SPR609 Research Methods in Translation Studies

The course is connected to the following study programs

• PhD Programme in Humanities and Education

Teaching language

English

Prerequisites

Students must be admitted to a relevant PhD-programme

Course contents

This course presents a selection of the most widely used methods in empirical studies of translation. Following an introduction to research methodology in general, including such topics as the underlying philosophy of science, the relationship between theory and method, and research ethics, a subset of the most widely used methodologies will be explained and exemplified. Individual sessions will cover methods related to multimodal approaches to translation and interpreting research, translation sociology, corpus-based translation research, and cognitive translation studies. The structure within each section of the course will be roughly the same, with key research issues and questions linked to data types and analytical methods and demonstrated in exemplary studies. Exploring avenues of possible critique will be the objective of plenary discussions.

The course also includes slots for student presentations of their own on-going doctoral work, with a focus on questions of research method. Students will submit brief descriptions of their work, with more detailed outlines of the methodological issue they wish to discuss. These issues will then be presented to the group for discussion. All stages are welcome.

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the course, participants can:

• assess the utility and viability of a set of research methods used in Translation Studies, both in terms of their actual use in selected studies and in terms of their potential use in the participant's own research project
• plan and complete data collection and data analysis within the areas covered in the course
• identify ethical issues and considerations that are particularly relevant and implicated in the specific data types and methods covered in the course and those that pertain at a more general level for all translation research
• discuss and explore methodological issues in peer work in an inquisitive and constructive way

Examination requirements

a. Submission of text presenting doctoral work. The text should take the form of a research proposal with a particular emphasis on research methodology. Content should include the rationale for the project, a brief outline of the theoretical framework, research questions and data set, along with the planned methodological approach. The text should be of roughly 2000 - 3000 words and be submitted prior to the course, by the deadline stipulated by the course organizers.

b. Presentation of methodological issue from on-going doctoral work (10-15 min)

c. Oral response to peer presentation (each student will present lead response to a peer)

Teaching methods

Lectures, preparatory reading of key texts, discussion, and critique of research literature, own and peer work

Offered as Single Standing Module

Yes

Assessment methods and criteria

Participants are required to

• Submit the required written assignment
• Complete the required oral presentation and peer response
• Participate actively in group discussions