Modern Languages and Translation & Interpreting Studies with Overseas Placement, _MA

Year 1

COMPULSORY
Introduction to Translation and Interpreting Studies (15 credits) 1HS
Working with Texts (15 credits) 2HS

OPTIONAL - you will need to study one in 1HS and one in 2HS
Introduction to Literature and Culture of one of the languages chosen (1HS)
English structure and use (1HS)
Communication and Language in Contemporary Societies (2HS)

Compulsory Courses

Academic Writing for Language & Literature (AW1008)

This compulsory evaluation is designed to find out if your academic writing is of a sufficient standard to enable you to succeed at university and, if you need it, to provide support to improve. It is completed on-line via MyAberdeen with clear instructions to guide you through it. If you pass the evaluation at the first assessment it will not take much of your time. If you do not, you will be provided with resources to help you improve. This evaluation does not carry credits but if you do not complete it this will be recorded on your degree transcript.

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Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)

This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students (and articulating students who are in their first year at the University), is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.

Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.

Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.

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Introduction to Translation and Interpreting (TL1001)

15 Credit Points

This course will introduce students to the key concepts of translation and interpreting and to the metalanguage of both disciplines.

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Working with Texts (TL1501)

15 Credit Points

This is an introductory course which looks at different ways of understanding and analysing texts. The course will equip students with tools to analyse their own academic writing as well as apply these skills to different types of texts

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Optional Courses

Select 30 credit points from the following courses:

• Introduction to Literature and Culture of Modern France 1 (FR1021)
• Gaelic Scotland (GH1015)
• Modern German Culture 1 (GH1052)
• Spain: A Cultural History (SP1035)
• English Structure and Use (LN1003)
• Introduction to Literature and Culture of Modern France in Context (FR1527)
• Modern German Culture 2 (GM1556)
• Latin America: A Cultural History (SP1536)
• Communication and Language in Contemporary Society (LN1501)

Plus 60 credits from the Beginners Language courses OR the Beginners and Higher/Advanced Language courses listed below:

Beginner Language courses:

• Arabic for Beginners 1 (AR1002) AND Arabic for Beginners 2 (AR1502)
• Beginners French Language 1 (FR1028) AND Beginners French Language 2 (FR1528)
• Gaelic for Beginners 1A (GH1007) AND Gaelic for Beginners 1B (GH1507)
• German for Beginners 1 (GM1054) AND German for Beginners 2 (GM1554)
• Mandarin Chinese for Beginners 1 (MN1001) AND Mandarin Chinese for Beginners 2 (MN1501)
• Swedish 1 (SN1003) AND Swedish 2 (SN1503)
• Spanish Language 1 (SP1027) AND Spanish Language 2 (SP1528)

Beginners and Higher/Advanced Language Courses:

• Arabic for Beginners 1 (AR1002) AND Arabic for Beginners 2 (AR1502)
• Qualified French Language 1 (FR1029) AND Qualified French Language 2 (FR1529)
• Gaelic Language 1A (GH1013) AND Gaelic Language 1B (GH1513)
• German Language 1 (GM1050) AND German Language 2 (GM1550)
• Mandarin Chinese for Beginners 1 (MN1001) AND Mandarin Chinese for Beginners 2 (MN1501)
• Swedish 1 (SN1003) AND Swedish 2 (SN1503)
• Spanish Language 2 (SP1028) AND Spanish Language 3 (SP2525)

Arabic for Beginners 1 (AR1002)

15 Credit Points

By learning Arabic you will have the opportunity to travel, work and gain experience in around 22 Arab countries. Arabic is one of the 6 official UN languages. Some Arab countries have been residing on top of the list of top employers in the World.

Learning Arabic would give you higher chances of obtaining Middle East related jobs such as in media, diplomacy or business. It will also increase chances of obtaining jobs in your own field of expertise in one of the Arab countries.

All students with any previous knowledge of Arabic will need to take a diagnostic test before the first week of teaching. For more information, please contact course coordinator.

This course is not available to native Arabic speakers.

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Arabic for Beginners 2 (AR1502)

15 Credit Points

Building on Arabic for Beginners I (AR1002), students will continue their introduction to Arabic speaking, listening, reading and writing. There will be continued emphasis on pronunciation, speaking and listening and students will learn to understand and express themselves in basic role play and dialogue. Students will also improve their facility with written Arabic and brief reading comprehension passages and translation exercises will be introduced with a focus on intercultural competence.

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Beginners French Language 1 (FR1028)

15 Credit Points

This intensive language course is designed for students who have little or no previous knowledge of French.

