Course Catalogue

German into English Advanced Translation and Language Study 1 GERMAN5004

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Modern Languages and Cultures
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course offers training in advanced translation practice from German to English and the application of translation theories from functional theory of the 1970s to genre-based theories of the present day. Course materials include documents in a variety of registers and are drawn from an appropriate range of specialist fields such as journalistic and literary translation.

Timetable

1 x 2-hour seminar per week over 10 weeks.

Requirements of Entry

Mandatory Entry Requirements

Standard entry to Masters at College level.

Candidates for the course should normally have a good Honours degree (2.1 or better) or equivalent in German or be able to demonstrate competence in German equivalent to European Common Framework C1.

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None.

Assessment

Assessment


Portfolio of work comprised as follows:

■ 3 translations of 500-700 words each, chosen from 8 submitted throughout the semester (all unrevised following class discussions). (20% each)

■ 1 revised translation of 500-700 words (also chosen from the 8). (20%)

■ A 1,500-word translation commentary to accompany the revised piece. (20%)

Course Aims

The course aims to:

■ provide students with a solid grounding and training in translating from German into English;

■ examine and situate a range of registers and varieties of German;

■ consider the application of translation methodologies and the use of translation theory to explain translation choices;

■ illustrate the use of language-area specific reference and support materials and support students' independent exploration of these materials.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ recognise a range of registers, sociolects, specialist discourses and other varieties of German;

■ render these appropriately in English, considering the stylistic and linguistic differences between the languages;

■ apply translation strategies and concepts in stylistics relevant to English and German;

■ explore and employ standard reference tools, IT tools and other resources in ways appropriate to the course;

■ reflect critically upon their own translation practice.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions