TR7086 - Characteristics of Specialised Texts (2022/23)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2022/23 | ||||||||||
| Module title | Characteristics of Specialised Texts | ||||||||||
| Module level | Masters (07) | ||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 20 | ||||||||||
| School | Guildhall School of Business and Law | ||||||||||
| Total study hours | 200 | ||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2022/23(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module is designed to introduce students to the main features of specialised texts. This involves the analysis of the characteristics of specialised language in general, and as applied to the six specialised fields such as Advertising, Business, IT, Medicine, Law and Politics.
You will analyse semi specialised texts and carry out research of the potential resources out there to help you started with all that text analysis has to offer. Thus, you will further develop your texts analysis skills and knowledge of the fields, including their linguistic, technical and sociocultural features.
If there are no sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the school reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the School cancels a module it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative.
Prior learning requirements
N/A
Syllabus
Syllabus overview:
The module starts with an introduction to the characteristics of specialised language, then moves to the study of what makes a text specialised. It also looks at the features of specialised translation in general then in particular, as applied to the specialised fields. Besides, it examines some of the challenges that translators working with specialised texts are likely to face in their work (LO1, LO2).
The content involves theoretical instruction in basic principles of the LSP language/ terminology of the subject fields. Basic research / searching strategies for documentation and terminology will also be elaborated upon (LO1, LO2, LO3).
This module relates to two others, namely “The Translator and the Translation Process” and “Translation Tools and the Translator”; and it is essential for the completion of the subsequent translation projects. It is a non-language specific module, and its goal is to achieve the above-mentioned aims irrespective of language pairs (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4).
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Learning and teaching strategies will be delivered through a blended learning approach. Thus, the module is structured around class time, autonomous learning and guided Weblearn materials.
The content is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars, as well as practical work in the specialised fields. You will acquire further knowledge in each specialised topic by analysing and evaluating a variety of semi-specialist texts in the fields covered.
As part of the formative assessment, you will work individually on a chapter review to develop your research and analytical skills. With this research, you will gain a more in-depth knowledge of a particular topic.
In-class and remote activities will range from collaborative work to individual work. You will use online resources and tools available on Weblearn, which will provide you with a variety of materials that will enhance your research skills and knowledge of the specialised field. The activities will include regular formative feedback to reflect on your learning. You will also dedicate time to self-study by using textbooks and e-learning materials.
Learning outcomes
During and up to the end of the module, you will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a good knowledge of the nature of specialised language in general and its role in specialised translation (LO1).
2. Develop applicable skills such as analysis, synthesis and evaluation to identify the specialised domain of texts, their level of specialisation and potential translation challenges related to terminology and cultural differences (LO2).
3. Acquire knowledge of translation theory debates, terminology and research in these fields; including methods and techniques used to describe, interpret and understand specialised texts (LO3).
4. Develop field specific research skills and critical analysis of the sources available for a specific field with the view of applying it to future translation practice (LO4).
Assessment strategy
Assessment methods: This module is assessed 100% by coursework.
The coursework consists of a text analysis where you will analyse specialised texts and identify their main features. You will also discuss the features that make a text specialised, as well as identify their level of specialisation. Finally, you will research potential resources to translate the specialised text and identify potential translation challenges.
Furthermore, the formative assessment (review) will involve research and evaluation of the sources for a specific field.
In addition, you will have opportunities for formative feedback in each of the subject fields covered during the generic and specialised lectures/seminars.