Mr Carl Gene Fordham
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Languages & Cultures School
This course introduces students to basic interpreting skills between English and Chinese (Mandarin). It includes introduction to different interpreting settings and expectations. It mainly covers dialogue interpreting, consecutive interpreting and sight translation. Students will also learn skills concerning memory, note-taking and communication management. The course exposes students to different subject areas in interpreting including education, community services, immigration, law, health and business.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course is intended primarily for native or background speakers of Chinese.
ﾠ
Course staff
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Public holidays:
Alternative arrangements for affected students will be announced through the Blackboard site.
Class allocation:
In order to optimise the student experience, it may be necessary to reallocate students to a different class from their first choice. Before this happens, every effort will be made to enable students to voluntarily change into an alternative class that is suitable. Please note: Teaching staff do not have access to the timetabling system to help with class allocation. Therefore, should you need
help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please ensure you email hass.mytimetable@uq.edu.au from your UQ student email account with the following details:
- Full name,
- Student ID, and
- the Course Code
Additional information and support can be found here.
Aims and outcomes
The aims of this course are to:ﾠﾠ ﾨﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠ provide students with an understanding of the nature of interpreting; ﾨﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠﾠ acquire basic skills in performing dialogue interpreting, consecutive interpreting and sight translation from English into Chinese and vice versa.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
have acquired basic knowledge about interpreting and its requirements
LO2.
use basic skills in performing dialogue interpreting, consecutive interpreting and sight translation
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution, Translation/ Interpretation |
Set interpreting tasks and activities
|
10% |
WEEK 2 - 7/03/2025 5:00 pm WEEK 3 - 14/03/2025 5:00 pm WEEK 4 - 21/03/2025 5:00 pm WEEK 5 - 28/03/2025 5:00 pm WEEK 6 - 4/04/2025 5:00 pm WEEK 7 - 11/04/2025 5:00 pm WEEK 8 - 17/04/2025 5:00 pm WEEK 9 - 2/05/2025 5:00 pm WEEK 10 - 9/05/2025 5:00 pm WEEK 11 - 16/05/2025 5:00 pm WEEK 12 - 23/05/2025 5:00 pm
These weekly tasks are due at 5pm every Friday from Week 2 to Week 12 (except Week 8, when it is due 5pm, Thursday owing to Friday Public Holiday). |
| Practical/ Demonstration, Reflection, Translation/ Interpretation |
Group practice & Individual reflection
|
10% |
30/05/2025 5:00 pm
Even though there is only one final due date for this assessment item, it is strongly recommended that students work on the 3 tasks incrementally throughout the semester to ensure that they are building on their interpreting skills. |
| Practical/ Demonstration, Translation/ Interpretation |
In-semester Interpreting Tasks
|
30% |
3/04/2025 6:00 pm
WEEK 6. This assessment will be conducted live via zoom with online invigilation. |
| Practical/ Demonstration, Translation/ Interpretation |
Final Interpreting Tasks
|
50% |
12/06/2025 6:00 pm
Exam Week 1. This assessment will be conducted live via zoom with online invigilation. |
Assessment details
Set interpreting tasks and activities
- Identity Verified
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Translation/ Interpretation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
WEEK 2 - 7/03/2025 5:00 pm
WEEK 3 - 14/03/2025 5:00 pm
WEEK 4 - 21/03/2025 5:00 pm
WEEK 5 - 28/03/2025 5:00 pm
WEEK 6 - 4/04/2025 5:00 pm
WEEK 7 - 11/04/2025 5:00 pm
WEEK 8 - 17/04/2025 5:00 pm
WEEK 9 - 2/05/2025 5:00 pm
WEEK 10 - 9/05/2025 5:00 pm
WEEK 11 - 16/05/2025 5:00 pm
WEEK 12 - 23/05/2025 5:00 pm
These weekly tasks are due at 5pm every Friday from Week 2 to Week 12 (except Week 8, when it is due 5pm, Thursday owing to Friday Public Holiday).
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
Completion of weekly interpreting practice tasks, such as note-taking, dialogue interpreting, sight interpreting and monologue interpreting.
The weekly interpreting tasks are available on Blackboard from Week 2 to Week 12. Links will be provided in the corresponding weekly Blackboard folder with instructions on how to 'Create sumbmission', 'Upload file' and 'Add comments.'
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Via Blackoard submission link.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Maximum 14-day extensions are allowed as this is part of a regular series of tasks which students need to complete in order to demonstrate consolidation of content and support sequential nature of learning in this course.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Group practice & Individual reflection
- Identity Verified
- Team or group-based
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration, Reflection, Translation/ Interpretation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
30/05/2025 5:00 pm
Even though there is only one final due date for this assessment item, it is strongly recommended that students work on the 3 tasks incrementally throughout the semester to ensure that they are building on their interpreting skills.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
The communicative approach to language learning which underpins this course strongly favours oral practice through interpreting tasks and activities. It is through these exchanges that students can truly develop their communicative skills in order to interact effectively in another language.
In this assessment task, students are therefore required to complete a range of formative group tasks (dialogue interpreting, monologue interpreting and sight interpreting) that enable them to benefit from peer learning and to write an individual reflection based on these exercises. Students practise THREE INTERPRETING TASKS in groups during the semester and submit a written INDIVIDUAL reflection on each one, attaching the videos as evidence. Only the written reflection will be marked at the end of the semester. Detailed guidelines will be available on Blackboard.
