Translation Studies

Semester one:

Translation Technologies

This module is designed to enable students to become conversant with different computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools that are used in professional practice. Students will learn about core perspectives in the use and usefulness of CAT tools and terminology management tools. Students will also receive teaching in relation to the use of Machine Translation and post-editing.

15 credits

Concepts and Approaches in Translation Studies

The aim of this module is to introduce students with an interest in languages and communication to key theoretical approaches in Translation Studies, including theories of equivalence, functionalism, domestication v. foreignisation, comparative syntax and audiovisual translation. This module will give students a solid grounding in translation theory and prepare them for further study in this area and/or relating to other disciplines.

15 credits

Research Methods in Modern Languages and Cultures

This module will introduce and explore a range of methodological approaches and techniques that are relevant to students of Modern Languages and Cultures. It will enable students to identify, assess and exploit sources and data, present the results of their research in (an) appropriate manner(s), and adhere to data protection, intellectual property and ethics requirements. Students will engage with different theoretical models and debates, and a range of tools for accessing information. Students will be required to attend generic research methods sessions as well as those which are of greatest relevance to their research topic(s).

15 credits

Translation Skills and Genres 1

This module aims to enable students to analyse, evaluate and apply appropriate translation theories to the translation of texts whilst developing advanced and professional translation skills in a variety of genres. It aims to equip students with key theoretical approaches and practical strategies for the translation of a wide variety of genres of texts.

Module aims are: i) To develop skills and expertise in translation strategies between English and one other language. ii) To develop an understanding of practical, professional and theoretical approaches to the translation of different genres of texts. Through a combination of theoretical lectures and language specific seminars students will develop an awareness of issues related to translation and language.

Students will analyse material from the word to the text level and examine theoretical and practical issues in the translation of authentic Source Language texts.

Students will examine frequently occurring translation problems and a range of strategies, which can be used to solve them, as well as learn how to justify their choice of strategy.

This module is normally for students on Masters' programmes in the Faculty of Arts. Students with non-standard experience /qualification may be eligible for this module on successful completion of a translation test.

15 credits

Induction and Transition: SLC MA Study Support

The aim of this module is to give students of the Applied Languages MA Programmes the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to complete successfully the requirements of their postgraduate programme, including writing an essay at MA level and undertaking a dissertation in the field (to be agreed with the dissertation supervisor). Students will be introduced to library skills, academic requirements of writing an essay at MA level, referencing conventions, plagiarism issues and autonomous learning. Students will be introduced to the requirements of a dissertation at Sheffield, and follow appropriate support lectures supporting the student in identification of the research area; reading to be undertaken, adopting appropriate methodologies and the development of original ideas and insights.

Semester two:

Dissertation - MA in Translation Studies

The aim of this module is to give students of the MA in Translation Studies the opportunity to research a topic in the field (to be agreed with the dissertation supervisor). They will be expected to put into practice theories, strategies, methods and techniques with which they will have been acquainted while studying the relevant preparatory modules; they may also link their dissertation to a work-placement or work-based project, and in some cases an extended translation, in which case the dissertation approach may be more practice-oriented, drawing on theories. The normal length of the dissertation will be 12-16,000 words.

60 credits

Translation Skills and Genres 2

This module aims to enable students to analyse, evaluate and apply appropriate translation theories to the translation of texts whilst developing advanced and professional translation skills in a variety of genres. It aims to equip students with key theoretical approaches and practical strategies for the translation of a wide variety of genres of texts. Module aims are:
i. To develop skills and expertise in translation strategies between English and one other language.
ii. To develop an understanding of practical, professional and theoretical approaches to the translation of different genres of texts.

Through a combination of theoretical lectures and language specific seminars students will develop an awareness of issues related to translation and language. students will analyse material from the word to the text level and examining theoretical and practical issues in the translation of authentic Source Language texts.
Students will examine frequently occurring translation problems and a range of strategies, which can be used to solve them, as well as learn how to justify their choice of strategy.

This module is normally for students on Masters' programmes in the Faculty of Arts. Students with non-standard experience/qualification may be eligible for this module on successful completion of a translation test.

15 credits

Semester one:

Theory and Practice of Subtitling and Dubbing

This module aims to introduce students to the main theories of screen translation and to give them the opportunity to apply them in practical subtitling/dubbing tasks. By the end of the module we expect that students will be able to: i) Understand the constraints of screen translation; ii) Relate theory to practice in practical subtitling or dubbing projects using professional subtitling/dubbing software; and iii) Use subtitling/dubbing software to produce subtitles/dubbing scripts to appropriate standards.

15 credits

Translation Skills 1

This module aims: i) To explore aspects of linguistic theory in relation to the act of translation; ii) To offer an account of translation as an act of cultural and ideological mediation; and iii) To study key concepts of translation theory including equivalence and functionalism. By the end of the module, we expect that students will be able to: i) Understand, explain and comment critically on the main theories of translation; ii) Develop their own views and insights from an understanding of these theories; and iii) Relate theories of translation to practical translation scenarios

15 credits

Concepts and Approaches in Intercultural Communication

This module aims to develop an understanding of the main theoretical approaches to the study of intercultural communication and the ability to analyse and evaluate their relative significance, including those originating from applied linguistics, management theory, anthropology and sociocultural theories. Students will consider the concept of culture from a variety of perspectives, and will study topics including stereotyping and prejudice, (non-)essentialism, identity, culture shock, and the role of language and dialogue in intercultural communication. A wide range of real-world examples will be examined, including media reports, international communications, multicultural situations, and intercultural problems raised by students. By the end of the module students will be able to: i) Analyse and critically evaluate the main concepts and approaches in intercultural communication; ii) Consider the implications for their application in practice; and iii) Develop their own perspectives and insights from these theories.

