Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit establishes the principles and protocol and explores best practices associated with interpreting in legal settings including lawyer-client interactions, police, courts, tribunals and corrections. Contextual overviews of each setting are provided, the role and ethical responsibilities of interpreters are discussed, and interpreting techniques are practised. Students will familiarise themselves with legal discourse and terminology relevant to the legal interpreting settings.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should:

1. have achieved a contextual understanding of the Australian legal system and its various participants, as well as the use of language services within legal settings;
2. have gained knowledge of legal terminology and the ability to express this in their LOTE;
3. have developed a comprehensive understanding of the role of interpreters in legal settings and have the ability to abide by high ethical and professional standards;
4. be able to discuss the characteristics of legal discourse in various settings and identify appropriate interpreting techniques.

Assessment

Case study and presentation (2500 words): 50%
Essay (1500 words): 20%
Glossary (500 words): 15%
Participation: 15%

Contact hours

Two 2-hour seminars
4-hours of structured online activities per week for six weeks

Prerequisites

(APG4816 and APG4691)
or NAATI accreditation at professional or paraprofessional level
or successful completion of a TandI course from another educational institution at the Advanced Diploma level or above

Co-requisites

APG5885 (for students enrolled in Master of Interpreting and Translation Studies)