TR6053 - Translation Dissertation (2023/24)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2023/24 | ||||||||||
| Module title | Translation Dissertation | ||||||||||
| Module level | Honours (06) | ||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||
| School | Guildhall School of Business and Law | ||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Assessment components |
|
||||||||||
| Running in 2023/24(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
|
Module summary
This module allows students to build on – and expand – the theoretical and practical knowledge acquired throughout their degree and, more specifically, in the module TR6052. It focuses on enhancing students’ capacity to reflect upon both theoretical and practical aspects of specialised translation by developing a dissertation in which they will examine and critically discuss wider issues in research specific to a specialist translation domain of their own choice.
Apart from consolidating their theoretical background, this module also aims at developing students’ research skills, self and time management, independent and team work, decision making and communication skills.
Prior learning requirements
TR5054 and TR5055
Syllabus
Building on the practical skills developed when creating a specialised translation portfolio in TR6052, this module aims to strengthen students’ theoretical knowledge in relation to an area of specialised translation, as well as enable them to perform as high-calibre graduates by writing up their research in an appropriate form.
In their dissertation, students will have the opportunity to choose to either investigate an aspect of one of the specialist fields covered in TR6052 in more depth, or to explore another specialist domain not covered in the aforementioned module. In either case, students will have to approach their research study from a more academic (i.e. less profession-based) perspective.
For this purpose, the module will be organised in 1) periodic sessions in which students will be introduced to aspects such as preparing for independent research work, methods of translation research, research questions, academic writing and 2) supervisions with an assigned tutor through which they will give shape to their research work.
This module intends to:
1. Prepare students to elaborate and write up a dissertation. LO 1 & LO 3
2. Teach students to explore specialised translation not only as a practice-based discipline, but also within the wider academic context of Translation Studies. LO 2 & LO 4
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
This module combines independent study and scheduled teaching. While it predominantly promotes independent learning because students are expected to develop a personal dissertation, it also supports students through periodic sessions in which guidance on how to develop a translation dissertation is offered, and supervisions during which tutors will advise on how the project is progressing.
Teaching sessions and supervisions will be delivered in both face-to-face and in a blended learning format. WebLearn will be used both as a repository of learning materials and as an interactive mode of delivery to share tasks, exchange feedback and get students used to discuss their own ideas and reflections.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. Formulate a thorough research proposal and plan;
2. Conduct a research analysis in their topic area by relating it to relevant theoretical literature;
3. Develop the ability to draw conclusions on the findings linked to their research question;
4. Demonstrate the ability to perform as responsible graduates by incorporating their awareness of the subject into personal and professional practice.
Assessment strategy
Coursework: Dissertation (2500-3000 words)
Students write up a dissertation on either one of the specialist fields covered in TR6052 which they want to investigate in depth or a new specialist domain not covered in the aforementioned module. Students will have to conduct their research study in such a way as to demonstrate that they have consolidated their understanding of how translation theories link to translation practices.