continued)
    Week 5 Discourse and register analysis approaches
    Week 6 System theories
    Week 7 Cultural and ideological turns
    Week 8 The role of the translator: Visibility, ethics and sociology
    Week 9 Philosophical approaches to translation; New directions from the new media
    Week 10 Ethics test; Research and commentary projects
    Week 11 Oral presentation
    Week 12 Ethics test; Oral presentation

    * The weekly activities may be subject to change.
    Small Group Discovery Experience
    In-class practicum in small groups during each week's workshop.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type  Due Weighting Learning Outcome
    Class participation Formative and Summative Weekly  12% 1-7
    Professional & ethical case analysis Formative and Summative Week 10  28%  5, 6, 7
    Paper on theoretical and 
    professional aspects
    Summative  Week 14 40%  1, 2, 3, 4
    Oral presentation Summative Week 11 & Week 12 20% 1, 2, 3, 4

    Due to the current COVID-19 situation, modified arrangements have been made to assessments to facilitate remote learning and teaching. Assessment details provided here reflect recent updates.
    1. The in-class ethics test will be converted to online test. (28%)
    2. Chapter presentations (12%: 6% for each presentation) and research presentation (10%) will be conducted via Zoom.
    3. The essay is submitted via Turnitin as originally planned. (40%)
    4. 10 reading questions account for 10% of the total weighting.
    Assessment Detail
    Assessment in this course is criteria-based, i.e. the desired learning outcomes are specified and are designed to indicate progress towards the learning outcomes. The assessment grade is a measure of the extent to which the student has achieved the learning outcomes. The standard of performance required for the award of a particular grade is a judgement based on the professional expertise of the staff who contribute to the assessment process and is informed by the experience of accepted standards. There is no predetermined distribution of grades.

    Professional & ethical case analysis – 28% weighting

    A 1- hour test to be held in Week 10 as an in-class exam. It includes answering four questions on professional ethics within a specific timeframe and under specific examination conditions as per AUSIT's Code of Ethics. A supplementary ethics test is provided in Week 12 to those who fail the test in Week 10. The result of the exam will be used as evidence for determining eligibility for the recommendation for NAATI Accreditation.

    Class participation – 12% weighting

    Students should actively engage in interaction in-class activities (e.g. case studies) and cooperative sharing of materials and information.

    Paper on theoretical and professional aspects – 40% weighting

    Choose a topic in the theoretical and professional area of translation and interpreting and write an academic paper of 3000 words in English. The format of the essay is available on MyUni/Assessment and it should be submitted via Turnitin on MyUni in Word. 

    Class presentation – 20% weighting

    Choose a topic in the area of translation and/or interpreting theories and professional translation, and present a talk in English for 20 minutes in class in the form of a seminar in Week 11 & Week 12. The exact time of presentation is to be decided in class based on the sign­up list.
    Submission
    The academic essay must be submitted electronically via MyUni.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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