m.a. in advanced language skills

This Masters Programme is designed to provide advanced linguistic and technical training in order to prepare linguists for careers in several areas of specialised language work in which there is a rapidly growing demand both in Ireland and abroad.
It will offer graduates in languages the possibility of developing their language skills to a very high level, deepening their understanding of the workings of language as an essential communication tool and gaining experience in the rapidly growing area of translation technology.  It caters for students whose first language is English, French, German, Italian or Spanish and who are competent in at least one of the others.

The objective of the MA is to foster the development of:

• Advanced language skills (students will acquire a very high level of communication skills in both oral and written Italian.
• Skills in advanced and specialised translation with an emphasis on translation software and the latest technological developments in translation work.
• Skills in consecutive interpreting.
• Skills in audiovisual translation (subtitling).
• Skills in intercultural communication.
• Independent research: Each student will complete a minor dissertation of approximately 20,000 words on a topic to be decided in consultation with the course coordinators. This module enables students to undertake a substantial research project on any aspect of the programme, subject to the approval of the programme coordinators. The module provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate how the theoretical and methodological issues of their MA studies relate to a topic of their choice within their discipline.  The dissertation will show that the student has applied the full range of knowledge and resources applicable to the topic and has demonstrated the capacity for independent research.

Outline of Programme

Students will attend four seminar courses during the academic year (three compulsory modules plus one optional as per table below). Each student will also complete a minor dissertation of approximately 20,000 words on a topic to be decided in consultation with the programme directors. In May students will be required to discuss the progress of their research with the external examiner. A total of 90 European Credit Transfer System credits will be required for the completion of the degree. Great emphasis is placed on continuous assessment and feedback to students.

COMPULSORY MODULES

Entry requirements

As for M.A. mode B. An interview may form part of the selection process. Ideally, students should have at least a 2:1 honours degree in the language they wish to study. In addition, applicants should preferably have spent a total of at least twelve months in the country whose language they wish to study. Non-native speakers of English should ideally have a degree in English or advanced English language skills.

Students from outside of Ireland whose first language is not English must provide documented evidence that their English language ability meets the required standard for admission for the programme. They should demonstrate an excellent level in results from an acceptable English language proficiency test [an overall minimum IELTS score of at least 6.5 or equivalent undertaken no more than two years prior to the commencement of this programme at the University.

For details on English Language Proficiency Tests, e.g., TOEFL or IELTS, see www.ets.org/toefl/ and http://www.ielts.org/ for information on testing centres and dates.

Places on the programme - 30.

The programme will start in September 2009 and may not be on offer at each cycle.

Programme Duration

The programme is full-time over one academic year (September to August).

Programme Content

The following modules are on offer:

ADVANCED LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Students will attain a very high level of communication skills in their chosen language; (French, German, Italian or Spanish) both oral and written. This module will consolidate the language skills already acquired at degree level. Competences in reading, aural, speaking and writing skills will be further developed. A programme of oral and written texts and translations encourages students to extend their command of grammar and vocabulary and their sensitivity to stylistic variation, nuance and register. This will further their fluency and accuracy, extend their manipulation of various genres and registers of text in the language being studied and enhance their vocabulary, syntax and idiom.

TRANSLATION METHODOLOGIES AND TEXT:

This module will train students in the skills and techniques required by translators in the professional world. It will also provide a theoretical and practical in-depth examination of the conceptual background, development and use of technology in translation. This module will encompass the development of skills in advanced and specialised translation with an emphasis on translation software and the latest technological developments in translation work. This module will include hands on experience with translation tools including TRADOS TRANSLATION SOLUTION. Seminars will be supplemented by specialist workshops and lectures by visiting industry professionals. Modes of assessment will include a mixture of project work and regular translation assignments.

INTRODUCTION TO CONSECUTIVE INTERPRETATION:

Students will participate in realistic interpreting with the emphasis on frequently encountered scenarios. During practical seminars and workshops in the classroom and language laboratory, an emphasis will be placed on intensive practice of consecutive interpretation. This will involve the use of authentic material, including bilateral discussions on a variety of topics between native speakers of the practised languages, as well as pre-recorded speeches of 4-5 minutes. A range of exercises aimed at developing memory, note-taking, enunciation and generally good presentation skills will be practised by students. The topics discussed in the exercises will emulate the variety of issues raised in government and international organisations as well as in business and commerce. Such training will correspond to professional demands placed on interpreters.

LANGUAGE AND INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION:

The aim of this module is to equip students with the transferable skills necessary to work successfully in an international environment. The course consists of an introduction to the theories of intercultural communication. Cultural awareness will also be developed through practical elements such as verbal and non-verbal communication. Another section of the module will focus on how different cultures communicate in a business context. The third part of the course will focus on the development of multi-culturalism in a European context.

AUDIOVISUAL TRANSLATION: INTERLINGUAL SUBTITLING:

Currently being offered as an option to students of the Departments of Italian and French, the aim of this module is to equip students with additional translational and technological skills. The module introduces elements of analysis of film discourse and audiovisual translation and focuses on theoretical and practical aspects of subtitling. After a theoretical introduction, the module will consist of hands-on workshops for the completion of a short subtitling project. Assessment of the project will consider both technical and linguistic aspects.

PROFESSIONAL WRITING:

This module will focus on developing students' awareness of style, register and usage, with a view to producing clear, concise, logical and professional texts. This course consists of an introduction to the technique of précis-writing based on texts of a specialised nature and also on recorded speeches in the chosen European language. It also includes note-taking, editing, and minute-writing in the chosen European language. This module also enables students to develop the practical skills required of an interpreter or translator with regard to revision and self-revision. Modes of assessment will include a mixture of project work, assignments and examinations. (not on offer for 2009/10.)

MINOR DISSERTATION:

Each student will complete a minor dissertation of approximately 20,000 words on a topic to be decided in consultation with the course coordinators. The research project can relate to any aspect of the programme, subject to the approval of the programme coordinators. Students will be required to discuss the progress of their research with the external examiner in May on a date to be decided.

For further information contact:

Dr Máire Áine Ní Mhainnín	Dr. Laura McLoughlin
Department of French	Department of Italian
mary.mannionnuigalway.ie	laura.mcloughlinnuigalway.ie
Tel: 091-493397	Tel: 091-492240

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