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Beginners French Language 2 (FR1528)

15 Credit Points

This course builds on the work done in FR1023, providing students with an adequate command of French language to allow them the possibility of continuing their studies into level 2 and Honours.

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Gaelic for Beginners 1a (GH1007)

15 Credit Points

This is an 11-week course in the modern Scottish Gaelic language for students who have little or no prior experience of the language, or for students with no formal qualifications in Gaelic.

You will learn Gaelic through a mixture of interactive language classes, a class which focuses on conversational skills, and a programme of homework exercises, together with self-directed learning.

By the end of the course, you will be able to speak, read, write and understand Gaelic at a basic level and you will have mastered a large working vocabulary.

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Gaelic for Beginners 1b (GH1507)

15 Credit Points

This is an 11-week course in the modern Scottish Gaelic language for students who have completed GH1007 Gaelic for Beginners 1A.

You will attend three interactive language classes and one conversation class each week, as well as undertaking self-directed learning.

By the end of the course you will be expected to have mastered a large working vocabulary and to be competent in understanding and using most of the major structures of the language.

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German for Beginners 1 (GM1054)

15 Credit Points

This language course provides students with a sound foundation in German (grammar and vocabulary). It enables students to understand the gist of authentic written and spoken German and to speak and write about familiar topics with a degree of accuracy and fluency.

No previous knowledge of German is required, but this course is also for students which took German at school before, on any level lower than Higher or A-level.

With 3 Language Classes and 1 Language Practical per week this course encourages and supports students to develop their personal self-study strategies.

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German for Beginners 2 (GM1554)

15 Credit Points

This language course provides students with a sound foundation in German (grammar and vocabulary). It enables students to understand the gist of authentic written and spoken German and to speak and write about familiar topics with a degree of accuracy and fluency.

No previous knowledge of German is required, but this course is also for students which took German at school before, on any level lower than Higher or A-level.

With 3 Language Classes and 1 Language Practical per week this course encourages and supports students to develop their personal self-study strategies.

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Mandarin Chinese for Beginners 1 (MN1001)

15 Credit Points

This course aims to familiarize students with the basics of spoken and written forms of Mandarin Chinese. Emphasis will be placed first on speaking and listening, particularly pronunciation and tones. The written form will be presented first through the medium of pinyin and gradually students will be introduced to a small number of the highest frequency characters. The emphasis will be on dialogue and role play. It covers a good deal of ground in the four class hours a week, and requires considerable effort and self-study to consolidate new vocabulary, grammar and Chinese characters.

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Mandarin Chinese for Beginners 2 (MN1501)

15 Credit Points

This course will continue to familiarize students with the basics of spoken and written forms of Mandarin Chinese. Emphasis will be on speaking and listening, particularly pronunciation and tones, and on aural comprehension. Students will continue to learn through the medium of pinyin and will be introduced to more of the highest frequency characters. Grammatical exercises, drills and simple reading, translation and writing exercises will be introduced. It covers a good deal of ground in the four class hours a week, and requires considerable effort and self-study to consolidate new vocabulary, grammar and Chinese characters.

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Swedish 1 (SN1003)

15 Credit Points

Sweden is the largest Scandinavian country and is known for e.g. technology (from dynamite to Skype), culture (from Vikings to Abba and Stieg Larsson), tourism (from snowy mountains to red cottages) and politics and society (from UN to corporate social responsibility).

By learning Swedish you acquire a new language, but maybe also a new way of thinking, and an interesting twist to your CV.

Teaching in this course is interactive and you will learn to communicate in a friendly environment by practising to listen, speak, read and write (and why not sing?) and also get some cultural insight.

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Swedish 2 (SN1503)

15 Credit Points

Building on Swedish I, you will continue to learn to speak, listen, read and write in Swedish. We will now use a more complex language - for instance we will use more adjectives to describe things, and start using subclauses. By extending your vocabulary as well as working with grammar, by the end of the course you should be able to communicate on European language level A2.

As before, teaching is interactive with a lot of speaking practice in class and in the end of the course you are invited to actively take part of our midsummer cultural tutorial.

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Spanish Language 1 (SP1027)

15 Credit Points

This is a fast-paced and intensive language course for students with very little or no previous knowledge of Spanish who have been allocated onto this course by our diagnostic test. It is aimed at students intending to pursue an honours (single or joint) degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies but is also suitable for students on other degree programmes.

