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
The course provides an introductory, practical, and methodological exploration of Spanish ↔ English translation through critical engagement with a diverse range of Spanish source texts. These texts span various genres and types, including journalistic, scientific, literary, graphic novels, and subtitles, representing regions from across the Spanish-speaking world. These materials will serve as catalysts for collective analysis of key translation issues and the deconstruction of hegemonic language ideologies, power dynamics, and intersectional biases inherent in the translation process. This approach encourages students to contextually question, resist, and subvert dominant paradigms. This course aims to consolidate and advance students’ linguistic competence to B2.2 Level on the CEFR language proficiency scale,ﾠthrough the lens of translation.
In this course, students will develop foundational insights into the field of translation and acquire translation-specific vocabulary in both English and Spanish. This endeavor will be pursued individually and collaboratively through translation exercises that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and transformative learning. Additionally, students will enhance their digital literacy and acquire skills relevant to the translation industry and profession, including the use of translation software, awareness of ethical issues, codes of conduct, and professional associations.
A key part of the learning process will be in-class oral practice. This active interaction aims to create a space for dialogue where different voices and perspectives can be expressed and heard, promoting a critical understanding of the world through the prism of translation.
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that students taking this course are familiar with all grammatical features covered in SPAN3110 and/or SPAN3330 and have acquired in-depth reading skills in a wide range of Spanish texts. Additionally, students should also have a strong grasp of English grammar, syntax, and spelling rules and sensitivity to the linguistic and cultural differences and similarities between Spanish and English.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
SPAN3110 or 3330
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
SPAN3320
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
This course provides an introduction to Spanish ↔ English translation. It is modelled and informed by pedagogical principles that encourage critical analysis of texts and decision-making processes by which the translated text can be formulated.
The key aims of this course are to:
- analyse original source texts in detail to unpack the multiple layers of meaning-making elementsﾠ(e.g., social, cultural and historical) that shape texts;
- help students identifyﾠthe type(s) ofﾠchallenge(s) theyﾠmay encounterﾠin the translationﾠprocess and develop strategies to overcome similar challenges in future translations;
- emphasise the decision-making processes utilized to translate different registers, genres and text types from English into Spanish and Spanish into English texts;
- focus on the transference of meaning from one language to another and demonstrate critical thinking.
Please be aware that SPAN3310 centres on the exploration and application of translation practice and strategies. This not a theoretical course on Translation Studies, nor a NAATI accredited course. However, it does provide students with an insight into the translation field, industry and profession. If in doubt, please ask the course coordinator for further clarification.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
analyse and discuss texts in Spanish (and English) for their salient features (genre, register, intended audience, etc.) in relation to translation strategies and methodologies.
LO2.
clearly articulate (using appropriate terminology) the translation challenges in the source text and propose ways of approaching those difficulties in the target text;
LO3.
produce Spanish/English target texts which correspond in terms of meaning, register, genre and cultural connotations with the corresponding Spanish/English source texts;
LO4.
demonstrate, both verbally and in written form, sophisticated levels of critical thinking and clear articulation of decision-making processes in translation exercises;
LO5.
demonstrate enhanced critical awareness of the ethical issues and responsibilities which arise in the practice of translation as well as the interplay of hegemonic language ideologies, power dynamics and intersectional biases inherent in the process of translation.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Online Non-invigilated Revision Tasks
|
30% (3 x 10%) |
WEEK 4 - 16/08/2024 5:00 pm WEEK 8 - 13/09/2024 5:00 pm WEEK 12 - 18/10/2024 5:00 pm
ORTs will be available from 8am to 5pm on the Friday of selected weeks. |
| Translation/ Interpretation |
Assessed Task 1
|
20% |
30/08/2024 5:00 pm
WEEK 6 |
| Translation/ Interpretation |
Assessed Task 2
|
20% |
4/10/2024 5:00 pm
WEEK 10 |
| Presentation |
Oral Presentations
|
30% |
16/10/2024 - 23/10/2024
WEEKS 12 & 13 |
Assessment details
Online Non-invigilated Revision Tasks
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 30% (3 x 10%)
- Due date
WEEK 4 - 16/08/2024 5:00 pm
WEEK 8 - 13/09/2024 5:00 pm
WEEK 12 - 18/10/2024 5:00 pm
ORTs will be available from 8am to 5pm on the Friday of selected weeks.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04
Task description
Students will be required to complete 3 x 10% online, non-invigilated, timed Online Revision Tasks (ORTs).
These ORTs will be made available for completion between 8am and 5pm on stipulated days and will take approximately 60 minutes.
Students will be allowed to use class notes and (online) dictionaries and relevant online learning resources.
This series of tasks will allow you to demonstrate competency at B2 level on the CEFR language proficiency scale.
The marking criteria for assessing these tasks will be informed by students' ability to demonstrate mastery and accurate usage of material covered in class and their:
- ability to understand video/audio, conversation/monologue material related to the content of the course.
- ability to read and understand short texts on topics related to the content of the course.
- ability to reuse vocabulary and grammatical items studied in the course (points attributed for vocabulary and grammatical structures correctly used) to translate Spanish ↔ English texts.
- ability to apply and justify use of specific translation strategies and techniques to solve cultural/linguistic challenges.
- ability to define and identify key issues in the process of translation (conceptual, practical, ideological, ethical, professional, etc.).
