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
Learning the ''free translation" techniques such as sentence re-construction & changing perspective used by professional translators.
This courseﾠis designed forﾠnative and background speakers of Chinese who want to enhance theirﾠability in English to Chinese translation and/or complete a major in Chinese. The course focuses on the techniques adopted by professional translators. Students will develop their translation skills in practice.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course is designed for native and background speakers of Chinese. Students who have finished third year written Chinese are still not proficiently ready yet to take it. However, learners of Chinese who have achieved HSK 5 or above and also have completed CHIN2750 can consider taking this course.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
CHIN2750 or permission of course coordinator
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
CHIN2600 before course or concurrently
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
CHIN3700
Course staff
Course coordinator
Lecturer
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 .
Session 1: 4-6pm on Wed in 32-313
Session 2: 12-2pm on Friday in 32-211
Aims and outcomes
The aim of this course is to introduce to students some common techniques in English to Chinese translation adopted by professional translators.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
apply professional techniques in translation practice.
LO2.
choose the best word according to different cultural and social context.
LO3.
reconstruction of sentence according to the conventions and grammar rules of the target language.
LO4.
creatively transform the source language text to convey accurately the meaning in target language text.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Translation/ Interpretation |
Weekly In-class exercise
|
20% |
24/02/2025 - 19/05/2025
Weekly, in-person exercise completed in class. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration, Reflection, Translation/ Interpretation |
In-Semester Translation Analysis Report
|
40% |
2/05/2025 5:00 pm
Friday, WEEK 9 |
| Examination, Translation/ Interpretation |
Final Exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
Assessment details
Weekly In-class exercise
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Translation/ Interpretation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
24/02/2025 - 19/05/2025
Weekly, in-person exercise completed in class.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
An in-class exercise, namely translation of one or more sentences, will be conducted each week, during teaching weeks 1-12.
Week 1 exercise is treated as a practice for students to get familiar with the task.
A hard copy of the exercise worksheet will be delivered in class during the first 10 minutes of each session. Minor errors are not penalised. When the average is calculated at the end of the semester to finalise the score for this assessment item, only the 5 highest scores will be included. This means you may be able to achieve a full score for this assessment item even if you miss some of the exercises during the semester.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Students submit completed translation exercise worksheets during class, immediately after the time provided.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
No extensions are allowed for this assessment series as it was designed to ensure timely engagement with course content, and to support sequential nature of learning in this course. Only the 5 highest scores (5 weeks of completed exercises) are included in the final calculation of results for this task.
In-Semester Translation Analysis Report
- Team or group-based
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration, Reflection, Translation/ Interpretation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
2/05/2025 5:00 pm
Friday, WEEK 9
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
This task is based on pair work, for which each student should contribute roughly the same (about 50%). You can pair up by yourself. Otherwise, the instructors will randomly pair you up. The assessment item consists of the following four parts:
Part A (20%): Annotated analysis of a MT/AI translation version of a selected source text (Please pick out 10 errors within the text - words/phrases/clauses – for analysis; and write down your analysis in a separate paragraph as your comments on each error below the text.
Part B (15%): Improved translation version (having addressed each error identified in Part A) with post-editing.
Part C (5%): Commentary (Min. 200 words and Max. 300 words; include the word count at the end of Part C).
Part D: Interview after the submission of the written assessment (approx. 3 minutes based on this assessment). Scores for each individual can be adjusted based on the information gained through interview. The interview will be held during class in week 12.
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
This assignment is to be submitted via Turnitin link on our Blackboard site.
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 maximum extension length ensures that assessors can provide timely feedback, supporting the progressive, sequential, and cumulative nature that underpins 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.
Final Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination, Translation/ Interpretation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
The final exam consists of multiple choice questions, true or false statements or multiple answer questions. There is no need to write any Chinese characters.
The final exam will be centrally scheduled and managed during the examination period on Inspera platform with Safe Exam Browser. Maximum two paper dictionaries are allowed.
