Module GERM1021: GERMAN LANGUAGE 1 (II): TRANSLATION

Department: MODERN LANGUAGES AND CULTURES (GERMAN)

GERM1021: GERMAN LANGUAGE 1 (II): TRANSLATION

Prerequisites

• B in German at A level (or its equivalent).

Corequisites

• Modern European Languages, Combined Honours and all Joint and 'with' programmes: German Language 1(I) (GERM1011). Other: see Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To improve translation skills by encouraging students to increase their command of vocabulary and syntax, and to develop their awareness of German idiom.

Content

• Students are introduced to techniques of translation from German to English and English to German.
• Both 'seen' and 'unseen' translations are undertaken - the first with the help of dictionaries and other reference works, the second without previous sight of the material.
• Practice and theory are interlinked throughout the module.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the year students should have increased and reinforced not only their passive knowledge of German (i.e. what you recognise and can understand), but also their active command of German (i.e. what they themselves can express and render accurately into German).

• Students will sharpen and enhance their awareness of English vocabulary and usage. These skills will lead to an increased awareness of the problems posed by translation, and of the solutions that can be found to address them.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Students will be divided into groups of approximately 9-13 students, depending on numbers; and each group will have TWO contact hours per week. The course proceeds in cycles alternating between hours devoted to class translation work based on the dossier, with some set work at home; vocabulary work; and feedback tutorials on submitted work which is marked. During this part of the cycle students will be allocated an individual slot to discuss your work in detail with your tutor. Tests involving prepared or unseen translations will be set from time to time. All groups work to the same pattern, so that everyone has consistent teaching. This pattern continues for two terms; the final term is devoted to revision classes and examinations.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Regular practice translations.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University