Florida International University

Department of Modern Languages

TRANSLATION & INTERPRETING FOR

INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

SPT-5990

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND REQUIREMENTS:

SPT-5990 is a graduate course that explores the roles of translation and interpretation, both in support of international professional services and as international professional services in their own right. The course will be conducted in seminar style, whereby students are expected to conduct and share research on a variety of topics of interest to their peers. Occasionally, we will have guest speakers and, circumstances permitting, guided visits to local branches of international agencies where language services are in use. The course will explore the synergism between translation and interpretation, focusing on linguistic fields beyond the traditional legal setting. Starting from a basis in international law, these fields will include a range of IPS, such as business, finance, accounting, marketing, construction, industry, technology, immigration, healthcare, news and media, and others. Class sessions will provide ample practice in T&I. The focus will be on settings other than court interpreting, with particular emphasis on conference interpreting, but without exclusion of telephonic, escort, and other instances of remote and in-person interpretation. The course meets on Saturdays from 12:30 to 3:15 p.m. at DM-223.

Goals: a) to broaden students’ horizons and awareness of the local and international market of opportunities for T&I; b) to enhance developmental skills through research of Internet and traditional resources in the field; c) to familiarize the students with the concepts, practices, and language of different IPS; d) to reinforce T&I theory and practice in the pursuit of professional standards.

Requirements: This course requires active participation and attendance. In-class performance will be evaluated. A portfolio of specialized vocabulary and expressions will be maintained by each student, shared with the class, and turned in periodically for a grade. The presentation of an on-going research project, based on discussion and student proposals, will be an integral part of this class. There will be no exams.

Final Grade will be calculated as follows:

Participation and attendance 25%

In-Class Performance 25%

Portfolio 25%

Research project 25%

Textbook and materials:

*Saleskovich, Danica. Interpreting for International Conferences.

*Diccionario del marketing.

*Photocopies and audio-visual materials will be provided in class by the instructor.

*Each student must have a battery-operated tape recorder or “dictaphone” for standard size cassette tapes.

Sequence of Topics

Sept. 2 Introduction to the course. The research project.

The scope of International Professional Services.

Sept. 9 Review of translation theory. Simultaneous interpretation.

T&I synergism. The Nature and Sources of International Law.

Sept. 16 Conference interpreting: preparation, teamwork, and technique.

The Modern State. Immigration.

Sept. 23 Conference interpreting. Business negotiation.

The Law of Treaties. Translating for marketing.

Sept. 30 Translating for news services. Business negotiation.

International Organizations.

Oct. 7 Principles of accounting. Reading financial statements.

International Dispute Settlement. Business negotiation.

Oct. 14 Telephonic interpretation.

The military conference. Use of Force.

Oct. 21 Principles of medical interpreting.

International Human Rights Law.

Oct. 28 Translating for industry. T&I and the media.

Translation and technology. Global Concerns.

Nov. 4 The banking and money laundering conference.

International Criminal Law.

Nov. 11 VETERAN’S DAY (university closed)

Nov. 18 Conference, seminar, and escort interpreting.

International Economic Law.

Nov. 25 THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

Dec. 2 Career Development. Project discussion.

New technologies.