Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

English

Learning outcomes

Knowledge

The student

  • has advanced knowledge of trends, schools of thought, and controversies in modern Translation Studies and about how the field has developed through history, including theoretical approaches, interdisciplinary relations and the effect of increased use of technology in scientific research.
  • has advanced knowledge of the functionalist approach to translation studies, with focus on translation choices and the translation/communication situation.
  • has advanced knowledge of ethical challenges and ways of thinking in translation studies.

Skills

  • can analyse different types of translations in a scientific manner.
  • masters the terminology of the field.
  • can read and critically reflect on theoretical and empirical texts and position these within an academic discourse.

General competence

  • can analyse and discuss relevant and important ethical issues related to scientific research and professional practice.
  • can reflect critically on scientific works within Translation Studies.

Contents

The course is an introduction to modern Translation Studies and addresses key issues, subjects and texts. The course offers a critical approach to concepts like equivalence, translation choices and changes made during translation (‘translation shifts’), translation and discourse, power and ideology in translation, translation and digitalization, translation in audiovisual media and ethical issues.

Teaching and learning methods

Seminars combined with independent study and practice in academic writing and oral presentation. The students examine texts that make up the foundation of the field, and they reflect critically on theoretical argumentation, design and implementation of empirical studies. Through mandatory tasks, the students will learn to read and write academic texts and think analytically about questions related to translation studies.

Estimated workload: approximately 270 hours.

Examination requirements

2 mandatory assignments. Guidelines for the mandatory tasks are provided in Canvas. The assignments are assessed on a pass/fail basis.

In addition to the two mandatory assignments, students must attend at least 70% of the classes in order to sit for the exam.

Attendance at a compulsory seminar on campus at the start of the semester. More information will be given before the semester starts.

Examinations

Individual written home exam lasting two days. Grade A to F.

Student evaluation

The person responsible for the course decides, in cooperation with student representative, the form of student evaluation and whether the course is to have a midway or end of course evaluation in accordance with the quality system for education, chapter 4.1.

Offered as a free-standing course

Yes

Admission Requirement if given as a free-standing course

Same admission requirements apply as for the master's programme in Translation and Professional Communication.
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 2:39:43 PM