French 6 through Translation (LL361)
This module will not be offered in 2024/25.
For information on an alternative Level 6 modules offered in 2024/25 - please see: French 6 for Global Engagement (LL351) and French 6 Through Films (LL352)
Summary
Level: Advanced
Prior knowledge of French:
- Successful completion of Language Centre level 5 equivalent module
- or a B2+ level of the CEFR (Common European Framework of reference for Languages)
- or a good A level or equivalent + 1 year of further study
- or equivalent
Main Objectives
The module aims to enable students:
- To develop an extended knowledge of French grammatical, lexical and idiomatic structures.
- To acquire basic translation skills.
- To enhance intercultural awareness.
- To build critical analytical skills.
- To work towards C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference.
Credits
15 CREDITS, also available for 12 CREDITS
Teaching and Learning
One weekly blended session for 9 weeks, organised as:
- Two-hour class face-to-face on campus
- Some independent study will also be set.
If health & safety restrictions are required, teaching may move online.
Students are reminded that 1 credit = 10 hours of study, therefore for a 30 credit module, the minimum expected amount of study is 300 hours, which averages over 10 hours per week. A substantial amount of independent study is therefore required. Students can make use of Moodle to facilitate this.
Assessment
Term 2 - Week 10
A translation project including:
- one translation from English to French (30%)
- one translation from French into English (30%)
- a commentary providing a reflection and justification of translation choices (40%)
Tutor
TBC
Course Text
No textbook is required. Selected texts will be provided.
Course Description
The module is designed to meet the needs of students who wish to acquire basic translation skills and develop their language proficiency. Students will work on translation from both French to English and English to French.
The module is built around translating and discussing the translation of a variety of texts in both languages. It enables students to develop their translation skills, to reach a high level of language proficiency and to foster a greater understanding of the culture of French-speaking countries.
The module:
- Is taught entirely in French
- Is organised around translating a set text per week, taken from a variety of sources, on varied subjects and in a variety of styles and registers
- Requires students to complete a translation each week, after making a careful and detailed study of the stylistic, linguistic and intercultural elements in the text, and to reflect upon and justify their own translations.
The syllabus will draw on a variety of sources of texts in French (and in English) for translation, e.g. newspapers, food writing, novel/play excerpts, business correspondence, tourist literature etc., in order to enable students to build and increase their language proficiency and cultural awareness.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a high level of language proficiency by producing clear and accurate translations of a variety of texts in French and in English
- Appreciate distinctions of style and register in written texts and select appropriate style and register in the translated text, taking into account the target readers.
- Show a higher degree of intercultural awareness by recognising and identifying elements, values and references proper to the cultures represented in the written documents studied.
- Evaluate and present critical analysis of linguistic and cultural issues in a variety of written documents
By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level C1.1 Proficient user (operational proficiency) of the Common European Framework.
Subject-specific and transferable skills
- Strategies for understanding gist and specific information
- Strategies to communicate effectively both in writing and orally in French
- Using appropriate resources (linguistic or technological) to produce accurate written assignments
- Communication skills: writing and oral presentation, defending one’s point of view
- Intercultural Awareness, Professionalism, Digital Literacy, Teamwork, Problem-solving, Critical Thinking
Can count towards the Warwick Award
