French Interpreting

This module will be available in 2012-13

About this Module

This module is an introduction to the skills used in conference interpreting.  It covers simultaneous, consecutive, on-sight and liaison interpreting as well as conference note-taking.  Work is based in the language lab and involves interpreting from recordings of material from debates in the European Parliament.  Students interpret mainly from French into English (in line with good practice in the profession) though, for liaison interpreting, some English to French work is undertaken.

Teaching and Learning

Students have two hour-long sessions per week.  There is a strong emphasis on practical work, carried out mainly at the computer (using a microphone, headphones and recording equipment) but students also work together in pairs or in small groups.

Teaching is based around six dossiers, each on a topical subject.  All of the lab activities are designed to give students the maximum opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to interpret quickly and accurately.  This module is capped at 45.

Summative Assessment

A one-hour recorded practical examination in which all the four interpreting skills are examined; this counts for 100% of the marks for the module.  The exam is based on topics covered during the year.

Co-ordinator:

Dr Simon McKinnon (s.g.mckinnon@durham.ac.uk), room A23, Elvet Riverside I.