Module manager: Sem 1: Neil Sadler; Sem 2: Stuart Green
Email: n.sadler@leeds.ac.uk; s.n.s.j.green@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
SPPO2010 or SPPO2220
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module introduces students to the theory and practice of journalistic and literary translation from Spanish to English. Students will acquire a detailed knowledge of theoretical terms such as function, genre, and equivalence, and acquire a variety of practical strategies of use to the translator. In class and practical tasks, they will be exposed to a number of varieties of Spanish from across the Spanish-speaking world, and learn about the linguistic nuances of both Spanish (in many of its varieties) and British 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.
In class, students will acquire a knowledge of translation theory, its related terminology and of various strategies available when faced with the task of translation. By means of short practical tasks done in groups and the class discussion of such tasks in interactive lectures, and of more demanding tasks and in small-group seminars, they will also acquire a greater familiarity with and understanding of some of the grammatical and lexical characteristics of several geographical variants and sociolects of the Spanish language, and a deeper understanding of the nuances of grammatical, lexical and idiomatic constructions that they use. Such discussion will also provide them with a greater understanding of the English language, particularly as written and spoken in the UK, and an ability to employ it effectively in the translation into English of diverse source texts in Spanish. Finally, by focusing on journalistic and literary texts, this module gives students a thorough awareness of the particular features of these genres of writing in Spanish and English, and an ability to produce effective translations of the former in the latter, considering the particular demands of such tasks.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the Spanish employed in journalistic texts using varieties of Spanish spoken across the world, and of the particular demands of journalistic translation.
2. Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the literary use of Spanish spoken across the world, and of the particular demands of literary translation.
3. Employ the theory and terminology of Translation Studies and practical strategies with a degree of sophistication to shape approaches to the task of translation.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
4. Active Learning: Develop, through practical translation tasks inside and outside class, both in groups and independently, a broader and more profound awareness of the Spanish and English languages, and of the various strategies and techniques available to the translator
5. Cultural and Diversity Awareness: Engage with cultural diversity between readership/audience of Source Text and Target Text when translating, and take into account cultural values and sensitivities in practical translation tasks
6. Communicate effectively in English, using a variety of registers and forms, with levels of semantic accuracy, linguistic correctness and creative flair appropriate to the particular tasks set
With regard to the practical translation component of the module:
- Time management skills and tenacity;
- Group work (practiced in classroom situations);
- Communication skills - oral: ability to contribute orally to discussions (in classroom situations);
- Communication skills - written: conveyance of accurate written information, either in terms of detail or in terms of gist;
- Problem solving and lateral thinking;
- Awareness of cultural issues and their potential untranslatability will promote better general socio-cultural awareness.
With regard to the essay writing/assessment work component of the module:
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 15 | 1 | 15 |
| Seminar | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Private study hours | 180 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
30 hours - reading of materials concerning theory/methodology and/or viewing of pre-recorded lectures
40 hours - preparation of translations to be discussed in class (self monitored/tutor monitored)
55 hours - preparation of first assessment
55 hours - preparation for second assessment
In-class feedback on a variety of individual and group translation tasks
Each semester, students will have the opportunity to submit a translation in order to receive formative feedback from the tutor
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Assignment | 50 |
| Coursework | Assignment | 50 |
| 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