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Spanish Language 2 (SP1528)

15 Credit Points

This is a fast-paced language course for students with some previous knowledge of Spanish who have been allocated onto this course by our diagnostic test. It is aimed at students intending to pursue an honours (single or joint) degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies but is also suitable for students on other degree programmes.

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Qualified French Language 1 (FR1029)

15 Credit Points

This course is intended for students who have studied French to Higher or equivalent level. It will enable them to consolidate and extend their knowledge of French, written and spoken.

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Qualified French Language 2 (FR1529)

15 Credit Points

This course is intended for students who have studied French to the equivalent of Scottish Higher or beyond. Building on the work done in the first semester, it seeks to enable students to consolidate and extend their knowledge of French, written and spoken.

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Gaelic Language 1a (GH1013)

15 Credit Points

This is a Gaelic language course for students who are relatively fluent in the language already and have studied it to at least Higher in school (Higher Gaelic or Gàidhlig) or have studied it to a similar level elsewhere.

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Gaelic Language 1b (GH1513)

15 Credit Points

This is the second-half of the first year Gaelic language course for students who are relatively fluent in the language already and have studied it to at least Higher in school (Higher Gaelic or Gàidhlig) or have studied it to a similar level elsewhere.

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German Language 1 (GM1050)

15 Credit Points

This module is designed for students with an SCE H in German or equivalent. The course develops receptive and productive oral and written German language skills. Students who are considering applying for entry to German Honours must take this course.

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German Language 2 (GM1550)

15 Credit Points

This module is designed for students with an SCE H in German or equivalent. The course develops receptive and productive oral and written German language skills. Students who are considering applying for entry to German Honours must take this course. The course builds on GM1050.

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Spanish Language 2 (SP1028)

15 Credit Points

This is a fast-paced language course for students with some previous knowledge of Spanish who have been allocated onto this course by our diagnostic test. It is aimed at students intending to pursue an honours (single or joint) degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies but is also suitable for students on other degree programmes.

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Spanish Language 3 (SP2525)

15 Credit Points

This course follows Spanish Language 2 or can be taken by students who have the required level of Spanish as determined by the placement test (see below).

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Year 2

COMPULSORY
Theory of Translation and Interpreting (15 credits) 1HS
Introduction to Bilateral Interpreting 2HS

OPTIONAL - you will need to study one in 1HS and one in 2HS
Translation Practice L1 (1HS)
Research Methods (2HS)
Translation Practice L2 (1HS)
Varieties of English (2HS)

Compulsory Courses

LN2005 - Varieties of English (30 credits)

Theory of Translation and Interpreting (TL2001)

15 Credit Points

This course enables students to gain an insight into the theoretical framework of translation and of interpreting.

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Introduction to Bilateral Interpreting (TL2501)

15 Credit Points

This course introduces the skills of liaison interpreting, develops confidence in conversation management and performance evaluation as well as students´ research and documentation skills.

It also provides opportunities for students to practice intercultural mediation through liaison interpreting in a structured and supported manner.

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Optional Courses

Select one from the following options:

• TN20 Translation Practice L1 OR TN20 Translation Practice L2

Plus 60 credits from the Beginners Language courses OR the Beginners and Higher/Advanced Language courses listed below:

Beginner Language courses:

• Arabic for Beginners 3 (AR2002) AND Arabic for Beginners 4 (AR2502)
• Advanced Introductory French Language 1 (FR2012) AND Advanced Introductory French Language 2 (FR2512)
• Gaelic for Advanced Beginners 2A (GH2009) AND Gaelic for Advanced Beginners 2B (GH2509)
• German Language 1 [Advanced Introductory] (GM2040) AND German Language 2 [Advanced Introductory] (GM2540)
• Mandarin for Beginners 3 (MN2001) AND Mandarin for Beginners 4 (MN2501)
• Swedish 3 (SN2003) AND Swedish 4 (SN2502)
• Spanish Language 3 (SP2025) AND Spanish Language 4 (SP2526)

Beginners and Higher/Advanced Language Courses:

• Arabic for Beginners 3 (AR2002) AND Arabic for Beginners 4 (AR2502)
• Advanced French Language 1 (FR2002) AND Advanced French Language 2 (FR2502)
• Gaelic Language 2A (GH2013) AND Gaelic Language 2B (GH2513)
• German Language 3 (GM2042) AND German Language 4 (GM2542)
• Mandarin for Beginners 3 (MN2001) AND Mandarin for Beginners 4 (MN2501)
• Swedish 1 (SN2003) AND Swedish 2 (SN2502)
• Spanish Language 4 (SP2026) AND Spanish Language 5 (SP2531)

Arabic for Beginners 3 (AR2002)

15 Credit Points

This is an intensive course which consolidates and extends what has been acquired in the first year Arabic for Beginners AR1002 and AR1502. The course will develop skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening, with special emphasis on speaking and writing. The course also tackles grammatical concepts learnt in the first year and builds on them with a variety of exercises and activities designed to develop communicative linguistic skills. Particular attention is paid to the acquisition of vocabulary through the analysis of reading passages and translation exercises aimed at introducing students to very basic cultural phenomena in the Arab world.

