Analyzing Translation

The course is offered as a freestanding course.

The course can be part of the following programme: Language and Intercultural Communication (H2SIK)

The requirement for admission to the course is a Bachelor's degree of 180 creditsincluding an individual project of 15 credits at In-Depth level, or the equivalent foreign qualification. An additional requirement is English 6 (English level 2) from the Swedish upper secondary school or the equivalent level from an internationally acknowledged test. Admission lo the course also requires a passing grade in the course SPL133 Thinking Translation, 7.5 credits, or SIK223 Translating Languages and Cultures, 7.5 credits, or the equivalent thereof.

The course provides an introduction to research within the various branches of Translation Studies, focusing on how different aspects of translation may be examined and analyzed with an emphasis on research methodology. The course offers an overview of empirical research methods in Translation Studies, with particular attention to qualitative methods (such as case studies, interviews, focus groups, and observation). Other central aspects of the course include multimethod and interdisciplinary research, as well as the distinction between qualitative and quantitative research methods. The course also highlights ethical considerations in translation research and how to formulate hypotheses and research questions appropriate for the field.

The course begins with an introduction to research methodology and empirical research, followed by thematic seminars addressing different branches of Translation Studies.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• describe empirical methods used in Translation Studies;
• explain the differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods;
• account for central research questions and methods within the branches of Translation Studies covered in the course;
• understand ethical implications in scholarly research and how values may influence research outcomes;
• formulate research questions and hypotheses for studies in Translation Studies;
• select appropriate research methods in relation to the chosen research topic.

Competence and skills

• discuss the relationships between research topic, method, and research questions;
• problematize and critically evaluate the choice of scholarly method in relation to specific research questions and topics;
• independently formulate a project proposal including suggested research questions and methods, and critically review both others’ and one’s own project proposals;
• identify issues relevant to Translation Studies and, based on these, formulate research questions within the field;
• address ethical issues in scholarly research.

Judgement and approach

• critically reflect on how the choice of research method may influence research outcomes;
• make assessments taking into account relevant scholarly, societal, and ethical aspects, and demonstrate awareness of the possibilities and limitations of research where relevant;
• critically compare and evaluate research methods within Translation Studies.

The course consists of seminars.

Language of instruction: English

The extent to which the student has achieved the course objectives is assessed through continuous examination (active participation in seminars) as well as oral and written assignments.

A student who fails a component of the course is given the opportunity to retake the examination. For written assignments, the possibility of submitting a supplement may be offered in order to achieve a passing grade. Such a supplement must be submitted within the specified time (usually five working days after the result has been communicated); otherwise, the grade “fail” will be reported.

A student who has passed a partial examination is not permitted to retake it in order to obtain a higher grade. The student also does not have the right to withdraw a submitted assignment to avoid being graded.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The following grades are used: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). To pass the course with distinction, the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) is required on at least 4.5 credits of the course.

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.

Equality aspects should be taken into consideration in content, literature, teaching and evaluation.