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PL52158: Russian to English consecutive interpreting

[Page last updated: 16 August 2024]

Academic Year: 2024/25
Owning Department/School: Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies
Credits: 5 [equivalent to 10 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 100
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Academic Year
Assessment Summary: CWOA 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Consecutive interpretation into English of an approx. 7-minute Russian speech (CWOA 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the unit, you will be able to demonstrate:
  • that you have assimilated the professional skills and techniques of consecutive interpreting by interpreting a Russian speech of up to 7 minutes into English in exam conditions
  • that you have the intellectual capability to analyse and fully understand a Russian speaker's argument and ideas
  • that you can communicate clearly and concisely in English of an appropriate register
  • that you have effective presentation skills
  • that you can research topic areas and build glossaries of relevant terminology
  • that you have gained an understanding of the role of professional interpreters and how they interact with both speakers and end-users



Synopsis: Learn the skills and techniques for consecutive interpreting that are required to embark on a career as a professional conference interpreter. Using a range of source material, including live speeches delivered by native speakers, you'll apply your linguistic knowledge to this challenging task by engaging in a range of practical exercises on which you will receive constructive feedback. The skills you develop will also give you a firm foundation for simultaneous interpreting.

Content: The unit begins with a series of sessions designed to improve active listening, memory, concentration and analytical skills, building blocks which form the foundation for all modes of interpreting. Consecutive note-taking, a special system of note-taking based on speech analysis, is then introduced to support the memory. These skills are then applied and developed using speeches of increasing length and complexity covering a range of topic areas. Speeches are tailormade to fit teaching objectives and some are delivered live by a native speaker. There is also a particular focus on expression in the target language and on presentation skills, with the aim of the interpretation making the same impression on the listener as the original speech would have done. Students are also provided with practice materials to use for individual and group practice. Individual, formative feedback is provided to each student in class at least once every two weeks, fostering continuous progress. In addition, two formal formative assessments with indicative marks are held around Weeks 17 and 25. Summative assessment consists of the interpretation of one speech from Russian into English lasting up to 7 minutes for a panel of examiners, reflecting the format of professional accreditation tests.

Course availability:

PL52158 is Compulsory on the following courses:

Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies
  • THPL-AFM45 : MA Interpreting and Translating - French and Russian
  • THPL-AFM45 : MA Interpreting and Translating - Russian 
  • THPL-AFM45 : MA Interpreting and Translating - Russian and German
  • THPL-AFM45 : MA Interpreting and Translating - Russian and Italian
  • THPL-AFM45 : MA Interpreting and Translating - Russian and Spanish

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2024/25 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2025/26 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2024/25.
  • Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.