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Arabic for Beginners 4 (AR2502)

15 Credit Points

This is an intensive course which consolidates what has been acquired in AR1002, AR1502, and AR2002. It will further develop skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening. The course also tackles grammatical concepts learnt in the first year and builds on them with a variety of exercises and activities designed to develop communicative linguistic skills. Particular attention is paid to the acquisition of vocabulary through the analysis of reading passages and translation exercises aimed at introducing students to very basic cultural phenomena in the Arab world.

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Advanced Introductory French Language 1 (FR2012)

15 Credit Points

This second year French language course which runs in the first half-session is only open to students who have passed FR1523. It will improve their written, oral and aural skills, and is one of the two second year French language courses (along with FR2512) that has to have passed to be allowed into the French honours Programme.

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Advanced Introductory French Language 2 (FR2512)

15 Credit Points

This second year French language course which runs in the second half-session is only open to students who have followed FR2012. It will improve their written, oral and aural skills, and is one of the two second year French language pre-requisite courses (along with FR2012) that one must have passed to be allowed into the French honours Programme.

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Gaelic for Advanced Beginners 2a (GH2009)

15 Credit Points

This is the second year Gaelic language course for people who started learning in their first year. It builds on the foundations already set in the first year and continues to develop vocabulary, grammatical structures and idioms in both writing and speech.

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Gaelic for Advanced Beginners 2b (GH2509)

15 Credit Points

This course follows on from GH2009 and is for people who started learning in their first year. It continues to develop a range of linguistic competencies in written and oral language.

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German Language (Advanced Introductory) 1 (GM2040)

15 Credit Points

The course consists of language classes leading to advanced communicative competence in German and it will include the analysis of contemporary texts drawn from a variety of contexts. This course may be taken only by students who have completed the German for Beginners courses.

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German Language (Advanced Introductory) 2 (GM2540)

15 Credit Points

The intention of the course is to extend and reinforce further students' command of German grammar, vocabulary and syntactic structures, and to introduce various styles of written and spoken German. The course builds on the work done in GM2040 and is intended only for continuing beginners.

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Swedish 3 (SN2003)

15 Credit Points

The course will refine and build on the first year of study, but we will start using the language a lot more and you will be exposed to a lot more language. A large part of the course will deal with expanding your vocabulary and increase your confidence and ability to use the language. The course book uses normal everyday language and is structured around a variety of topics which will enhance your ability to express yourself in an increasing number of situations and to understand new words from the context.

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Spanish Language 4 (SP2526)

15 Credit Points

This course aims to prepare intending Honours students of Spanish and Latin American Studies for their compulsory period abroad in a Spanish-speaking country.

The course will develop further Spanish language skills, both receptive and productive. Classes on grammatical and linguistic analysis will contribute to the development of both sets of skills. In addition students will complete a structured self learning programme of audio-visual study and grammatical reinforcement study.

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Spanish Language 3 (SP2025)

15 Credit Points

This course follows Spanish Language 2 or can be taken by students who have the required level of Spanish as determined by the diagnostic test (see below).

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Advanced French Language 1 (FR2002)

15 Credit Points

This second year French language course which runs in the first half-session is only open to students who have passed FR1524. It will improve their written, oral and aural skills, and is one of the two second year French language courses required to be allowed into the French honours Programme.

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Advanced French Language 2 (FR2502)

15 Credit Points

This second year French language course which runs in the second half-session is only open to students who have followed FR2002. It will improve their written, oral and aural skills, and is one of the two second year French language pre-requisite courses to be allowed into the French honours Programme (a minimum CAS mark of 12/20 at the first attempt will be required for FR2502).

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Gaelic Language 2a (GH2013)

15 Credit Points

This is the first half of the second year Gaelic language course for students who are relatively fluent in the language already and have studied it to at least Higher in school (Higher Gaelic or Gàidhlig) or similar level. It follows on from GH1513. It continues to develop accuracy in the language and increases usage across a wider variety of domains.

