Comparative Literature 581 - Interpreting&TransResrch&Prac1

This course is open to upper level undergraduates and graduate students. While no prior experience in interpreting or translation is necessary, students must have a strong command of English and at least one other language. The course will introduce students to research in sociolinguistics and interpreting and translation studies and to a number of practical skills required of professional interpreters and translators. Interpreting and translation will be viewed throughout the course as socio-cultural activities as well as linguistic ones. The social, cultural and ethical complexities of the role of interpreters and translators will therefore be an important focus of the course. In Part I of the course, students will work with written and spoken texts to develop an understanding of micro-textual elements and macro-textual structures and patterns and understand how to analyze both written and spoken texts. They will also begin to develop listening skills using pre-recorded spoken texts. Role plays will be conducted to familiarize students with the triadic nature of interpreted communication. This course is the first part of a two-semester certificate course in the study of interpreting and translation; students who enroll are not required to take the second course unless they are interested in receiving the Certificate in Translation and Interpreting Studies. (Formerly COMP LIT 481)

Two 300-level courses in a foreign language or a period of study abroad as a pre-requisite.