Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Languages & Cultures School
Introduction to non-language specific techniques of translating and interpreting as well as theoretical and ethical issues of professional practices.
LTCS3002 Translating and Interpreting Studies is offered to students who have already achieved a high level of spoken and written competence in at least two languages, English and a LOTE. The aim of this course is to introduce you to the background knowledge, technical terminology, cultural awareness and communication skills required for employment in translating and interpreting (T&I) related fields. A further aim is to familiarise you with the standard equipment and software in common use in T&I professions. This course therefore involves both a theoretical and a practical component. The theoretical component includes an introduction to the history of T&I, an overview of the most important theories in the field of T&I research and practice, the Code of Ethics for T&I practitioners, a comparison of workplace cultures prevailing both in different industries and in different countries, and appropriate use of supporting tools such as machine translation (MT) and artificial intelligence (AI). Part of the practical component will take the form of practical on-campus training. As this is a designated Work Integrated Learning (WIL) course, a key practical element involves completing an industry translation project for a client, with an option for translations prepared by student-translators to be published online if they meet professional standards.
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Course requirements
Assumed background
This course is an advanced undergraduate subject incorporating both theoretical and practical aspects of translating and interpreting. In order to grasp the theoretical concepts and perform well in the practical tasks, you will need to demonstrate a high level of spoken and written competence in at least two languages, English and a LOTE, before enrolling in this course.
Please contact the course coordinator directly (see contact details below) for any enrolment queries or permission to enrol in LTCS3002.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
At least 8 units of any foreign language subject (or equivalent) or permission from Course Coordinator
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
CLCS3180
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.
Aims and outcomes
To increase students’ awareness and understanding of technical and theoretical aspects of non-language-specific T/I as well as the ethics of the profession, while at the same time providing students with practical training and experience through industry placements and industry projects.
Assessment
Assessment summary
Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
---|---|---|---|
Quiz |
Weekly Blackboard Exercises
|
20% (Best 5 x 4%) |
WEEK 1 - 30/07/2025 5:00 pm WEEK 2 - 4/08/2025 1:00 pm WEEK 3 - 11/08/2025 1:00 pm WEEK 4 - 18/08/2025 1:00 pm WEEK 5 - 25/08/2025 1:00 pm WEEK 6 - 1/09/2025 1:00 pm
This is a WEEKLY ONLINE TASK which will need to be completed each week from WEEKS 1 to 6. In WEEK 1, it will be due by WEDNESDAY 5pm. In WEEKS 2-6 , it will be due at 1pm each MONDAY before class. |
Portfolio, Translation/ Interpretation |
Portfolio of Background Research
|
40% (4 Portfolio prompts x 10% = 40%) |
Portfolio Submission - WEEK 5, Friday 29/08/2025 5:00 pm One-on-one Follow-up Interview - 5/09/2025 5:00 pm
Students will sign up for an interview timeslot. This component needs to be completed in-person by 5pm Friday, WEEK 6. |
Participation/ Student contribution |
Active WIL Participation
|
Pass/Fail Hurdle only |
8/09/2025 - 17/10/2025
WEEKS 7-11 |
Portfolio |
Portfolio of Professional Experience
|
40% |
Porfolio Submission - Exam Week 1, Monday 10/11/2025 5:00 pm One-on-one Follow-up Interview - Exam Week 1, Friday 14/11/2025 5:00 pm
Students will sign up for an interview timeslot. This component needs to be completed in-person by 5pm Friday, Exam Week 1. |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Weekly Blackboard Exercises
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 20% (Best 5 x 4%)
- Due date
WEEK 1 - 30/07/2025 5:00 pm
WEEK 2 - 4/08/2025 1:00 pm
WEEK 3 - 11/08/2025 1:00 pm
WEEK 4 - 18/08/2025 1:00 pm
WEEK 5 - 25/08/2025 1:00 pm
WEEK 6 - 1/09/2025 1:00 pm
This is a WEEKLY ONLINE TASK which will need to be completed each week from WEEKS 1 to 6. In WEEK 1, it will be due by WEDNESDAY 5pm. In WEEKS 2-6 , it will be due at 1pm each MONDAY before class.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
Purpose: Check comprehension of background material covered in seminars and weekly readings.
This is a WEEKLY ONLINE TASK which will need to be completed each week from WEEK 1 to 6. In WEEK 2-6 , the Exercise will be due at 1pm each MONDAY before class.
