module specification

This module involves critical reflection, research and academic writing, linking translation practice to theoretical notions drawn from the field of translation studies and related areas. The module also offers students the opportunity to develop their knowledge, understanding and awareness of current theoretical and methodological issues in the discipline.
Students produce an 8,000 – 10,000-word research project, which should communicate and evaluate the investigations undertaken in a clear, creative and scholarly manner. The module runs with co-requisite TR7P78 (Independent Translation Project).

Co requisite of TR7P78 (Independent Translation Project)

• Research seminar 1: Introduction to the module and to the dissertation LO1,LO2

• Research seminar 2: Structure of research project and research proposal) LO1,LO2

• Research seminar 3: Review of literature LO1,LO2

• Library research session LO1,LO2

• Research seminar 4: Research methodology and research methods LO1,LO2

• Research seminar 5: Corpus analysis LO3

• Research seminar 6: Discussion and presentation of results LO1,LO2, LO3

• Research seminar 7: Supervision guidelines and assessment criteria and marking LO1,LO4

Each student is offered a maximum of 1 hour with module leader to discuss their research proposal and 4.5 hrs of individual supervision to be arranged between students and supervisor.

The module is delivered through a combination of seminars on translation theory, research seminars and individual supervisory sessions. A library research skills workshop is offered to the students and e-learning material is accessible via the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (Weblearn). 

A Personal Development Portfolio (PDP) is integrated into the Dissertation and comprises 5 separate pieces of formative/diagnostic student work (Annotated Bibliography; Project Proposal Document; 3 x Supervision Reports). The PDP is not assessed, but formative feedback is given on the first two pieces of work, which are submitted in February and March respectively. This timing allows for the staged development of the Portfolio and of the research project itself.

In addition to classroom based activities and the one- to one- sessions described above,  students are expected to undertake a significant amount of self-directed, independent study for the module.

On completion of the module, students should be able to:

1.  Demonstrate an understanding of current theoretical and methodological approaches and produce a project which locates their research in the context of existing theoretical literature in translation studies;

2. Design and undertake substantial investigations to address significant areas of translation theory and practice and reflect systematically and creatively on the interface between the two;

3. Carry out the analysis of complex data, draw appropriate conclusions and effectively communicate the implications of their research within the time and word limits imposed;

4. Act with initiative to implement and evaluate improvements to performance and independent learning.

The module is assessed 100% by summative coursework.
Two of the components of the PDP (the Annotated Bibliography and the Project Proposal Plan) provide opportunities for formative/diagnostic assessment and feedback, as do the four individual supervision tutorials. This formative/diagnostic assessment and feedback is staged in order to allow for ongoing development and enhanced learning over the course of the module.

Baker, M. (ed.) (1998) The Routledge encyclopaedia of translation studies. London: Routledge.
Hatim, B. (2001) Teaching and researching translation. Harlow: Pearson Education Ltd.
Hermans, T. (ed.) (2002) Cross cultural transgressions: research models in translation studies II: historical and ideological issues. Manchester: St Jerome.
Munday, J. (2016) Introducing translation studies; theories and applications. London: Routledge.
Pym, A. (2010) Exploring translation theories. London: Routledge.
Saldanha.C. and O’Brien.S.(2013) Research methodologies in translation studies. London and New York: Routledge.
Schäffner, C. (ed.) (2004) Translation research and interpreting research: traditions, gaps and synergies. Clevedon, England: Multilingual Matters.
Shuttlesworth, M. and Cowie M. (1997) Dictionary of translation studies. Manchester: St Jerome.
Thomas, R. M. and Brubaker D.L. (2000) Theses and dissertations, a guide to planning, research and writing. London: Bergin & Jarvey.
Williams, J. and Chesterman A. (2002) The Map, a beginner’s guide to doing research in translation studies. Manchester: St. Jerome.
Zanettin, F. et. al. (eds.) (2003) Corpora in translator education. Manchester: St Jerome.

A more comprehensive reading list can be found in the module booklet.