MA (Advanced Language Skills - Spanish)

Course overview

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 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.

Students will aquire a very high level of communication skills in their chosen language both oral and written and will be trained in the skills and techniques required by translators in the professional world.

Programme aims and objectives:

• Advanced language skills (students will acquire a very high level of communication skills in their chosen language both oral and written.
• Development of skills in advanced and specialised translation with an emphasis on translation software and the the latest technological developments in translation work.
• Training in the skills of consecutive interpreting.
• The development of skills in intercultural communication: the aim of this module is to equip students with the transferable skills necessary to work successfully in an international environment.
• Training in the production of professional and polished translated documents.
• Training in the skills of subtitling.

Course outline

Advanced Language Skills: Students will acquire a very high level of communication skills in their chosen language (French, German, Italian or Spanish) both oral and written.

Translation Methodology & Text: Development of skills in advanced and specialised translation with an emphasis on translation software and the latest technological developments in translation work.

Introduction to the skills of Consecutive Interpreting: Development of skills required in consecutive interpreting: speaking in public, note taking, mnemonic retention. Intensive practice with interpreting exercises from/into English.

Audiovisual Translation: Interlingual Subtitling (French and Italian). 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.

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. 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.

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.

Assessment will include a mixture of project work, assignments and examinations. Language proficiency will be assessed continuously throughout the year and examined in a written examination. An oral examination, generally consisting of a research presentation, will take place.

Who teaches this course in the Spanish Department?

• Dr Mel Boland
• Ms Begoña Sangrador-Vegas
  

Career opportunities

Second- and third-level teaching, further research, media, industry, government and EU agencies, administration, cultural activities, journalism, etc.

Contact Details

Dr Mel Boland
Co-ordinator, MA in Spanish 
Room AM316
091-493971
mel.bolandnuigalway.ie

More Information

For more information on this course, including entry requirements, fees for the course, and details on the application and selection process, click here.

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