Admission requirements
This course is open only to students registered for the Translation specialization.
Description
This course offers students a comprehensive introduction to contemporary approaches and methodologies in translation studies. Through interactive lectures, students will explore the intersection of translation theory with empirical research.
The first block is dedicated to theoretical and methodological foundations encompassing various approaches such as product-oriented, process-oriented, participant-oriented, and context-oriented methods. Both qualitative and quantitative research techniques will be covered, equipping students with the essential skills and resources to undertake independent research for their master's thesis.
The second block focuses on current cultural and societal dimensions of translation with an emphasis on the ethical role of the translator, the sustainable development of the profession, and critical engagement with translation technologies, including machine translation. This block aims to cultivate students' critical thinking and ethical reasoning skills, enabling them to: (1) critically assess the relevance and impact of translation technologies on professional practices, (2) analyze and critically evaluate language services and policies, proposing improvement strategies in line with social and economic responsibilities, and (3) critically assess and work within the ethical principles outlined in codes of ethics and guides of good practice.
Each seminar will center on key academic articles, including foundational theoretical texts and case studies, fostering in-depth discussions and situating them within their respective research traditions. Through collaborative work in small groups, students will have the opportunity to apply and refine their knowledge by collecting and interpreting data for a replication study aligned with the course topics.
By the end of the course, students will be able to design, develop, and conduct an empirical study in the field of translation studies, effectively communicating their findings through written reports.
Course objectives
By the end of the course:
Students will have advanced knowledge of translation studies at the theoretical and methodological levels and based on that knowledge, students will be able to critically reflect on translation as a process and a product. -> Researching, Analysing
Students will be able to understand, critically reflect on and apply appropriate research methods. -> Researching, Independent learning
Students will be able to independently collect, interpret and critically reflect on relevant literature, identifying new trends and diverse methodologies. -> Researching, Generating Solutions, Digital skills, Independent learning
Students will be able to formulate relevant and realistic research questions, designing fitting methods to address them. -> Researching, Generating Solutions
Students will be able to collect, interpret, and analyze empirical data. -> Researching, Analysing, Written communication
Students will be able to plan and manage time efficiently, adhering to deadlines and effectively managing workload -> Project-based working, Resilience
Students will be able to work both independently and in multicultural and multilingual teams, using appropriate communication technologies -> Project-based working, Colaborating
Students will be able to monitor and adapt to new societal demands, market requirements and emerging job profiles. -> Societal awareness, Reflecting
Students will be able to critically assess the relevance and impact of translation technologies on professional practices. -> Digital skills, Societal awareness, Reflecting
Students will be able to analyze and critically evaluate language services and policies, proposing improvement strategies aligned with social and economic responsibilities. -> Societal awareness, Reflecting
Students will be able to critically assess and work within the ethical principles outlined in codes of ethics and guides of good practice. -> Digital skills, Societal awareness, Reflecting
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
Lecture
Assessment
Written examination with short open questions and closed questions (40%)
Research paper (60%)
Weighing
All components have to be at least 6.0.
Resit
There will be a resit opportunity for each of the course components, which consists of the same subtests as the first opportunity. Students can resit a course component if the mark for the component is a fail.
Exam review
How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.
Reading list
Gambier, Yves, and Luc van Doorslaer, eds. 2010-2013. Handbook of Translation Studies (4 volumes). Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins.
Munday, Jeremy. 2022. Introducing Translation Studies: Theories and Applications. London & New York: Routledge.
The four volumes in e-book version can be found via the Library’s Catalogue. The titles of the entries relevant to the research topics developed in-class will be announced at the beginning of the course.
Additional bibliography and the reader will be provided at the beginning of the course thru Brightspace
Registration
Enrolment through My Studymap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions regarding enrollment please contact the Education Administration Office Reuvensplaats.