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.

View detailed information about this course

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’.

View detailed information about this course

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.

View detailed information about this course

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

View detailed information about this course

Optional Courses

Select 30 credit points from the following courses:

• Introduction to Literature and Culture of Modern France 1 (FR1021)
• Modern German Culture 1 (GH1052)
• Latin America: A Cultural History (SP1032)
• English Structure and Use (LN1003)
• Introduction to Literature and Culture of Modern France in Context (FR1527)
• Modern German Culture 2 (GM1556)
• Encountering the Other in Iberia and the Americas (SP1538)
• English Past and Present (LN1502)

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

Beginner Language courses:

• Beginners French Language 1 (FR1028) AND Beginners French Language 2 (FR1528)
• German for Beginners 1 (GM1054) AND German for Beginners 2 (GM1554)
• Mandarin Chinese for Beginners 1 (MN1001) AND Mandarin Chinese for Beginners 2 (MN1501)
• Spanish Language 1 (SP1027) AND Spanish Language 2 (SP1528)

Beginners and Higher/Advanced Language Courses:

• Qualified French Language 1 (FR1029) AND Qualified French Language 2 (FR1529)
• German Language 1 (GM1050) AND German Language 2 (GM1550)
• Mandarin Chinese for Beginners 1 (MN1001) AND Mandarin Chinese for Beginners 2 (MN1501)
• Spanish Language 2 (SP1028) AND Spanish Language 3 (SP2525)

Introduction to Literature and Culture of Modern France 1 (FR1021)

15 Credit Points

This course offers students who are registered for the Beginners' course in French language an introduction to twentieth and twenty-first century French culture and society through the study of films, short prose texts and poetry. The course is organised around the broad themes of childhood and adolescence, gender, sexuality and love and marginalisation in contemporary France. The texts will be studied in translation or with subtitles.

View detailed information about this course

Modern German Culture 1 (GM1052)

15 Credit Points

Learn more about German 20th-century literature, dealing with the events that shaped German and European history. As in all good literature, we will discuss universal themes and topics covering all of the most important aspects of modern life.

View detailed information about this course

Latin America: A Cultural History (SP1032)

15 Credit Points

This course will introduce students to Latin American history, culture and society from the pre-Hispanic period to the present through a selection of archaeology, historical and contemporary writings, visual culture and music. All texts studied will be available in English translation.

View detailed information about this course

English Structure and use (LN1003)

15 Credit Points

This course opens up new ways for students to think about language by introducing them to the fundamentals of English linguistics. Students will learn how to identify and analyse the major "building blocks" of language in phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Examples for illustration and discussion will be drawn from varieties of English spoken in the British Isles and worldwide, with lectures and tutorials geared to providing students with an active vocabulary with which to discuss language, and essential tools with which to analyse its structure and function.

View detailed information about this course

Introduction to Literature and Culture of Modern France In Context (FR1527)

15 Credit Points

This course offers students who are registered for the beginners' course in French language an advanced introduction to twentieth and twenty-first century French and Francophone culture and society, focusing on the occupation of France during World War II and the experience of colonialism and post-colonialism. Written texts will be studied in translation or with vocabulary help and films will be studied with subtitles.

View detailed information about this course

Modern German Culture 2 (GM1556)

15 Credit Points

Learn more about modern German history, culture and literature while also extending your skills in reading German texts.

View detailed information about this course

Encountering the Other in Iberia and the Americas (SP1538)

15 Credit Points

The course introduces students to colonial encounters ranging from Muslim Iberia to the pre-conquest Americas and continuing into the period of the Spanish Empire. From the nineteenth century, conquest and colonial encounters continued as newly-independent Spanish American states seized indigenous territories, while colonial mentalities re-surfaced in contexts as diverse as the Spanish Civil War and Southern Cone dirty wars. These examples show how colonial encounters helped shape contemporary Spain and Spanish America.

View detailed information about this course

English Past and Present (LN1502)

15 Credit Points

How do we get from Chaucer to Twitter? From Beowulf to Beyoncé? This course will look at the development of English over the last millennium and beyond, examining language changes in sound, structure and meaning. Students will also be introduced to present-day sociolinguistic study, and how it can contribute to our understanding of language in the modern world and in the past.

View detailed information about this course

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.

View detailed information about this course

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.

View detailed information about this course

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.

View detailed information about this course

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.

View detailed information about this course

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.

View detailed information about this course

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.

View detailed information about this course

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.

View detailed information about this course

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.

View detailed information about this course

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.

View detailed information about this course

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.

View detailed information about this course

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.

View detailed information about this course

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.

View detailed information about this course

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.

View detailed information about this course

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 diagnostic test (see below).

View detailed information about this course

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

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.

View detailed information about this course

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.

