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Course profile

Advanced Chinese>English Translation (CHIN3770)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Languages & Cultures School

This course builds on the translation concepts introduced in CHIN2700 and extends their application to texts of both the same and new, more complex, genre. In so doing, an advanced understanding of genre-specific issues in translation from Chinese into English is provided as well as advanced development of context-appropriate English expression.

The courseᅠis divided intoᅠmodules designed to give students training in the translation of different genres including texts drawn from areas such as politics, history, science, government, amongst others. Students will be guided inᅠtranslation skills required for Chinese>English translation of the texts under study; translation issues relating to each genre; and specific translation issues raised by texts under study. Students will also be guided in the production of a linguistically and culturally appropriate translation of the source text, in a way that provides students with an understanding ofᅠNAATI professional expectations.

Course requirements

Assumed background

This course is for native speakers of Chinese and its dialects.ᅠ It assumes the ability to read and understand Modern Standard Chinese, BOTH SIMPLIFIED AND TRADITIONAL form (简体 + 繁体).

Very advanced learners of Chinese can also take this course as a BAᅠelective, with CHIN3210 or equivalent as PREREQ.

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

CHIN2700

Restrictions

This course is for native speakers of Chinese.

Course staff

Course coordinator

Lecturer

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

You attend oneᅠ 2 hour class per week (there is no separate lecture or tutorial).

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

ᅠThis course aims to trainᅠnative (and near-native) speakers of Chinese in the key issues concerning translation of more advanced genres from Chinese into English

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

translate more advanced text genres from Chinese into English in a linguistically and culturally appropriate mannner

LO2.

appreciate linguistic and cultural differences across more complex text genres

LO3.

be aware of the key cultural and ethical issues in translation, as set out by NAATI

LO4.

access and understand the application of translation resources

LO5.

have a well-rounded linguistic vocabulary to talk about texts

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Quiz, Translation/ Interpretation Weekly e-quizzes on Bb
  • Online
20%

2/08/2024 5:00 pm

9/08/2024 5:00 pm

16/08/2024 5:00 pm

23/08/2024 5:00 pm

30/08/2024 5:00 pm

6/09/2024 5:00 pm

13/09/2024 5:00 pm

20/09/2024 5:00 pm

4/10/2024 5:00 pm

11/10/2024 5:00 pm

18/10/2024 5:00 pm

25/10/2024 5:00 pm

Due every Friday from Week 2 to Week 13 at 5pm. Only the best 10 e-quiz results out of 12 will be used to calculate the final mark for this assessment item.

Examination In-Semester Exam (School Exam)
  • Online
35%

30/08/2024 7:00 pm

Examination Final Exam (Central Digital Exam)
  • Online
45%

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Assessment details

Weekly e-quizzes on Bb

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Quiz, Translation/ Interpretation
Weight
20%
Due date

2/08/2024 5:00 pm

9/08/2024 5:00 pm

16/08/2024 5:00 pm

23/08/2024 5:00 pm

30/08/2024 5:00 pm

6/09/2024 5:00 pm

13/09/2024 5:00 pm

20/09/2024 5:00 pm

4/10/2024 5:00 pm

11/10/2024 5:00 pm

18/10/2024 5:00 pm

25/10/2024 5:00 pm

Due every Friday from Week 2 to Week 13 at 5pm. Only the best 10 e-quiz results out of 12 will be used to calculate the final mark for this assessment item.

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

Type: E-quizzes on Bb

Reading: 0 minutes

Duration: 20 minutes

Format: Translation and multiple-choice

Starting from Monday morning in Week 2, an online quiz will be posted on the "Assessment" page on Blackboard, which you must complete before Friday 5 pm of the same week.  

During even-numbered weeks (i.e., Weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, & 12), each e-quiz comprises 8 multiple-choice questions designed to assess the topics covered in both the current week's and the preceding week's classes. Each of the 8 questions in an e-quiz has only one correct answer.

During odd-numbered weeks (i.e., Weeks 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, & 13), the online quiz entails a practical translation task comprising 6-8 sentences. This task is based on the material covered in the preceding week(s) and/or the current week. For example, the quiz in Week 3 covers content from Weeks 1, 2, and/or 3, while the quiz in Week 5 focuses on material from Weeks 4 and/or 5, and so forth.

You must complete an e-quiz in 20 minutes without interruption. So, be sure to use reliable internet, e.g., UQL.

The best 10 e-quiz results for each student will be used to calculate the final mark for this assessment item.

This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI 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.

To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.

Submission guidelines

Blackboard

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

No extensions are allowed for this series of tasks as students are given a seven-day period to complete them. Individual results and correct answers are automatically released on a weekly basis. Timely engagement with these tasks supports sequential nature of learning in this course. Additionally, only the best 10 e-quiz results out of 12 will be used to calculate the final mark for this assessment item.

Late submission

Late submissions not accepted, as the task remains open for one week.

