Optional Module Descriptions
40 of the 180 credits on this course are made up of Optional modules. Below we list Options that we specifically recommend for the MA in Professional Translation. You can also take modules from other School of Modern Languages MAs, or from other Schools - with the approval of your Degree Programme Director (Francis Jones).
Please note that not all Option modules may run in any one year, or not all may be available to you for timetabling reasons.
Translation and Interpreting modules
Translation from a Second Foreign Language (20 credits)
If you are an English native writer, this module enables you to add a second foreign language (French, German or Spanish) alongside your first foreign language. You do so by taking additional ‘Practice’ work from Translation Practice & Principles in your second foreign language.
Information Technology for Translators and Interpreters (10 credits)
The module is designed to develop skills in using information technology (IT) for translating and interpreting. It will also raise your awareness of current IT trends relative to the localisation and translation industry, and help you to understand their potential in improving the efficiency of translators and interpreters. You will develop your general IT skills such as bilingual word and data processing, networking, locating Internet and the World-wide Web resources, and consulting on-line databases. You will also learn how to design and manage a website, and to use automatic translation and translation-management software. It is very strongly recommended that you choose this module if you do not have the last-named skills.
Liaison Interpreting (10 credits)
Liaison interpreting is consecutive interpreting which enables conversation, discussion, etc. between speakers of two different languages. This practical module is designed for those who have no previous training in liaison interpreting. It aims to help you develop basic liaison-interpreting skills, working from your second (B) language into your A (first) language and vice versa in one of three language pairs: English<>French, English<>German or English<>Spanish. If you have already done basic liaison-interpreting training (e.g. on your undergraduate degree) but wish to do more interpreting training, then you should take Consecutive Interpreting instead.
Consecutive Interpreting (10 credits)
This practical module gives you a grounding in the skill of consecutively interpreting longer speeches (rather than two-way conversation) for two-three broad professional areas. You will work from your B (second) language into your A (first) language in one of up to six language combinations (English>>French, English>>German, English>>Spanish, French>>English, German>>English or Spanish>>English). Examples of possible professional areas covered are: general-professional, business, arts and humanities, and technical and scientific.
Literary Translation (10 credits)
This module, which combines theory and practice, focuses on the translating of literature. We look at the key features of literary prose, poetry, stage drama and film, and at the principles and strategies involved in working with these genres as a translator. We examine how differences between source and target language, culture and time of writing can shape translation strategies. Professional relationships among and between writers, translators, publishers, editors, etc. form another key topic. We also examine how relevant issues in translation theory might affect literary translators and their work. The module is not language-specific.
Poetry and Translation (10 credits)
In this module, which combines theory and practice, you will learn about how poetry translation communicates between texts, languages and cultures. You will also learn about and explore the interface between translation and creative writing in poetry. There will also be a strong focus on producing your own translations and 'inspirations', with a choice of working from original source-language texts or from word-for-word translations into English, and on using the imaginative freedom translation offers in your own creative practice. The module is non-language-specific.
History of Translation in Germany (20 credits)
Part I of this module gives a historical overview of translation theory, using extracts from dedications, pamphlets and letters. Part II looks at the theory and practice of translation in Weimar Classicism: enthusiasm for Ossian and Shakespeare (early translations and the 'Ossian-Manie' of Herder and Goethe), the fascination of foreign 'folk' lyrics (Herder's collection Stimmen der Völker with translations of poetry from all over the world), and the fashion for the oriental (Goethe's West-östlicher Divan and his notes on adopting poetry). You need a reading knowledge of German to follow this module, but it is taught and assessed in English.
Business modules
Being a translation professional often involves running a small business. Newcastle University Business School modules will teach you key knowledge and skills in this area. Modules we recommend are:
Performance and Decision Management (10 credits)
This module will teach you how to appraise a company’s condition from its published accounts, to understand the structure of financial statements and where to look for information. You will come to understand the underlying accounting policies and tax consequences, and to appreciate the legal and regulatory framework in which financial accounts exist. You will also come to understand the role that management accounting information plays in decision-making, learning, planning and control within organisations.
Marketing (10 credits)
This module will enable you to develop practical applications of marketing theory, introduce you to customer-focused business management, and help you understand the dynamics of the marketing environment. You wil also develop marketing strategic awareness, learn how to produce and operationalise a marketing plan. The module features the FMCG (fast moving consumer goods), service and industrial markets.
Extra Research Methods
Research Methods in Arts and Humanities (10 credits)
This is a general introduction to research methods for arts and humanities students - in contrast to the compulsory Research Methods in Translating and Interpreting, which is specific to translating and interpreting studies. You cover areas such as:
- IT orientation
- Introduction to library and information skills
- Knowledge construction: arts and sciences, canons and genres, texts and theories
- Knowledge production and dissemination: what is a text?
- Knowledge consumption: speaking to the media, writing a web-page, writing academic papers
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