Module Catalogue

SPA4087 : Level D (HE Further Advanced): Spanish Translation and Interpreting

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Available for Study Abroad and Exchange students, subject to proof of pre-requisite knowledge.
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Noelia Cacheiro Quintas
  • Owning School: Modern Languages
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

In consonance with the overall aims of the degrees offered in the SML, the module aims to:

- build on language skills gained at Stages 1, 2 and 3
- provide students with an in-depth knowledge of the Spanish language and with the ability to use it at a high level of proficiency in professional, academic and social environments
- prepare students for postgraduate study in areas that make extensive and intensive use of the target language
- develop students’ translation skills (into English and into Spanish) and interpreting skills (into and from Spanish), to an advanced level of competence.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module comprises two components: liaison interpreting (into and from Spanish) and written translation (into English and into Spanish). It is aimed at final year students of Spanish who have reached a near-native command of the language.

The translation and liaison interpreting tasks are based on topical themes. Liaison interpreting includes “business-like” situations and exchanges.

Sessions will include
- vocabulary acquisition and practice, note-taking and other interpreting-related skills development and practice for interpreting.
- Interpreting and translation techniques.
- Using appropriate register/style in both Spanish and English.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion1561:00156:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching111:0011:00Translation into Spanish seminars
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching111:0011:00Translation into English seminars
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching112:0022:00Interpreting seminars
Total200:00
Jointly Taught With
Code Title
SML8014
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Seminars will introduce, model and offer guidance in each of the skills that students are required to practise during the course (translation and liaison interpreting).
Group work will offer students an opportunity to work in small groups (in the target language and in English) under close supervision of the lecturer. These classes will focus on the skills listed in the outline syllabus.

Independent study will give students the opportunity to prepare and reinforce what is covered in seminars, and to undertake research and extra practice.

Teaching will be in the target language and in English.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Oral Examination151A40Interpreting examination
Digital Examination652A30Translation into English (of 250-300 words). PC on-campus exam. 60 minutes computer exam with 5 additional minutes to upload the completed examination onto Canvas.
Digital Examination652A30Translation into Spanish (maximum 250 words).
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Oral Examination1MMock Interpreting exam towards the end of Semester 1
Written exercise2MPC translation mock examination. Translation into English (of 250-300 words).
Written exercise2MMock examination. Translation into Spanish (maximum 250 words)
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assessment of interpreting is performed in a setting that is as close to a real-life situation as possible. This examination will assess students’ ability to take swift and effective notes and listen and convey information into English and the Target language in a prompt and professional manner. Reasonable adjustments can be made if required as part of a student support plan.

Translation is assessed by means of 1 x timed PC exam and 1 x written exam to give students the opportunity to test their translation, time management and written communication skills in a setting that is close to a real-life professional situation.


The interpreting mock exam and practice translation help students assess their progress before the formal examinations take place. Formative feedback will be provided regularly.

Reading Lists

Timetable