| Unit name | Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) I |
|---|---|
| Unit code | MODLM0071 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Wang |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Modern Languages |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Why is this unit important?
This unit is an introduction to computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools. The emphasis in the unit is not on becoming an ‘expert’ user of any tool in particular, but rather on gaining a good understanding of how these tools work in general (so as to have the flexibility to learn how to use any CAT tool) and to acquire an appreciation of how the use of CAT tools influences the translation process and the market – be it pricing, pros and cons of machine translation, text type considerations, ‘match discount’ controversy, etc. The University of Bristol has several translation technology partnerships with leading companies in the field. You can benefit from free temporary access to Trados Studio, Lilt, Memsource and MemoQ for the duration of the unit.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
CAT Tools have become an essential component for the work of professional translators. As multidisciplinarians, translators are increasingly required to operate professional software, such as training or curating machine translation engines or large language models. Even if such computational linguistics tasks are not directly required in a particular translator’s job description, any industry project management will require interacting with these types of tools and software specialists so a thorough understanding of them is required. Technology-assisted translation is key for building media accessibility for marginalized groups.
An overview of content
Students are taught in 2-hour seminar sessions where there is a ‘hands-on’ approach to using the technology. Training on different tools and a comparison of them will be provided. Professional certification in RWS Trados is available pending successful completion of an optional exam. Students will work both as individuals and as groups in tackling a range of technical and practical problems. Additionally, current research into the impact of software and AI systems on the professional landscape will be explored in class discussions and through the summative assessment essay.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Students will learn to apply subject-specific and inter-disciplinary knowledge in a professional context and be prepared for further research at PhD level in the interface between language and technology. They will understand the importance of technologies in embedded workflows involving multiple collaborators in project teams, and build the confidence to work as part of these teams and to lead them.
Learning Outcomes
One 2-hour, weekly student-centred and interactive seminar involving practical training in using CAT software. The training is industry-linked, utilizing a variety of professional translation tools. Additional readings are provided for in-class discussion and to prepare for the essay component of the assessment, which is important for developing critical skills and understanding of the industry.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
No formal formative assessment, but students are required to submit a proposal for their chosen essay topic by week 10.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Portfolio assessment including 1 x practical CAT Project* (50%, ILO 1) and Essay (1,500 words; 50%; ILOs 1-3).
- At least one source document and one corresponding target document translated in one of the tools referred to in the essay - A TMX file exported from a CAT tool - A TBX, ‘plain text’ or CSV file exported from a CAT tool.
All items above are compulsory and should be clearly identified in your submission. Additional files can be submitted in relation to other features that might have been used in a project. As part of their project, students will also have the opportunity of submitting the following optional item:
- A full URL that links to the student's RWS Personal Certification Page showing that the student has passed Level 1 of the Trados Studio certification exam. The URL needs to correspond to the RWS account created during the unit. It should be provided in a Word or TXT document. This optional component is worth 2 marks to be added to the project mark.
To be submitted in week 12.
When assessment does not go to plan
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the form or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are normally confirmed by the School shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the academic year.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. MODLM0071).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
