Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Languages & Cultures School
This course provides students with the fundamental skills to translate business-related texts from a broad range of industries and sectors. Students will be trained in specific translation approaches and strategies to be able to operate within the translation marketplace with a broad range of commercial texts.
Course requirements
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
CHIN7141, CHIN7142, CHIN7150, JAPN7160
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 develops key transaltion skills and introduces students to text types and transaltion issues specific to a business context.ᅠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
identify and articulate the main trends of translation in business settings, including their commonalities and respective features
LO2.
acquire an understanding of the different digital tools available to translators and the use of digital platforms/media in professional practice in a business context
LO3.
apply knowledge of fundamental translation theories in analysing and solving the issues involved in translating business texts
LO4.
develop knowledge of ethical standards and their application to real-life situations in relation to business translation
Assessment
Assessment summary
Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
---|---|---|---|
Translation/ Interpretation |
Practical translation assessment 1 (assignment)
|
25% |
3/04/2025 5:00 pm
WEEK 6 |
Examination, Translation/ Interpretation |
Practical translation assessment 2 (in class)
|
25% |
17/04/2025
WEEK 8 (in class) |
Translation/ Interpretation |
Practical translation assessment 3 (assignment)
|
25% |
8/05/2025 5:00 pm
WEEK 10 |
Examination, Translation/ Interpretation |
Practical translation assessment 4 (in class)
|
25% |
15/05/2025
WEEK 11 (in class) |
Assessment details
Practical translation assessment 1 (assignment)
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Translation/ Interpretation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
3/04/2025 5:00 pm
WEEK 6
- Learning outcomes
- L01
Task description
Chinese-stream students
You will be required to translate one Chinese passage into English. This is an assignment that forms part of the weekly practical translation exercises. The translation assessment passage will be approximately 250 words in length and will be available on Blackboard.
Japanese-stream students
You will be required to translate one Japanese passage into English. This is an assignment that forms part of the weekly practical translation exercises. The translation assessment passage will be approximately 250 words in length and will be available on Blackboard.
While machine translation tools such as Google Translate can be useful for translators, students are not permitted to use such tools to work on this assessment item or any other translation assignments in this course. Students can utilise such tools and develop their post-editing skills at a later stage after they have consolidated their basic translation skills and established their translation standards.
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit your translation via Turnitin by the due date. File name: Assessment1_TRIN7140_Surname. Each page should have the course code, course title and your name at the top (set up a template). The translation should be typed in a 12-point font, double-spaced, and presented professionally.
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.
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.
Practical translation assessment 2 (in class)
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination, Translation/ Interpretation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
17/04/2025
WEEK 8 (in class)
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L02
Task description
Chinese-stream students
You will be required to translate one Chinese passage into English in class. Working time 60 minutes + reading time 5 minutes. There will be a choice of two passages, each approximately 250 words long. The translation passages will be provided in class.
Japanese-stream students
You will be required to translate one Japanese passage into English in class. Working time 60 minutes + reading time 5 minutes. There will be a choice of two passages, each approximately 250 words long. The translation passages will be provided in class.
While machine translation tools such as Google Translate can be useful for translators, students are not permitted to use such tools to work on this assessment item or any other translation assignments in this course. Students can utilise such tools and develop their post-editing skills at a later stage after they have consolidated their basic translation skills and established their translation standards.
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
Planning time | 5 minutes |
---|---|
Duration | 60 minutes |
Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
Exam platform | Paper based |
Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Submit your translation via Turnitin. File name: Assessment2_TRIN7140_Surname. Each page should have the course code, course title and your name at the top (set up a template). The translation should be typed in a 12-point font, double-spaced, and presented professionally.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Practical translation assessment 3 (assignment)
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Translation/ Interpretation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
8/05/2025 5:00 pm
WEEK 10
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03
Task description
Chinese-stream students
You will be required to translate one English passage into Chinese. This is an assignment that forms part of the weekly practical translation exercises. Translation passages will be approximately 250 words in length and will be available on Blackboard
Japanese-stream students
You will be required to translate one English passage into Japanese. This is an assignment that forms part of the weekly practical translation exercises. Translation passages will be approximately 250 words in length and will be available on Blackboard.
While machine translation tools such as Google Translate can be useful for translators, students are not permitted to use such tools to work on this assessment item or any other translation assignments in this course. Students can utilise such tools and develop their post-editing skills at a later stage after they have consolidated their basic translation skills and established their translation standards.
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit your translation via Turnitin upon conclusion of the translation. File name: Assessment3_ TRIN7140_Surname. Each page should have the course code, course title and your name at the top (set up a template). The translation should be typed in a 12-point font, double-spaced, and presented professionally.
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.
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.
Practical translation assessment 4 (in class)
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination, Translation/ Interpretation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
15/05/2025
WEEK 11 (in class)
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04
Task description
Chinese-stream students
You will be required to translate one English passage into Chinese in class. Working time 60 minutes + reading time 5 minutes. There will be a choice of two passages, and each passage is equivalent to approximately 250 English words long. The translation passages will be provided in class.
Japanese-stream students
You will be required to translate one English passage into Japanese in class. Working time 60 minutes + reading time 5 minutes. There will be a choice of two passages, and each passage is equivalent to approximately 250 English words long. The translation passages will be provided in class.
While machine translation tools such as Google Translate can be useful for translators, students are not permitted to use such tools to work on this assessment item or any other translation assignments in this course. Students can utilise such tools and develop their post-editing skills at a later stage after they have consolidated their basic translation skills and established their translation standards.