15 credits

Semester two:

Intercultural Communication and Translation in Digital Contexts

This module introduces students to the characteristic features of today's continuously evolving globally interconnected digital communication worlds, in which online and offline practices are fused together to form linguistically, culturally and technologically complex work and communication environments. The module requires you to combine your knowledge of intercultural communication and translation studies with real-life situations in virtual environments. We will consider digital technology that is accessible to everyone and is used in professional contexts: from social media to machine translation, Generative Artificial Intelligence and to virtual and augmented reality. In this way, you will become aware of how digital technologies both facilitate your engagement with people and processes online and actively shape your intercultural communication and translation practice.  We will explore the digital dimensions of translation and intercultural communication from a variety of practice-oriented perspectives, such as distributed work in virtual teams, technology-mediated communication, online communication cultures, localisation of digital texts, and online translation. Throughout, we will  focus on the impact of technology on professional practice and the way in which it shapes professional identities and agency, as well as modes of cultural transfer and contact. We will contextualise our understanding of digital practice in translation and intercultural communication by relating it to relevant theories of globalisation, trans-locality, digital culture and multilingual communication practices, socio-technical relations, the networked self, and online forms of community.

15 credits

Localisation for Linguists

This module introduces various aspects of the localisation industry and provides students with the theoretical and practical skills needed to translate websites, software and documentation and to ensure that they comply with the linguistic, cultural and technical requirements of groups of users in different language communities as a professional translator or localiser. Students will learn to use a variety of software tools to localise and translate electronic information such as websites, documentation and software. Teaching methods include an e learning component.

15 credits

Translation Skills 2

This module aims: i) To explore aspects of linguistic theory in relation to the act of translation; ii) To offer an account of translation as an act of cultural and ideological mediation; and iii) To study key concepts of translation theory including equivalence and functionalism. By the end of the module, we expect that students will be able to: i) Understand, explain and comment critically on the main theories of translation; ii) Develop their own views and insights from an understanding of these theories; and iii) Relate theories of translation to practical translation scenarios

15 credits

Suggested specialist modules for Audio Visual media:

Theory and Practice of Subtitling and Dubbing

This module aims to introduce students to the main theories of screen translation and to give them the opportunity to apply them in practical subtitling/dubbing tasks. By the end of the module we expect that students will be able to: i) Understand the constraints of screen translation; ii) Relate theory to practice in practical subtitling or dubbing projects using professional subtitling/dubbing software; and iii) Use subtitling/dubbing software to produce subtitles/dubbing scripts to appropriate standards.

15 credits

Film Adaptation of Literary Classics

Theories of the translation of literary language will be examined in the context of the constraints of screen translation as will the practical issues involved in the adaptation of literary works to the cinema screen.

15 credits

Subtitling/Dubbing Project

This unit aims to give students the opportunity to further develop the technical skills acquired in the core module The Theory and Practice of Subtitling and Dubbing by applying them to an extended practical subtitling or dubbing task. It will enable them to enhance essential technical skills of subtitling including spotting, timing, cueing, segmentation and the positioning of captions, or dubbing adaptation using professional subtitling or dubbing software. By the end of the module we expect that students will be able to: i) Appreciate the technical aspects of screen translation; ii) Appreciate the practical constraints of screen translation; iii) Relate theory to practice in a practical subtitling or dubbing project using professional subtitling/dubbing software; iv) Use subtitling/dubbing software to produce subtitles/dubbing scripts to appropriate standards and v) Investigate and present an individual subtitling/dubbing project.

15 credits

Specialist modules for Digital Information. Students should choose three of the following:

Digital Business

The module addresses theoretical and practical aspects of digital business in the age of AI. The module will cover the key concepts and current topics in commerce, including digital transformation, applications of AI in enterprises, the platform business, the concept of ecosystems, and various digital business models.   The module  aims to equip students with theoretical knowledge and entrepreneurial skills to innovate and manage a business in the digital economy.

15 credits

Website Design and Search Engine Optimisation

This module aims to teach the key principles of search engine optimised (SEO) and user-centred website design; including areas of search optimised and accessible design, content strategy, requirements analysis, user experience, and Web standards compliance. Students will have opportunities to apply this knowledge to authentic design problems and develop web authoring skills valued by employers. In particular, students will be introduced to the latest web mark-up languages (currently HTML5 and CSS3) and issues surrounding long-term search ranking, globalisation, internationalisation and localisation - with a business focussed context.

15 credits

Researching Social Media

The module will examine the key theoretical frameworks and methods used in social media studies. Students will explore the following questions: 1) What can be learnt about society by studying social media? 2) How should researchers construct ethical stances for researching sites such as Facebook and Twitter? 3) What are the traditional and digital research methods and tools that can be applied to conduct research on social media? 4) What are the strengths and weaknesses of these methods?

The primary focus of the module is on designing social media research projects rather than conducting them. Nevertheless, there will be opportunities to learn and practice relevant analysis skills. It is not a programming module but some of the topics involve the use of software and there will be the chance to write small programs for related tasks.

15 credits

Localisation for Linguists

This module introduces various aspects of the localisation industry and provides students with the theoretical and practical skills needed to translate websites, software and documentation and to ensure that they comply with the linguistic, cultural and technical requirements of groups of users in different language communities as a professional translator or localiser. Students will learn to use a variety of software tools to localise and translate electronic information such as websites, documentation and software. Teaching methods include an e learning component.

15 credits