Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2014-2015 (archived)

Module GERM2091: TRANSLATION

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (German)

GERM2091: TRANSLATION

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2014/15 Module Cap 60 Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • German Language 1 (I) (GERM1011) or an equivalent qualification to the satisfaction of the Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Corequisites

  • Modern Languages, Combined Honours and all Joint and 'with' programmes: German Language 2 (GERM2021). Other: see Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • The module seeks to develop skills in written translation from German into English and from English into German, and to raise awareness of theoretical issues involved.

Content

  • There will be two components:
  • a weekly practical language class to undertake translation from and into German,
  • a three-weekly class where theoretical aspects of translation are discussed and critiques undertaken.
  • There will be regular formative assignments, including responses to repcise questions in preparation for guided discussion in lectures.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • a greater awareness of both the translation problems raised by particular texts and the solutions that can be employed in order to produce accurate, idiomatic renderings.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • the ability to translate texts of various kinds both into and out of German,
Key Skills:
  • Skills in written argument and presentation.

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

  • This module is taught by means of a weekly practical class, plus a series of feedback sessions aimed at giving students guidance on specific translations and commentary-writing. The programme of weekly practical translation classes will be used for discussion of translation problems with the aid of questions that students will be asked to prepare in advance of each session. The feedback sessions will provide further guidance on the translation problems raised by particular texts, and on commentary-writing techniques. Students are required to attend all classes, and are expected to prepare themselves for and participate actively in discussions.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 21 Weekly 1 hour 21
Practicals 10 Fortnightly 1 hour 10
Preparation and Reading 169
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Examination Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Examination 3 hours 100% Yes

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