Please note that ORTs are non-invigilated digital assessment tasks which students will complete using their own device. Students should make sure that they have access to a reliable internet connection when completing each task. Only one attempt will be allowed for each ORT.
ORTs will be run in Inspera, an assessment platform which is part of existing suite of digital learning tools at UQ with a wide range of question types, accessibility provisions, and non-English languages. Details about Inspera Assessment including an introduction to its functionality, general practice opportunities, and where to go for support, are available here: https://web.library.uq.edu.au/library-services/it/assessments-inspera. Further information will be provided in the Blackboard site for this course in Week 1 of the semester and ORT practice opportunities will also be available throughout the semester.
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.
Submission guidelines
Students are encouraged to save a “PrintScreen” copy of their submission at the end of the task showing the time-stamp.
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 series of tasks which students need to complete in order to demonstrate consolidation of content and support sequential nature of learning in this course. Results and correct answers are released every second week, and general feedback is provided and discussed in class.
Late submission
This is a timed activity that students can access via Blackboard link in ORT Assessment folder. It is conducted on the Inspera platform, and answers are automatically submitted at the designated end time.
Assessed Task 1
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Translation/ Interpretation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
30/08/2024 5:00 pm
WEEK 6
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
English text to be translated into Spanish (EN --> ESP) and Spanish text to be translated into English (ESP --> EN). Each source text is approximately 350 words.
Students will be required to:
- research parallel texts in both languages to identify key socio-cultural elements and lexical items to complete an accurate translation;
- write a (250-word) critical reflection in English highlighting the challenges found in the process of translation and provide a detailed critical reasoning on the decisions made in the translation; and
- include list of relevant references.
Familiarise yourself with the marking criteria and descriptors.
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
Submission via Blackboard (Turnitin).
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 of language learning that underpins 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.
Assessed Task 2
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Translation/ Interpretation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
4/10/2024 5:00 pm
WEEK 10
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
English text to be translated into Spanish (EN --> ESP) and Spanish text to be translated into English (ESP --> EN). Each source text is approximately 350 words.
Students will be required to:
- research parallel texts in both languages to identify key socio-cultural elements and lexical items to complete an accurate translation;
- write a (250-word) critical reflection in English highlighting the challenges found in the process of translation and provide a detailed critical reasoning on the decisions made in the translation; and
- include list of relevant references.
Familiarise yourself with the marking criteria and descriptors.
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
Submission via Blackboard (Turnitin).
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 of language learning that underpins 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.
Oral Presentations
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
16/10/2024 - 23/10/2024
WEEKS 12 & 13
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L05
Task description
In WEEKS 12-13 students will deliver an oral presentation in which they will discuss critically a translation topic/problem/challenge of their choice, based on content and readings covered throughout the course. Presentations will be delivered in person, during class time. These individual presentations will be video recorded (using Zoom) as per UQ Policy on live oral assessment procedures.
This presentation will allow students to demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge learnt in SPAN3310 and competence at the level of B2+ on the CEFR (Common European Frame of Reference) scales for Oral Production.
Length of presentation: 10 minutes per student + 5-10 minutes Q&A / class discussion.
Additional preparation guidelines will be provided in WEEK 10. Familiarise yourself with the marking criteria and descriptors.
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
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
Oral presentation to be delivered live, during class time. PowerPoint slides and/or any other visual aids to be shared on the day via Padlet.
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.
Please note that this assessment task is designed to be delivered in class during the last two weeks of teaching to ensure critical and interactive engagement with classmates. The marking criteria rubric includes assessment of this engagement; therefore, to ensure that assessment conditions are met, all oral presentations should ideally be completed within the teaching period.
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: Demonstrates only minimal grasp of basic ideas, concepts and facts. |
| 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. Parallel texts have not been used. The critical commentary reflects lack of critical thinking skills. |
| 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. Parallel texts have been inadequately used. Parallel texts have been used poorly. The critical commentary reflects poor critical thinking skills. |
| 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. Parallel texts have been used adequately. The critical commentary reflects average critical thinking skills. |
| 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. Parallel texts have been used adequately. The critical commentary reflects good critical thinking skills. |
| 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. Parallel texts have been used effectively. The critical commentary reflects very good critical thinking skills. |
| 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. Parallel texts have been used effectively. The critical commentary reflects excellent critical thinking 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.
Additional learning resources information
Copies of the recommended resource: Washbourne (2010) are available at the library.
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 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
General contact hours |
Introduction to Translation & Text Analysis Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
General contact hours |
TRANSLATION TECHNIQUES Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
General contact hours |
TRANSLATION TECHNIQUES Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
General contact hours |
Session cancelled due to EKKA Public Holiday Self-directed, online learning material provided to support engagement with course content. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
General contact hours |
TOOLS OF THE TRADE (I) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
General contact hours |
TOOLS OF THE TRADE (II) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
General contact hours |
TRANSLATION REVISION Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
General contact hours |
TEXTUAL GENRES (I) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
General contact hours |
TEXTUAL GENRES (II) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Mid Sem break (23 Sep - 29 Sep) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
MID SEMESTER BREAK Self-directed, online learning material provided to support engagement with course content. |
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
General contact hours |
AUDIOVISUAL TRANSLATION (I) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
General contact hours |
AUDIOVISUAL TRANSLATION (II) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
General contact hours |
Translation Industry and Profession + Oral Presentations Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
General contact hours |
Oral Presentations & Wrap up Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
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.