- WEEK 1 will be due 5:00 pm Wednesday of W1
- WEEK 2-6 will be due at 1pm each MONDAY
Task description: Timed (20-minute) online Blackboard exercises based on W1-W6 seminar content, videos, readings and self-study modules. Each Blackboard exercise consists of 10 questions with multiple choice, multiple answer or short answers.
Each of the W1-W6 exercises is worth 3%. The best five of the W1-W6 exercise results for each student will be used to calculate the total mark for this assessment item.
AI AND MT STATEMENT
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.
If you require approval for assessment adjustments (Alternative Exam Arrangements), please apply here.
Submission guidelines
Via the Blackboard site
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
The best five out of six quiz results will count towards the assessment result.
Portfolio of Background Research
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Portfolio, Translation/ Interpretation
- Weight
- 40% (4 Portfolio prompts x 10% = 40%)
- Due date
Portfolio Submission - WEEK 5, Friday 29/08/2025 5:00 pm
One-on-one Follow-up Interview - 5/09/2025 5:00 pm
Students will sign up for an interview timeslot. This component needs to be completed in-person by 5pm Friday, WEEK 6.
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
Purpose: Synthesise students' translation and interpreting learning, both theoretical and practical. Complete background research and preparation for WIL practicum, and at the same time provide 'raw' material for final assessment task.
Task description: There are 2 components in this task:
1) PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION (Due 5pm Friday, WEEK 5)
Students are required to incrementally build their own personal Portfolio of Background Research, by submitting a weekly annotated translation + response to a prompt relating to the WIL industry project preparation (W2-5). There will be a word count requirement each week, generally in the range 200-400 words. Even though it is recommended to build the portfolio incrementally, there is only one due date for the final completed portfolio.
For each week of background research and preparation for the WIL industry project (W2-5), students will need to fulfil the following criteria in order to qualify for a mark for that week's response to the Portfolio prompt:
- Submit a unique individual translation of the source text excerpt for that week (i.e. substantially different from machine translation or AI, and substantially different from other students' translations). Students will be asked to justify their unique translation decisions during their W6 one-on-one interview with the Lecturer.
- Submit translation annotations that demonstrate sensitivity towards both the source text and the target text, including the ability to 'read between the lines.' Students will be asked to explain their translation annotations during their W6 one-on-one interview with the Lecturer.
- Ensure that the written task relates specifically and explicitly to the student's own personal experiences while completing background research and preparation for the WIL industry project. Note that any written contributions that contain only general observations will not qualify for a mark; it is the student's responsibility to ensure that written tasks convince the reader that they are based on and drawn from the student's own personal experiences. Students will have an opportunity to demonstrate the personal nature of their observations during their W6 one-on-one interview with the Lecturer.
2) ONE-ON-ONE FOLLOW-UP INTERVIEW (Students will sign up for a timeslot. This component needs to be completed in-person by 5pm Friday, WEEK 6)
This individual interview provides an opportunity for students to discuss key aspects of the student’s professional learning and development as documented in the portfolio, and to provide space for further reflection on the WIL industry project. Students are expected to draw on their weekly portfolio entries (W2-5) to articulate what they have learned, how they responded to challenges, and how their experiences have informed their understanding of professional practice. The interview also serves as a checkpoint to support academic integrity by confirming the authenticity of the submitted work.
The one-on-one interviews do not carry a separate weighting but instead function as academic integrity hurdle requirements (PASS/FAIL). While the interview is not weighted, it will be assessed against specific criteria. Guidelines and marking criteria will be made available to students via Blackboard.
Each interview will take approximately 10 minutes and will be scheduled outside of regular class time. Participation in this interview is a mandatory component of the assessment.
The interview will be recorded in line with UQ’s policy on recording oral and practical assessment.
AI AND MT STATEMENT
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.
The follow-up one-on-one interview is to be completed in-person. Students are encouraged to bring a hard copy or electronic version of their written submission to the interview. 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.
NB — Work which is below the minimum required word length will be penalized proportionally.
Hurdle requirements
Hurdle requirement: In order to receive a mark for the Portfolio of Background Research, students must achieve a PASS in the follow-up one-on-one interview.Submission guidelines
Portfolio submission via Turnitin.
One-on-one, in-person follow up interview.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
This assessment task spans 4 weeks. A maximum extension length of 7 calendar days may be granted on the final portfolio submission to support students’ continued progression in their learning and preparation for the subsequent assessment. Please note that an approved extension for the portfolio will also require a corresponding extension request for the one-on-one in-person follow-up interview. The interview extension will also be limited to a maximum of 7 calendar days.