In-Semester Exam (School Exam)

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
35%
Due date

30/08/2024 7:00 pm

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

The mid-semester assessment will test students' knowledge and understanding of the W1-W5 course content. Students will translate texts that are either seen or similar to the materials covered in class (25% of exam content) and an unseen text (75% of exam content), based on the political texts and historical texts translated in class. The unseen text is approximately 300-320 characters in length.

The exam is designed as an online Blackboard timed assessment and will be scheduled with a strict time limit of 60 minutes so that all students will complete the exam simultaneously. Be sure to access a reliable internet connection.

Students can use any online tools, but getting help from a person is cheating. Students may also have access to lecture notes and paper dictionaries during the exam.

This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI 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.

Exam details

Planning time no planning time minutes
Duration 50 minutes
Calculator options

No calculators permitted

Open/closed book Open Book examination
Exam platform Learn.UQ
Invigilation

Not invigilated

Submission guidelines

50 minute working time and 10 minutes submission time.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Late submission

Exams submitted after the end of the submission time will incur a late penalty.

Final Exam (Central Digital Exam)

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
45%
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

Students will translate seen texts or texts similar to the in-class materials (25% of exam content) and revise a translation of an unseen text (75% of exam content), based on the government health texts and climate science texts translated in class. The unseen text is approximately 320-350 characters in length. 

The exam will be designed as an online Blackboard timed assessment and will be scheduled with a strict time limit of 60 minutes so that all students will complete the exam simultaneously.

Students can use any online tools, but getting help from a person is cheating. Students may also have access to lecture notes and paper dictionaries during the exam.

This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI 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.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 60 minutes
Calculator options

No calculators permitted

Open/closed book Open Book examination
Exam platform Learn.UQ
Invigilation

Not invigilated

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Late submission

Exams submitted after the end of the submission time will incur a late penalty.

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 workplace, the translations would be considered highly inaccurate and require so much checking and rewriting that it would not be considered viable. Less than half of the quiz answers are correct.

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 workplace, the translations would be considered unsatisfactory and require inordinate checking and rewriting to make it viable. Less than half of the quiz answers are correct.

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 workplace, the translations would require considerable checking and significant rewriting. Only half of the quiz questions are correct.

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 workplace, the translations would require checking and rewriting in a few key areas. Most of the quiz answers are correct.

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 workplace, the translations would require some minor rewriting. Most of the quiz answers are correct.

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 workplace with little checking or rewriting. Nearly all of the quiz answers are correct.

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.

Additional learning resources information

See course Blackboardᅠsite.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Week 1

(22 Jul - 28 Jul)

General contact hours

Module 1 - Week 1: Introduction

Overview of course requirements and content, and issues of genre in Chinese>English translation + Translating political texts started (if time permits).

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 2

(29 Jul - 04 Aug)

General contact hours

Module 1 - Week 2: Political texts

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 3

(05 Aug - 11 Aug)

General contact hours

Module 2 - Week 3: Traditional Chinese Medicine

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 4

(12 Aug - 18 Aug)

General contact hours

Module 3- Week 4: Indigenous history and fiction 1

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 5

(19 Aug - 25 Aug)

General contact hours

Module 3-Week 5: Indigenous history and fiction 2

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 6

(26 Aug - 01 Sep)

General contact hours

Module 3 - Week 6: Indigenous history & fiction 3 & Exam

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 7

(02 Sep - 08 Sep)

General contact hours

Module 4 - Week 7: Health 1

Text revision

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 8

(09 Sep - 15 Sep)

General contact hours

Module 4 - Week 8: Exam reflection & Health 2

(and practical)

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 9

(16 Sep - 22 Sep)

General contact hours

Module 4 - Week 9: Health 3

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Mid Sem break

(23 Sep - 29 Sep)

No student involvement (Breaks, information)

Mid-semester break

Week 10

(30 Sep - 06 Oct)

General contact hours

Module 5 - Week 10: Climate science 1

Text revision

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 11

(07 Oct - 13 Oct)

General contact hours

Module 5 - Week 11: Climate science 2

(+ practical)

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 12

(14 Oct - 20 Oct)

General contact hours

Module 6 - Week 12: NAATI

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 13

(21 Oct - 27 Oct)

General contact hours

Week 13: Revision

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Additional learning activity information

"Contacts" consist of brief lectures drawn from the textbook chapters on genre-based approaches to C>E translation, as well as practical sessions translating selected texts from specific genres. In the practical sessions, you will work individually or in groups to translate assigned texts and also reflect as a class group on your translation.

 After class, you should compare your in-class translation with the TT posted on Blackboard. Consequently, if you identify any issues or questions, you can post them on your Blackboard class Discussion Board, raise them at the beginning of your next class, or discuss them with your teacher in-person outside of class. You should not simply email your in-class translations to your teacher to correct. Your class teacher will go through the correct answers to your Bb E-tasks, after their due date (there are 6 E-tasks in total).

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:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.