Language, Cultures and Translation MA

The module provides the opportunity for language graduates to update, consolidate and extend their skills in one major world language. The language study is centred on a range of cultural contexts and will draw, in particular, upon current affairs, contemporary literature and film as the basis of the linguistic activities practised in the module, including directed self-study. Students will thus consolidate and further their language acquisition whilst exploring elements of contemporary culture. The linguistic activities and the skills to be developed will include: research and preparation of specific topics; analysis of written and recorded texts; report or summary writing; exposition and defence of viewpoint; translation and essay writing.

1. To update, consolidate, and extend language skills in a major world language focusing on cultural contexts.
2. To develop knowledge and understanding of aspects of the cultural environment of the country or countries being examined.
3. To apply research skills in the preparation of work.
4. To further extend vocational skills including translation, summary skills and developing oral and written arguments.

This module examines translation theory and methodology to provide a framework for students to produce a translation into English of a text originally written in French, German or Spanish. The text will be on a topic of the student’s own choice, must not have been translated previously, and will be subject to approval by tutors. A text from a contemporary work of literature or one broadly in the area of European culture may be chosen. The text will be substantial in length (2,500 words), and the project will require the students to engage with the theory and techniques of translation and apply appropriate methodology. A reflective commentary on the translation process will also be submitted. Footnotes to the translation should be provided where appropriate, and a glossary may also be included if considered necessary.

1. To examine and evaluate translation theory and approaches.
2. To develop proficiency in translation from target language into English.
3. To further develop independent learning techniques.

Each student will research and write a 12,000 word dissertation on a subject related to themes covered in the MA. The topic and title are agreed between the student and the supervising tutor. The dissertation is based on guided but largely independent research and upon substantial use of a range of primary and secondary sources. 

1. To pursue a selected topic in considerable depth through independent research.
2. To enhance research skills and scholarship.
3. To enhance understanding of a wide range of relevant primary and secondary sources and to encourage them to analyse, evaluate and draw valid conclusions from those sources
4. To develop critical and evaluative skills appropriate to a research dissertation.
5. To consolidate written skills
6. To foster originality in the application of academic knowledge.

This module provides students with the combined skills and background knowledge to successfully complete M level programmes in Languages and Cultures. An initial induction period will ensure students acquire the requisite IT and study skills and will introduce diverse resources including archive and on-line materials which students are encouraged to critically evaluate and analyse. The module provides the critical tools necessary for the research and preparation of essays and presentations throughout the M level programmes as students work towards their dissertations. These research skills are applied to central themes, namely the construction, development and representation of cultural identities. Drawing on cultural theory, the module reflects on issues of migration and physical and political changes that have shaped contemporary cultures. A brief survey of the main historical influences and movements relating to developments in European, Chinese, francophone and hispanophone cultures is followed by a more in depth exploration of 20^th and 21st century themes such as migration, multiculturalism and globalisation, investigating the tension between national, cultural and diasporic identities.

1. To enhance students’ research skills and scholarship in terms of location of appropriate sources, critical and analytical use of these sources and the application of recognised scholarly conventions in their presentation.
2. To develop understanding of the current political, linguistic and cultural dynamics of contemporary societies and of the historical factors that have influenced them.
3. To develop critical awareness of current theory and opinion on culture and identity, with particular regard to evaluating critically current research and advanced scholarship.
4. To further develop effective vocational skills in written discussion and debate.

This module builds on EU7007 Research into Cultural Identities to provide students with focussed, practical skills to help plan, prepare and complete the Master’s dissertation and related academic written work and presentations. Students will apply the critical, reflective and research skills acquired in the first year to their chosen subject for dissertation; developing their research proposal, sourcing relevant primary and secondary sources and presenting their ideas to their peers.

1. To further develop students’ research skills and scholarship in terms of location of appropriate sources, critical and analytical use of these sources and the application of recognised scholarly conventions in their presentation.
2. To develop research and critical reflection on a selected topic.
3. To develop awareness of and engagement with current academic practices.
4. To further develop effective vocational skills in discussion and presentation.

This module examines theory, methodology and professional practice in a range of contemporary interlingual translation contexts. The module introduces students to the translation of a range of text types from medical, legal, and business to literary, creative and cultural. The module will give students the opportunity to acquire the skills needed to assess, revise and proof-read texts written in or translated into English. Students will also engage with digital media as they apply to the translation context. A particular focus on professional practice will enable students to explore applications of their skills beyond academia. The module serves as a pre-requisite for the Translation Project (EU7005).

1. To develop students’ research skills and scholarship in terms of location of appropriate sources, critical and analytical use of these sources and the application of recognised scholarly conventions.
2. To develop skills associated with the critical assessment and revision of translated texts.
3. To enhance awareness of and engagement with current academic and professional practices.
4. To foster independent learning techniques.