Module manager: Anne Buckley
Email: a.buckley@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
German and English language skills to at least CEFR B2, e.g. successful completion of Level 2 German (GERM2010 or GERM2020).
| GERM3090 | Advanced Translation from German into English |
| GERM3091 | Advanced Translation from German into English |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module is about the process, purpose and practice of translation and requires students to reflect on the nature of translation in general as well as specific translation tasks. Students will be asked to identify the characteristic features of a particular text or text type (e.g. journalistic, consumer-oriented, scientific, technical and literary) and to formulate and put into practice appropriate strategies for reproducing the meaning and effect of the text in English. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
Underpinned by Translation Studies theory, this module gives students the opportunity – through weekly translation tasks – to practise translating a variety of text types (e.g. journalistic, consumer-oriented, scientific, technical and literary). In the seminar discussions, students will analyse the weekly seminar text and discuss possible translation strategies with reference to Translation Studies scholarship. Students will then refine the ‘fair copy’ by discussing the nuances and precision of the written language (German and English).
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Produce effective translations from German to English in a range of text types.
2. Develop and implement appropriate translation strategies linked to genre, function, and readership 3. Articulate the rationale for a chosen translation strategy with reference to relevant Translation Studies scholarship
4. Critically analyse and synthesise complex information from a variety of sources 5. Develop a well- structured argument, using appropriate terminology and adhering to the principles of academic integrity 6. Communicate complex information and ideas persuasively and professionally to a target audience
- Translation German-English skills
- English writing skills
- German vocabulary, syntax and register
- Research skills
- Use of online and other resources to support translation
- Intercultural skills
- Textual analysis.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 1 | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| Seminar | 19 | 1.5 | 28.5 |
| Private study hours | 171 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 29 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students are expected to research the characteristics and function in both source and target language and culture of the text types under consideration and research the topic areas of the texts set, to engage with translation theory and to write translation notes for each text submitted. They will work on translations individually and in groups of varying sizes, using wikis where appropriate, and will be expected to engage fully with the issues involved in professional translation. They will use online resources including dictionaries and parallel texts as well as publications in the field of translation studies in order to develop their skills and knowledge and achieve the required standards.
In the seminars students will work in pairs or small groups to provide feedback to one another on their translation work. There will also be tutor-led plenary discussion, during which the tutor will provide feedback on translation suggestions. Students will receive feedback from the module tutor on fair copies submitted for seminar discussions. Prior to each of the two assessments, there will be ‘mocks’ with individual feedback. There will also be an individual consultation to discuss the ‘mock’ prior to the semester 2 assessment.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Translation Project | 40 |
| Coursework | Translation Project | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team