| Unit name | AI Translation in Society |
|---|---|
| Unit code | MODLM0092 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Nunes Vieira |
| 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, Law and Social Sciences |
Why is this unit important?
In this unit, you will examine the near-ubiquitous nature of AI translation tools – how they are used in everyday tasks as well as in high-stakes contexts such as in healthcare and social services. The unit will invite you to reflect on how translation technologies have profound implications for society’s understanding and expectations of multilingual communication. You will also reflect on how AI can help to blur boundaries between standard perceptions of translation (written) and interpreting (spoken).
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
You will build on concepts and methodologies examined in other units to analyse the presence of AI translation in a range of specific contexts. The unit is relevant particularly for those seeking to learn more about how organisations are changing their language access strategies because of the opportunities brought about by AI.
An overview of content
The unit starts by looking at uses of AI translation by individuals. We will consider how everyday communication practices (e.g., on social media) change through AI mediation and examine positive and negative effects of these changes for members of a community. The unit will then move to organisational uses of AI translation. We will analyse the delicate balance of risks and benefits of using AI translation in a range of scenarios including emergencies, healthcare, social work, policing, and legal services. AI can provide access to information in all these contexts, but it can also exacerbate problems linked to data bias, social inequalities as well as privacy and confidentiality. You will examine these risks and benefits and reflect on how individuals and organisations can navigate uncertainty and implement best practices.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
You will be able to confidently engage with important discussions on AI-mediated communication that are taking place across a range of societal spheres. By considering the risks of different communication strategies, and their impact for different communities, you will also be more aware of how different constituencies are affected by uses of AI and how some of technology's negative effects can be pre-empted.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the unit, you will be able to:
1. Analyse the data-driven nature of AI translation tools and their social impact;
2. Evaluate the dynamic risks and benefits of using AI translation in different communicative contexts;
3. Synthesise and apply relevant theories to examine uses of AI translation in society.
You will learn through seminars, group work and practical activities. The unit includes independent research as well as group debates and analysis of ethical dilemmas. You will engage with a range of official documents including case law records, institutional policies, codes of conduct as well as relevant open-access data. While the unit will be grounded in important theories, you will often learn through hands-on tasks and direct analysis of evidence.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
The unit’s activities, outlined below under “How you will learn,” will help you identify and explore an area of interest to you that you can then analyse in greater depth in your summative essay.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
15-minute group presentation on a topic selected by the group from the range of topics covered in the unit. To be recorded and submitted as a video file via Blackboard. (30%) [ILOs 1-3]
3000 word essay on a specific question relating to the presentation topic (70%) [ILOs 1-3]
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. MODLM0092).
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.
