Module Information

Module Identifier
ELM4760
Module Title
MA Dissertation
Academic Year
2016/2017
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 3 (Dissertation)
Pre-Requisite
Normally successful passing of Part 1

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment 1 x 7,000 word translation with 5,000 word commentary or 15,000 word dissertation  100%
Supplementary Assessment Translation or dissertation to be resubmitted if failed  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. To formulate a research question and/or select a text for translation
2. produce a sustained and structured analytical and critical writing and/or produce a substantial translation
3. employ technical terminology and conceptual thought in an extended critical structure
4. demonstrate mastery of advanced technical, critical and research skills in the argument and the presentation.

Aims

This module is designed to be a module in the new MA in Translation. It is intended to complement the other modules and to offer students the chance to carry out a translation of substantial length and write an accompanying commentary or carry out a research project culminating in a dissertation.

Brief description

This module will give students the opportunity to build on the work undertaken over Part 1 of the MA and select a topic of their interest in order to deepen their understanding by undertaking original research or a larger translation project.

Content

During Semester 2 students will find a topic, formulate a research plan or outline a translation project; carry out research and finally write a dissertation or undertake a substantial translation with commentary

In order to accomplish this task, students will be assigned a supervisor whose interests will be matched as closely as possible to those of the candidate. To facilitate this arrangement, all students will complete a Dissertation Proposal form and hand it in to the European Languages Department Office in the first week of Semester 2 (in the first year of study for full-time candidates and in the second year of study for part-time candidates). This Dissertation Proposal will form the basis of matching the students with a suitable supervisor, and it will act as the groundwork for the first consultations with their assigned supervisor. All MA students will be informed as to their supervisor by Week 3 of Semester 2, in order to allow ample time for research.

The students will be entitled to seven tutorials up to one hour in length. Supervisors will advise on the selection of primary texts and secondary reading, suitable translation techniques and technologies.
The supervisor is allowed to read draft versions of not more than 30% of the dissertation. Comments given by the supervisor will be in the form of a discussion of translation problems or theory issues. The supervisor will not proofread or copy-edit the dissertation.
The student is encouraged to see other members of staff with relevant research expertise to their topic. The student is entitled to up to three one hour meetings with other members of staff. The assigned supervisor should be the primary point of contact.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Depending on chosen topic, some application of numbers might be needed.
Communication Ability to communicated in writing
Improving own Learning and Performance Independent preparation for tutorials, original research, translating independently.
Information Technology Students will be required to access bibliographical information and to submit word processed projects. They will also be expected to use web resources for research, and to use translation software and electronic resources such as corpora and online dictionaries
Personal Development and Career planning Students will be expected to show an ability to manage their own time effectively and to engage in independent lines of research in preparing their dissertation/substantial translation.
Problem solving Selection of reading material, formulating a research question
Research skills Research for dissertation or commentary
Subject Specific Skills Linguistic expertise and knowledge of translation theory and practice.
Team work The students will have to consult others in preparation for their dissertation or substantial translation.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7