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
Planning time | 5 minutes |
---|---|
Duration | 60 minutes |
Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
Exam platform | Paper based |
Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Submit your translation via Turnitin upon conclusion of the translation. File name: Assessment4_ TRIN7140_Surname. Each page should have the course code, course title and your name at the top (set up a template). The translation should be typed in a 12-point font, double-spaced, and presented professionally.
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: Very limited comprehension. Extremely inaccurate. Unjustifiable omissions. Serious distortion of the dominant function of the source text, be that defined in terms of the message, the style, the tone or other parameters. (This fidelity may or may not involve fidelity to the form of the source text.) Numerous grammatical errors cause the meaning to be unclear or misunderstood. Very unnatural and awkward target text, and many spelling or punctuation mistakes that might hinder communication of the meaning. Idioms and figurative language are nearly always misunderstood and/or mistranslated. No variety in the use of expressions and synonyms, and they are frequently used inappropriately. Pays no attention to the connection between sentences. No effort to check terminology or to carry out the necessary background research. Never considers the discourse structure and the desirability of restructuring. Translation speed is very slow, and homework is often not submitted at all. In a professional situation so much checking and rewriting would be required that it would not be economically viable to employ this person as a translator. Professional manner is totally lacking. |
2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Limited comprehension. Highly inaccurate. Unjustifiable omissions. Little or no attempt to convey the dominant function of the source text, be that defined in terms of the message, the style, the tone or other parameters. (This fidelity may or may not involve fidelity to the form of the source text.) Frequent grammatical errors cause the meaning to be unclear or misunderstood. Unnatural and awkward target text, and many spelling or punctuation mistakes that may hinder communication of the meaning. No variety in the use of expressions and synonyms, and they are often used inappropriately in the context. Fails to consider the discourse structure and the desirability of restructuring. Usually fails to pay attention to the connection between sentences. Little effort to check terminology, and little or no evidence of background research. Translation speed is very slow, and homework is sometimes submitted late or not at all. In a professional situation so much checking and rewriting would be required that it would not be economically viable to employ this person as a translator. Professional manner is not adequately maintained. |
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. Unjustifiable omissions. Frequent failure to recognize 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. (This fidelity may or may not involve fidelity to the form of the source text.) Grammatical errors cause the meaning to be unclear or misunderstood. Frequently unnatural and awkward target text, and many spelling or punctuation mistakes. Very limited variety in use of expressions and synonyms, and sometimes used inappropriately in the context. Rarely considers the discourse structure and the desirability of restructuring. Frequently fails to pay attention to the connection between sentences. Inappropriate use of terminology, and frequent failure to conduct the necessary background research. Translation speed is slow, and homework is occasionally submitted late or not submitted at all. In a professional situation the translations would require extensive checking and rewriting. Good professional manner is not maintained. |
4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Reasonable source text comprehension, but a lack of understanding of the nuances. Accurate in the broad details, but inaccuracies in the minor details. Unjustifiable omissions. Recognition of the dominant source text function, be that defined in terms of the message, the style, the tone or other parameters, but some distortion of this function. (This fidelity may or may not involve fidelity to the form of the source text.) The meaning is clear despite any grammatical errors present. Some awkwardness in the translation, and some 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. Sometimes considers the discourse structure and the desirability of restructuring. Sometimes pays attention to the connection between sentences. Some attempt has been made to use appropriate terminology and conduct any necessary background research. Translation speed is probably rather slow, but most homework has been submitted on time. In a professional situation, the translations would require considerable checking and rewriting. Adequate professional manner is maintained. |
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 most of these nuances accurately, but with some minor errors or unjustifiable omissions. Generally faithful to the dominant source text function, be that defined in terms of the message, the style, the tone or other parameters. (This may or may not involve fidelity to the form of the source text.) Few grammatical errors. Occasional awkwardness in the translation, and occasional spelling or punctuation mistakes. 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. Usually pays attention to the connection between sentences. Use of terminology is generally appropriate, and any necessary background research is usually done. Translation speed might be somewhat slow, but all homework is submitted on time. In a professional situation, the translations would require checking and some rewriting. Good professional manner is maintained. |
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 the nuances and an ability to convey these nuances accurately. Source text is fully translated. Faithful to the dominant function of the source text, be that defined in terms of the message, the style, the tone or other parameters. (This may or may not involve fidelity to the form of the source text.) No grammatical errors. Style is natural and acceptable, and there are no spelling or punctuation mistakes. Idioms and figurative language are handled skilfully. Extensive range of expressions and synonyms, used appropriately in the context. Always considers the discourse structure and the desirability of restructuring, and always pays attention to the connection between sentences. Use of terminology is always appropriate, and any necessary background research has been done. Able to translate within a reasonable time frame, and all homework is submitted on time. Translations could be used in a professional situation with little checking or rewriting. Very good professional manner is maintained. |
7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: As for 6, plus some of the following: Creative solutions and evidence of special flair for target-language expression. Ability to work at professional speed. Translations could be submitted as professional work with virtually no need for checking or rewriting. Excellent professional manner is maintained. |
Additional course grading information
As a minimum requirement to pass this course, students must submit more than 70% of all translation assignments, including non-assessed translations.
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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 3 |
Lecture |
Introduction to translating in business settings Introduction to the fundamental skills of translation in business settings Learning outcomes: L02, L04 |
Multiple weeks From Week 4 To Week 8 |
Workshop |
Translation from Chinese/Japanese Practical exercises in translation from Chinese/Japanese to English Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Multiple weeks From Week 9 To Week 13 |
Workshop |
Translation from English Practical exercises in translation from English to Chinese/Japanese Learning outcomes: L01 |
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.