TRN4200 - Theory and Practice of Interpreting

Leader: Dr Helen Treble

Offered

Clayton First semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit consists of two components: an introduction to current theoretical debates and an overview of ethical and professional issues, and the practice of dialogue and basic consecutive interpreting and listening comprehension. Topics in consecutive interpreting include general social and cultural skills, and business at a level that paraprofessional interpreters are likely to encounter in Australian situations. In listening comprehension, students interpret authentic interviews and talks. They also practice sight translation in both languages. Students will gain an understanding of the basic theories of interpreting.

Objectives

Upon completion of this unit, students i) should have gained the basic techniques of interpreting in a dialogue mode and providing consecutive interpreting of basic speeches ii) should also have extended their comprehension level of natural discourse in their non-native language iii) will have acquired an understanding of ethics and working environments of different modes of interpreting, and iv) are expected to interpret a three to five minute speech on a topic that is familiar to them at a paraprofessional level.

Assessment

Written report (2000 words): 20%
Weekly assignments (Equivalent to 4500 words): 30%
End-of-semester examination (1.5 hours) (Equiv. to 1500 words) : 40%
Class performance (incl. prepared role play): 10%

Contact hours

Four hours of workshops per week (2 hours per language direction). In addition, 20 hours per week will be spent in assigned interpreting tasks, including 10 hours of compulsory laboratory work.

Co-requisites

The parallel core unit, TRN4040 can be taken concurrently or, for part-time students, in the preceding year.

Prohibitions

JIT4100