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.
Active WIL Participation
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral, Written
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- Pass/Fail Hurdle only
- Due date
8/09/2025 - 17/10/2025
WEEKS 7-11
Task description
Students must participate actively in the WIL Translation Project in order to gain the necessary experience and observations that (a) form the raw data for other assessment items and (b) enable them to acquire the employability skills that are central to UQ WIL courses.
Active participation in the professional Translation Project consists of the following:
- weekly (individual) preparation of the translation of a text assigned to you
- weekly sessions with co-translators to discuss and edit the joint translation prior to the weekly project meeting with the Project Leader
- attendance at weekly project meetings with the Project Leader
- weekly presentation of a short excerpt of the translation to the whole group during the weekly project meeting
- active participation during weekly project meetings, including asking questions and making suggestions
The Tutor / Project Leader will record participation for all students in their Project Group.
Students are expected to pull their weight as members of a professional translating team and to complete all assigned tasks punctually for each week during the WIL projects (Weeks 7-11). Students who omit two or more of the assigned tasks in at least two out of the five WIL project weeks will be deemed to have failed this Assessment Item and will hence fail the course.
AI AND MT STATEMENT
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.
Hurdle requirements
Hurdle requirement: Students are expected to participate actively throughout the WIL projects (Weeks 7-11). Students who omit two or more of the assigned tasks in at least two out of the five WIL project weeks will receive a FAIL for this Assessment Item and will hence fail the course.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
As this is a participation requirement for a professional WIL project, no extension or deferral is accepted.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
As this is a participation requirement for a professional WIL project, no late submission is accepted.
Portfolio of Professional Experience
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Portfolio
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
Porfolio Submission - Exam Week 1, Monday 10/11/2025 5:00 pm
One-on-one Follow-up Interview - Exam Week 1, Friday 14/11/2025 5:00 pm
Students will sign up for an interview timeslot. This component needs to be completed in-person by 5pm Friday, Exam Week 1.
- Other conditions
- Student specific, Work integrated learning, Secure.
Task description
Purpose: Synthesise students' translation and interpreting learning, both theoretical and practical.
Task description: There are 2 components in this task:
1) PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION (Due 5pm Monday, Exam Week 1)
Students are required to incrementally build their own personal professional portfolio, by submitting several responses to prompts relating to the WIL industry project (W7-11), plus an additional final prompt. There will be a word count requirement for each prompt. Even though it is recommended to build the professional portfolio incrementally, there is only one due date for the final completed portfolio.
Task description: Students are required to discuss practical issues arising from their WIL experience and to analyse these in light of one or more theoretical frameworks explored during the seminars and background reading in the pre-WIL workshops (Weeks 1-6). Students must provide enough detail about the precise issues / dilemmas / challenges encountered, as well as the range of solutions considered, during their personal WIL experience to convince the reader that the analysis and discussion is based on their own personal experience.
Scope of examples and written analysis: This assessment task requires students to reflect on and analyse their experiences and observations during the WIL Industry Project. For each Portfolio prompt students need to demonstrate the following:
- Ensure that the written task relates specifically and explicitly to the student's own personal experiences while participating in the WIL industry project. Note that any written contributions that contain only general observations will not qualify for a mark; it is the student's responsibility to ensure that written tasks convince the reader that they are based on and drawn from the student's own personal experiences.
2) ONE-ON-ONE FOLLOW-UP INTERVIEW (Students will sign up for a timeslot. This component needs to be completed in-person by 5pm Friday, Exam Week 1)
This individual interview provides an opportunity for students to discuss key aspects of the student’s professional learning and development as documented in the portfolio, and to provide space for further reflection on the WIL industry project. Students are expected to draw on their portfolio entries (Weeks 7–11 plus final prompt) to articulate what they have learned, how they responded to challenges, and how their experiences have informed their understanding of professional practice. The interview also serves as a checkpoint to support academic integrity by confirming the authenticity of the submitted work.
The one-on-one interviews do not carry a separate weighting but instead function as academic integrity hurdle requirements (PASS/FAIL). While the interview is not weighted, it will be assessed against specific criteria. Guidelines and marking criteria will be made available to students via Blackboard.
Each interview will take approximately 10 minutes and will be scheduled outside of regular class time. Participation in this interview is a mandatory component of the assessment.
