GER4087 : Level D (HE Further Advanced): German Translation and Interpreting
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Ms Andrea Wilczynski
- Lecturer: Dr Helen Ferstenberg
- 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 German 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 German) and interpreting skills (into and from German), to an advanced level of competence.
Outline Of Syllabus
This module comprises two components: liaison interpreting (into and from German) and written translation (into English and into German). It is aimed at final year students of German 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 German and English.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | Translation into German seminars |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 156 | 1:00 | 156:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | Translation into English seminars |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 11 | 2:00 | 22:00 | Interpreting seminars |
| Total | 200:00 |
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 Examination | 15 | 1 | A | 40 | Interpreting examination |
| Digital Examination | 65 | 2 | A | 30 | Translation 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. |
| Written Examination | 60 | 2 | A | 30 | Translation into German (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 Examination | 1 | M | Mock Interpreting exam towards the end of Semester 1 |
| Written exercise | 2 | M | PC translation mock examination. Translation into English (of 250-300 words). |
| Written exercise | 2 | M | Mock examination. Translation into German (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
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- GER4087's Timetable