Students will be required to bring their laptops into the examination room for the exam. Auto submission is set in the system. Therefore, no time is allocated to submission process.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | Maximum two paper dictionaries are allowed. |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
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 submitted work of any substance. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Frequent comprehension errors, not only of the nuances but also of major points. Failure to recognise and/or convey the dominant function of the source text, be that defined in terms of the message, the style, the tone or other parameters. Frequent grammatical errors cause the meaning to be unclear or misunderstood. Generally unnatural and awkward target text, and many spelling or punctuation mistakes. Very limited variety in use of expressions and synonyms, and often used inappropriately in the context. Fails to consider the discourse structure and no restructuring evident. Fails to pay attention to the connection between sentences. Inappropriate use of terminology, and obvious failure to conduct the necessary background research. In a professional situation the translations would be considered highly inaccurate and require so much checking and rewriting that it would not be considered viable.ﾠ |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Frequent comprehension errors, not only of the nuances but also of major points. Failure to satisfactorily recognise and/or convey the dominant function of the source text, be that defined in terms of the message, the style, the tone or other parameters. Frequent grammatical errors cause the meaning to be unclear or misunderstood. Generally unnatural and awkward target text, and many spelling or punctuation mistakes. Very limited variety in use of expressions and synonyms, and often used inappropriately in the context. Fails to consider the discourse structure and no restructuring evident. Fails to pay adequate attention to the connection between sentences. Inappropriate use of terminology, and obvious failure to conduct the necessary background research. In a professional situation the translations would be considered unsatisfactory and require inordinate checking and rewriting to make it viable. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Only average source text comprehension, with a general lack of understanding of the nuances. Generally accurate in the broad details, but with notable omissions in many key areas, and many inaccuracies in the minor details. Partial recognition of the dominant source text function, be that defined in terms of the message, the style, the tone or other parameters, but with some distortion of this function evident. The meaning is sometimes clear, but many grammatical errors present. Frequent awkwardness in the translation, and frequent spelling or punctuation mistakes. Idioms and figurative language are often misunderstood and/or mistranslated. Limited variety in the use of expressions and synonyms, and they are not always used appropriately in the context. Rarely considers the discourse structure and no evidence of restructuring. Sometimes pays attention to the connection between sentences, albeit with many obvious errors. Few attempts at using appropriate terminology, and necessary background research appears lacking. In a professional situation, the translations would require considerable checking and significant rewriting. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Good source text comprehension, including an understanding of some of the nuances and an ability to convey these nuances accurately, but with some errors or omissions in a few key areas which alter or detract from the source text meaning. Generally faithful to the dominant source text function, be that defined in terms of the message, the style, the tone or other parameters. A few instances of obvious grammatical errors. A few instances of awkwardness in the translation, and spelling or punctuation mistakes, which partially detract from the work as a whole. Some attempt to render idioms and figurative language, but not always with success. Limited variety in the use of expressions and synonyms. Rarely considers the discourse structure and the desirability of restructuring. Pays attention to the connection between sentences, albeit with a few major errors. Use of terminology is generally appropriate, and any necessary background research appears done in part. In a professional situation, the translations would require checking and rewriting in a few key areas. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Very good source text comprehension, including an understanding of most of the nuances and an ability to convey these nuances accurately, but with some minor errors or omissions which do not majorly alter or detract from the source text meaning. Generally faithful to the dominant source text function, be that defined in terms of the message, the style, the tone or other parameters. A few minor grammatical errors. Occasional awkwardness in the translation, and occasional spelling or punctuation mistakes, which do not detract significantly from the work as a whole. Attempts have been made to render idioms and figurative language. Variety in the use of expressions and synonyms, and generally used appropriately in the context. Often considers the discourse structure and the desirability of restructuring. Pays attention to the connection between sentences, albeit with some minor lapses. Use of terminology is generally appropriate, and any necessary background research appears to have been done. In a professional situation, the translations would require some minor rewriting. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Excellent source text comprehension, including an understanding of the nuances and an ability to convey these nuances accurately, without error. Faithful to the dominant function of the source text, be that defined in terms of the message, the style, the tone or other parameters. Negligible grammatical errors. Style is natural and acceptable, and there are virtually no spelling or punctuation mistakes. Idioms and figurative language are handled skilfully. Extensive range of expressions and synonyms, used appropriately in the context. Considers the discourse structure and the desirability of restructuring, and always pays attention to the connection between sentences. Use of terminology is always appropriate, without error, and any necessary background research has been done. Translations could be used in a professional situation with little checking or rewriting. |
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
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| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Workshop |
Week 1: Course Introduction An overview of the course; language and culture in translation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Workshop |
Week 2: Translation of prepositions Discuss and practice strategies of translating English prepositions to Chinese Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Workshop |
Week 3: Translation of numbers and plurals Discuss and practice strategies of translating numbers and plural nouns and pronouns in English to Chinese Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Workshop |
Week 4: Translation of negative sentences Discuss different types of negative sentences in English and discuss strategies of translating them to Chinese Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Workshop |
Week 5: Translation of passive voice Discuss and practice strategies of translating passive voice in English to Chinese Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Workshop |
Week 6: Translation of tenses Discuss different tenses in English and strategies of translating different English tenses into Chinese Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Workshop |
Week 7: Translation of noun clauses Discuss different types of noun clauses in English and strategies of translating them into Chinese Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Workshop |
Week 8: Translation of attributive clauses [Friday is public holiday] Discuss and practice strategies of translating attributive clauses in English to Chinese Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-semester Break (no class) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Workshop |
Week 9: Translation of long sentences I Interviews in pairs based on the translation analysis report Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Workshop |
Week 10: Translation of Long sentences II Discuss strategies of breaking down long English sentences and produce appropriate translation in Chinese Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Workshop |
Week 11: Translation analysis interview Discuss more strategies of breaking down long English sentences and do more practices on long sentence translation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Workshop |
Week 12 Literal translation vs. free translation Compare literal and free translations and discuss the strategies of applying literal and free translation skills in the practice of English to Chinese translation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Workshop |
Week 13 Mock test for final exam and Q&A Do practice in preparation for final exam; questions & answers |
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.