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Via Blackoard submission link.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
The submission of the Final Reflection may only be extended by a maximum of 14 calendar days, as this assessment task is designed as a formative activity that encourages regular engagement throughout the semester. Students are expected to work in groups, enabling them to benefit from peer learning and to write an individual reflection based on these collaborative exercises.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
In-semester Interpreting Tasks
- Identity Verified
- Online
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration, Translation/ Interpretation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
3/04/2025 6:00 pm
WEEK 6. This assessment will be conducted live via zoom with online invigilation.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
Students must complete a series of interpreting and skills tasks (e.g. memory exercise, note-taking, dialogue interpreting) demonstrating required interpreting skills.
Students have 15 minutes to complete these interpreting tasks. However, the overall duration of the assessment will allow additional time for submission of video files.
This assessment will be conducted live via zoom with online invigilation. Students will be required to ensure that their head, hands and work area are all clearly visible on the zoom camera. Students will also need a second device with a separate camera for recording the entire oral assessment so that it can be marked asynchronously. The pre-recorded interpreting tasks will be made available via the Blackboard course site at 6:00 pm. Students will have a 20-minute window before the link closes. All students must commence the assessment and upload their recordings at the same time.
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Students to record video of interpreting performance in accordance with interpreting tasks guidelines and upload video recording before due date / time.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Final Interpreting Tasks
- Identity Verified
- Online
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration, Translation/ Interpretation
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
12/06/2025 6:00 pm
Exam Week 1. This assessment will be conducted live via zoom with online invigilation.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
Students must complete a series of interpreting and skills tasks (dialogue and monologue) demonstrating required interpreting skills.
Students have 20 minutes to complete these interpreting tasks. However, the overall duration of the the assessment will allow additional time for submission of video files.
This assessment will be conducted live via zoom with online invigilation. Students will be required to ensure that their head, hands and work area are all clearly visible on the zoom camera. Students will also need a second device with a separate camera for recording the entire oral assessment so that it can be marked asynchronously. The pre-recorded interpreting tasks will be made available via the Blackboard course site at 6:00 pm. Students will have a 25-minute window before the link closes. All students must commence the assesment and upload their recordings at the same time.
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Students to record video of interpreting performance in accordance with interpreting tasks guidelines and upload video recording before due date / time.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student has not completed a minimum amount of work. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: This is far below the acceptable level of the course requirements. Frequent and significant comprehension errors. Fail to convey even main ideas. Very poor target language expression, including style, flow of language, grammar, sentence structure, use of terminology and register, pronunciation and intonation. Very poor interpreting skills. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: This is below an average level of the course requirements. Frequent comprehension errors, not only of the nuances but also of major points. Often fail to convey messages accurately. Poor target language expression, including style, flow of language, grammar, sentence structure, use of terminology and register, pronunciation and intonation. Poor interpreting skills. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Only average source language comprehension, including an understanding of the nuances. Generally render messages accurately in interpreting in the broad details, but with notable errors. Merely acceptable target language expression, including style, flow of language, grammar, sentence structure, use of terminology and register, pronunciation and intonation. Demonstrate a fair command of interpreting skills, but do not use them skilfully and effectively |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Good source language comprehension, including an understanding of the nuances. Generally render messages accurately in interpreting, including nuances, but with some errors. Good target language expression, including style, flow of language, grammar, sentence structure, use of terminology and register, pronunciation and intonation. Demonstrate a good command of interpreting skills. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Very good source language comprehension, including an understanding of the nuances. Accurate transference in interpreting in most cases, including nuances, but with some minor errors. Very good target language expression, including style, flow of language, grammar, sentence structure, use of terminology and register, pronunciation and intonation. Demonstrate a very good command of interpreting skills. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Excellent source language comprehension, including an understanding of the nuances. Very accurate transference in interpreting, including nuances, with negligible errors. Excellent target language expression, including style, flow of language, grammar, sentence structure, use of terminology and register, pronunciation and intonation. Demonstrate an excellent command of interpreting skills. |
Additional course grading information
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Workshop |
Introduction to the Course Introduction to interpreting, including housekeeping, definition of key terms and assessment requirements. Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Workshop |
Basic Interpreting Skills - Part I Memory Training, Speaking Skills and Interpreting Practice without Note-taking Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Workshop |
Basic Interpreting Skills - Part II Memory Training, Speaking Skills and Interpreting Practice without Note-taking Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Workshop |
General Interpreting Practice - Part I Interpreting Practice with Note-taking Training Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Workshop |
General Interpreting Practice - Part II Interpreting Practice with Note-taking Training Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Workshop |
Consolidation Consolidating Basic Interpreting Skills; General Interpreting Practice. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Workshop |
Specialised Interpreting Practice EDUCATION - Consecutive interpreting, Dialogue interpreting and Sight translation Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Workshop |
Specialised Interpreting Practice BUSINESS - Consecutive interpreting, Dialogue interpreting and Sight translation Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Workshop |
Specialised Interpreting Practice LEGAL - Consecutive interpreting, Dialogue interpreting and Sight translation Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Workshop |
Specialised Interpreting Practice SOCIAL SERVICES - Consecutive interpreting, Dialogue interpreting and Sight translation Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Workshop |
Specialised Interpreting Practice IMMIGRATION - Consecutive interpreting, Dialogue interpreting and Sight translation. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Workshop |
Specialised Interpreting Practice HEALTH - Consecutive interpreting, Dialogue interpreting and Sight translation Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Workshop |
Revision Revision of Interpreting Skills & Techniques; Preparation for Final Oral Exam Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.