The interview will be recorded in line with UQ’s policy on recording oral and practical assessment.
AI AND MT STATEMENT
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.
The follow-up one-on-one interview is to be completed in-person. Students are encouraged to bring a hard copy or electronic version of their written submission to the interview. 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.
NB — Work which is below the minimum required word length will be penalised proportionally.
Hurdle requirements
Hurdle requirement: In order to receive a mark for the Portfolio of Professional Experience, students must achieve a PASS in the follow-up one-on-one interview.Submission guidelines
Portfolio submission via Turnitin.
One-on-one, in-person follow up interview.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
This assessment task spans 5 weeks. A maximum extension length of 7 calendar days may be granted on the final portfolio submission to support students’ continued progression in their learning and preparation for the subsequent assessment. Please note that an approved extension for the portfolio will also require a corresponding extension request for the one-on-one in-person follow-up interview. The interview extension will also be limited to a maximum of 7 calendar days.
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.
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: Assessment items not submitted OR Little or no demonstration of having grasped theoretical concepts or their practical application in the field of T&I; little or no evidence of reflective processing of professional T&I experiences. |
2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Insufficient demonstration of reflective processing of professional T&I experiences. Theoretical concepts and their practical application in the field of T&I insufficiently understood and/or inadequately communicated. |
3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for Pass but is close to satisfactory overall. Demonstrates partial understanding of theoretical concepts and their practical application in the field of T&I. |
4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates basic understanding of theoretical concepts and their practical application in the field of T&I; engages in reflective processing of professional T&I experiences; communicates understanding adequately. |
5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates clear understanding of theoretical frameworks and ability to apply them appropriately; analyses, evaluates and reflects on professional T&I experiences effectively; clear and coherent communication. |
6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates detailed and accurate understanding and application of theoretical frameworks in the field of T&I; shows insight and critical thinking skills in analysing, evaluating and reflecting on professional T&I experiences; clear, coherent and effective communication. |
7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates sophisticated understanding and application of theoretical frameworks in the field of T&I; shows considerable insight and critical thinking skills in analysing, evaluating and reflecting on professional T&I experiences; clear, coherent and nuanced communication. |
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 not available for some items in this course.
Supplementary assessment will not be available to students who failed the Portfolio of Professional Experience, because this item is based on an industry placement/project in this Work-Integrated-Learning course.
Additional assessment information
Further details of each assessment item are available at the Blackboard site. It is the student's responsibility to upload their own assignment to Turnitin and to ensure that this assignment is their final draft. The copy uploaded is to be taken as the final version submitted.
All assignments submitted should be the work of the student and the student alone. This means that students are NOT to seek outside help (from other students, teachers, private tutors, native speakers, etc.) in preparing assignments. If students are having difficulties in completing their assignments, they should see their teacher during consultation hours or by appointment. Students suspected of having received outside help will be referred to theᅠSchool of Languages and Cultures Integrity Officer.
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
Other recommended learning materials will be posted on the Blackboard site.
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 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Workshop |
Introduction Introduction to the course; general introduction to T&I; how to write a CV; translation and interpreting practice. |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Workshop |
The T&I industry History of development of the T&I discipline; current state of the T&I field in Australia. |
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Workshop |
Dominant theories in contemporary T&I studies Overview of major translation theories, approaches and techniques; relevance and appropriate application of various translation theories. |
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Workshop |
Professional conduct in T&I Professional conduct as a translator / interpreter; AUSIT Code of Ethics. |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Workshop |
Workplace cultures Cross-cultural comparison and analysis of different workplace cultures, with a focus on how Australian workplace culture differs from other cultures represented in the student cohort. |
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Workshop |
Supporting tools such as MT and AI Introduction to software and other technological tools of the trade commonly used by T&I professionals. |
Multiple weeks From Week 7 To Week 11 |
Practical |
Industry project Students complete an industry translation project in collaboration with an industry specialist and online publisher, Corella Press. (Total of approx. 50 hours from W7-11) |
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Workshop |
Debriefing and reflection Students reflect on their experiences of industry placements and industry projects and offer suggestions for improvement on a personal, company or industry level. Students compare ideas for their final assessment task. |
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Workshop |
Course review + Preparation for Final Essay Students continue to exchange experiences and impressions, with a focus on planning and preparing Assessment Task 4: Reflective Essay. Students have the opportunity to receive feedback from their peers and from the Lecturer. |
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 for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.