| Unit name | Computer-Aided Translation II |
|---|---|
| Unit code | MODLM0039 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Sam Strong |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
MODLM2016 Computer-Aided Translation |
| 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?
Technologies develop rapidly, and translators need to understand how this works – how they can contribute to the development of new tools, how they can assess existing and emerging tools, how they can use them, and how they can explain to clients, colleagues, the media and the wider public how translation, and intercultural communication more widely speaking, is likely to be affected by technologies in the future. The unit addresses these fundamental questions through a mix of critical and practical tasks.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
The unit builds on the first CAT unit by increasing the depth of literature reviewed and widening the scope of practical tasks, especially in relation to machine translation use and development.
An overview of content
In this unit, you will be able to continue developing your translation technology skills following completion of the entry-level Computer-Aided Translation unit.
The unit is divided into two parts. In Part I, you will gain a deeper understanding – both practical and theoretical – of how machine translation works and of implications of its use in the human translation process. You will use tools and resources provided by our translation technology partners to carry out activities such as implementing and evaluating machine translation systems.
In Part II, you will deploy machine translation in human translation workflows. You will work in groups and take part in a translation production chain by acting as project managers, translators and/or reviewers.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Technology can be demanding, and it can feel like a threat. The unit will enable you to develop a measured and more sophisticated view of technological developments and your own role in a tech-heavy world. As much as the unit is designed to help you develop skills and knowledge It is also a confidence-building measure.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the unit, you will be able to:
The unit is delivered online, via the University virtual learning environment. It includes a series of practical tasks introduced and supported by the tutor. In some tasks, you will work independently to review machine translation theory, build and evaluate machine translation systems and submit critical analyses. In other tasks, you will work in pairs and small groups to research different aspects of translation project management and reflect critically on the role of technology in translation production chains. As in the entry-level CAT unit, trial and error is central to CAT II. You will learn by doing and by experimenting with different technologies in a supportive environment.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
The unit comprises a sequence of formative tasks with structured deliverables, two of which are dry-run submissions that will help you prepare for the summative assessments.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
A 2,000-word essay (50%) (ILOs 1-2)
A CAT project including a 1,000-word report (50%) (ILO 3)
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. MODLM0039).
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.