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Gaelic Language 2b (GH2513)

15 Credit Points

This is the second half of the second year Gaelic language course for students who are relatively fluent in the language already and have studied it to at least Higher in school (Higher Gaelic or Gàidhlig) or similar level. It follows on from GH2013.

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German Language 3 (GM2042)

15 Credit Points

This level two language course will build on and extend students' fluency and written skills in German.

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German Language 4 (GM2542)

15 Credit Points

Building on work done in GM 2042, the course will develop further language skills.

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Mandarin for Beginners 3 (MN2001)

15 Credit Points

Building on work done in MN 1501 this intensive language course, which forms part of the Sustained Study Programme, will further develop all four basic language skills, reading, writing, speaking and listening. Classes on grammatical and linguistic analysis will contribute to the development of these skills. It covers a good deal of ground in the four class hours a week, and requires considerable effort and self-study to consolidate new vocabulary, grammar and Chinese characters (hànzì).

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Mandarin for Beginners 4 (MN2501)

15 Credit Points

Building on work done in MN 2001, this course will further develop all four basic language skills, reading, writing, speaking and listening. Classes on grammatical and linguistic analysis will contribute to the development of these skills. It covers a good deal of ground in the four class hours a week, and requires considerable effort and self-study to consolidate new vocabulary, grammar and Chinese characters (hànzì).

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Spanish Language 5 (SP2531)

15 Credit Points

This course follows Spanish Language 4 and aims to prepare non beginners intending Honours students of Spanish and Latin American Studies for their compulsory period abroad in a Spanish-speaking country.

The course will develop further Spanish language skills, expanding on the vocabulary and introducing formal documents and letters. Classes on grammatical and linguistic analysis will contribute to the development of both sets of skills. In addition students will complete a structured self learning programme of vocabulary and grammatical reinforcement study.

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Year 3

You spend one year abroad (6 months in each country)

Compulsory Courses

TN 30 - Residence Abroad Project (60 credits)

Year 4

COMPULSORY
Advanced Translation Skills L1 (15 credits) 1HS
Advanced Interpreting Skills L1 (15 credits) 2HS

OPTIONAL - you will need to study one in 1HS and one in 2HS
Advanced Translation Skills L1- 2HS
Advanced Interpreting Skills - L1- 1HS
Dissertation - 2HS
Translation Project - 1HS

Optional Courses

Select one of the following dissertation options:

• Dissertation (first semester)
• Dissertation (second semester)

If taking Arabic or Chinese:

• TN 40 Translation Practice at Intermediate Level
• TN 40 Translation Practice at Intermediate Level

If taking one Higher/Advanced Language 30 credit points from the following courses:

• TN 40 Translation Skills L2
• TN 40 Translation Interpreting Skills L2

Plus 60 credit points from the following Language courses:

• FR 4097 Senior Honours French Language
• GH 4022 Gaelic Language B
• GM 4099 German Language Study for Senior Honours 3
• SP 4039 Spanish 7

Gaelic Language B (GH4022)

30 Credit Points

A level four Gaelic language course for students taking honours Gaelic. The course runs over both semesters and is topic based, enabling students to develop their ability to deal with a large range of subjects in Gaelic. The course also develops students' generic writing and oral skills.

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German Language Study for Senior Honours (GM4099)

30 Credit Points

Building on the skills gained during the Junior Honours language course and before, this module expands and refines German language expertise in writing, reading, speaking and listening, to an advanced level, for their final exit written and oral exam in German.

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Dissertation in Spanish (SP4039)

30 Credit Points

This year-long course unit combines dissertation research with research methods training. The dissertation is a piece of extended independent research (8,000-10,000 words long), structured as a critical evaluation, analysis or argument, about a topic germane to Spanish and Latin American Studies. The topic is chosen by the student, in conjunction with the dissertation coordinator and an individual Departmental supervisor, both of whom approve the topic. Students are encouraged to design their topic building on their previous studies, especially honours courses. The dissertation offers a chance for students to carry out in-depth independent study in Spanish and Latin American Studies, and to acquire and develop valuable research skills. The course begins, in the first half session, with workshops on diverse research methods and the creation of peer support groups. The second half session includes structured meetings with the dissertation supervisor and meetings with the peer support group, as well as independent research and writing.

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Dissertation in French (FR4097)

15 Credit Points

Candidates will write a dissertation of 8,000 words on a subject to be decided in consultation with the Course Co-ordinator, to be researched and written (under supervision by a member of staff) in the second half session of Junior Honours, and submitted at the beginning of Senior Honours.

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