View detailed information about this course

Optional Courses

Select ONE from the following options:

• Language in Society (LN2008) OR Varieties of English (LN2510)

Plus select 60 credit points from the following Beginners and Higher/Advanced Language courses:

Beginners and Higher/Advanced Language Courses:

• Advanced French Language 1 with Translation (TL2002) AND Advanced French Language 2 with Translation (TL2502)
• Gaelic Language 2A with Translation (TL2003) AND Gaelic Language 2B with Translation (TL2503)
• German Language 3 with Translation (TL2004) AND German Language 4 with Translation (TL2504)
• Mandarin for Beginners 3 (MN2001) AND Mandarin for Beginners 4 (MN2501)
• Spanish Language 4 with Translation (TL2005) AND Spanish Language 5 with Translation (TL2505)

Language in Society (LN2008)

30 Credit Points

Language is central to our humanity. Language and society are inextricably linked. Language unites; language divides. This course will develop your understanding of the social nature of language, providing insight into, among other things, the relationship between gender and language, language death and the art of persuasion.

View detailed information about this course

Varieties of English (LN2510)

30 Credit Points

The English language spoken in different places and by different groups of people varies hugely and this variation is a perennial topic of interest whenever people from different backgrounds meet. This course will survey a range of varieties of English, both from across the British Isles and from around the world, and will explore how these varieties differ from each other as well as what unites them. In order to do this, we will consider the sounds of English, standard and non-standard word morphology, variation in sentence structure and differences in lexical choice.

View detailed information about this course

Advanced French Language 1 with Translation (TL2002)

15 Credit Points

This second-year French language course, which runs in the first half-session, is only open to students who have passed FR1529 and are on the MA Modern Languages and Translation & Interpreting Studies programme. It will improve their written, oral and aural skills, as well as provide additional translation practice.

View detailed information about this course

Advanced French Language 2 with Translation (TL2502)

15 Credit Points

This second-year French language course which runs in the second half-session is only open to students who have followed Advanced French Language 1 with Translation. It will improve their written, oral and aural skills, and provide for further development of student’s translation skills.

View detailed information about this course

Gaelic Language 2a with Translation (TL2003)

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.

View detailed information about this course

Gaelic Language 2b with Translation (TL2503)

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 Gaelic Language 2A with Translation.

View detailed information about this course

German Language 3 with Translation (TL2004)

15 Credit Points

This level two language course will build on and extend students' fluency and written skills in German. It will also provide additional translation instruction for students on the MA Modern Languages and Translation & Interpreting Studies programme.

View detailed information about this course

German Language 4 with Translation (TL2504)

15 Credit Points

Building on work done in German Language 3 with Translation, the course will develop further language skills.

View detailed information about this course

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).

View detailed information about this course

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).

View detailed information about this course

Spanish Language 4 with Translation (TL2005)

15 Credit Points

This course aims to prepare intending Honours students of Modern Languages and Translation & Interpreting 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, and students will complete a structured self-learning programme of audio-visual study and grammatical reinforcement study. In addition, students will also be provided with additional translation practice to further progress their translation skills.

View detailed information about this course

Spanish Language 5 with Translation (TL2505)

15 Credit Points

This course follows Spanish Language 4 with Translation 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.

View detailed information about this course

Year 3

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

Compulsory Courses

First half session to be spent abroad studying OR First half session to be spent abroad working

Residence Abroad Work Placement 1 (TL30P2) (45 credit points)

Second half session to be spent abroad studying OR Second half session to be spent abroad working

Residence Abroad Work Placement 2 (TL35P2) (45 credit points)

Residence Abroad Correspondence Course 1 (TL30RA)

15 Credit Points

The course aims to encourage students to examine critically issues relating to the cultural, political, economic and social environment in which they are living during their period of residence abroad. This course will extend students’ cultural and linguistic awareness and provide them with an opportunity to conduct their own research.

View detailed information about this course

Residence Abroad (Correspondence Courses) (TL35RA)

15 Credit Points

The course aims to encourage students to examine critically issues relating to the cultural, political, economic and social environment in which they are living during their period of study abroad. This will extend their cultural and linguistic awareness and provide them with an opportunity to conduct their own research. This course will also provide students with a better understanding and knowledge of translation and interpreting skills that they will acquired at the institutions that they will be attending.

View detailed information about this course

Residence Abroad Work Placement 1 (TL30P2)

45 Credit Points

The course gives students an opportunity to take up a work placement in a native speaking country of the foreign language they study. Students’ request of taking up such a placement is subject to approval of the School.

View detailed information about this course

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

Compulsory Courses

Advanced Translation Skills (TL4003)

Advanced Interpreting Skills (TL4501)

Optional Courses

Select one of the following dissertation options:

• Dissertation (first semester) (TL4002)
• Dissertation (second semester) (TL4502)

If taking Chinese:

• Translation Practice at Intermediate Level (TN40)
• Translation Practice at Intermediate Level (TN45)

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

• Translation Skills L2 (TN40)
• Translation Interpreting Skills L2 (TN40)

Plus select 60 credit points from the following Language courses:

• Senior Honours French Language (FR4097)
• Gaelic Language B (GH4022)
• German Language Study for Senior Honours 3 (GM4099)
• Spanish 7 (SP4039)

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.

View detailed information about this course

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.

View detailed information about this course

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.

View detailed information about this course

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.

View detailed information about this course