Intercultural Communication

Semester one:

Concepts and Approaches in Intercultural Communication

This module aims to develop an understanding of the main theoretical approaches to the study of intercultural communication and the ability to analyse and evaluate their relative significance, including those originating from applied linguistics, management theory, anthropology and sociocultural theories. Students will consider the concept of culture from a variety of perspectives, and will study topics including stereotyping and prejudice, (non-)essentialism, identity, culture shock, and the role of language and dialogue in intercultural communication. A wide range of real-world examples will be examined, including media reports, international communications, multicultural situations, and intercultural problems raised by students. By the end of the module students will be able to: i) Analyse and critically evaluate the main concepts and approaches in intercultural communication; ii) Consider the implications for their application in practice; and iii) Develop their own perspectives and insights from these theories.

15 credits

Research Methods in Modern Languages and Cultures

This module will introduce and explore a range of methodological approaches and techniques that are relevant to students of Modern Languages and Cultures. It will enable students to identify, assess and exploit sources and data, present the results of their research in (an) appropriate manner(s), and adhere to data protection, intellectual property and ethics requirements. Students will engage with different theoretical models and debates, and a range of tools for accessing information. Students will be required to attend generic research methods sessions as well as those which are of greatest relevance to their research topic(s).

15 credits

Ethnography/Reflective Practice

This module aims: i) To explore aspects of linguistic theory in relation to the act of translation; ii) To offer an account of translation as an act of cultural and ideological mediation; and iii) To study key concepts of translation theory including equivalence and functionalism. By the end of the module, we expect that students will be able to: i) Understand, explain and comment critically on the main theories of translation; ii) Develop their own views and insights from an understanding of these theories; and iii) Relate theories of translation to practical translation scenarios

30 credits

Induction and Transition: SLC MA Study Support

The aim of this module is to give students of the Applied Languages MA Programmes the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to complete successfully the requirements of their postgraduate programme, including writing an essay at MA level and undertaking a dissertation in the field (to be agreed with the dissertation supervisor). Students will be introduced to library skills, academic requirements of writing an essay at MA level, referencing conventions, plagiarism issues and autonomous learning. Students will be introduced to the requirements of a dissertation at Sheffield, and follow appropriate support lectures supporting the student in identification of the research area; reading to be undertaken, adopting appropriate methodologies and the development of original ideas and insights.

Semester two:

Intercultural Communication in Practice

This module is designed to develop your intercultural competence with a view to becoming an intercultural mediator and effective communicator in an international/multicultural workplace. It requires participants to combine their knowledge of approaches to intercultural communication with real-time situations, thus enhancing their awareness of the values by which they and others operate. Emphasis will also be placed on the centrality of language in the intercultural communication process. You will take an active role in seminars; these are designed to develop intercultural learning through consideration of critical incidents, materials analysis, simulation, role play, drama, and multilingual discussion. These activities will lead to a deeper understanding of the centrality of language in intercultural encounters; the values carried by language and the participants themselves as intercultural people.

15 credits

Dissertation- MA in Intercultural Communication

The aim of this module is to give students of the MA in Intercultural Communication the opportunity to research a topic in the field (to be agreed with the dissertation supervisor). They will be expected to put into practice theories, strategies, methods and techniques already studied in the relevant preparatory modules; they may also link their dissertation to a work-placement or work-based project, in which case the dissertation approach may be more practice-oriented, drawing on theories. The normal length of the dissertation will be 12-16,000 words.

60 credits

Further Ethnography

This module builds on knowledge and skills developed in the module Ethnography. Students will further develop their knowledge and research skills through undertaking an ethnographic project, develop an understanding of the broad range of ethnographies published across disciplines and critically reflect on their own ethnographic practice. Commitment to active engagement in coursework, class discussion, sharing of experiences and reflection on the ethnographic process are central to this module

15 credits

Key Issues in Intercultural Communication Seminar

Following the module Concepts and Approaches in Intercultural Communication (Autumn), students will work in groups on a range of concepts in more depth. Learning the principles of running a 1-hour seminar, they will research, plan and deliver an interactive session to peers. They will also prepare for and contribute to seminars delivered by other peer groups. They will consider the implications for a range of workplace scenarios.

15 credits

Key Issues in Intercultural Communication and Translation Studies

Following the module Concepts and Approaches in Intercultural Communication/Translation Studies, students will work in groups on a range of concepts in more depth. Learning the principles of running a joint seminar, they will research, plan and deliver an interactive session to peers. They will also prepare for and contribute to seminars delivered by other peer groups. They will consider the implications for a range of workplace scenarios.

15 credits

Intercultural Communication and Translation in Digital Contexts

This module introduces students to the characteristic features of today's continuously evolving globally interconnected digital communication worlds, in which online and offline practices are fused together to form linguistically, culturally and technologically complex work and communication environments. The module requires you to combine your knowledge of intercultural communication and translation studies with real-life situations in virtual environments. We will consider digital technology that is accessible to everyone and is used in professional contexts: from social media to machine translation, Generative Artificial Intelligence and to virtual and augmented reality. In this way, you will become aware of how digital technologies both facilitate your engagement with people and processes online and actively shape your intercultural communication and translation practice.  We will explore the digital dimensions of translation and intercultural communication from a variety of practice-oriented perspectives, such as distributed work in virtual teams, technology-mediated communication, online communication cultures, localisation of digital texts, and online translation. Throughout, we will  focus on the impact of technology on professional practice and the way in which it shapes professional identities and agency, as well as modes of cultural transfer and contact. We will contextualise our understanding of digital practice in translation and intercultural communication by relating it to relevant theories of globalisation, trans-locality, digital culture and multilingual communication practices, socio-technical relations, the networked self, and online forms of community.

15 credits

Semester one:

Language in Context

This module starts from the assumption that language is fundamental to all forms of communication, social life (both online and offline) and our understanding of reality. This poses challenges for all kinds of intercultural contact - be it through translation, other forms of intercultural communication, or through the analysis and interpretation of the cultural 'other' in cultural productions and the media. The module sets out to explain how language interacts with the world around us and how communication is impacted when we cross linguistic and cultural barriers . Each week, we'll analyse real-life examples of norms through concepts such as politeness, contextualisation, implicature, metaphor, framing and ideology to enhance our understanding of culture and language-specific communicative norms, interactional patterns, text types, genres and the creation of meaning in communication. The module includes an introduction to presenting academic work through digital media.

15 credits

Translation Technologies

This module is designed to enable students to become conversant with different computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools that are used in professional practice. Students will learn about core perspectives in the use and usefulness of CAT tools and terminology management tools. Students will also receive teaching in relation to the use of Machine Translation and post-editing.

15 credits

Concepts and Approaches in Translation Studies

The aim of this module is to introduce students with an interest in languages and communication to key theoretical approaches in Translation Studies, including theories of equivalence, functionalism, domestication v. foreignisation, comparative syntax and audiovisual translation. This module will give students a solid grounding in translation theory and prepare them for further study in this area and/or relating to other disciplines.

15 credits

Theory and Practice of Subtitling and Dubbing

This module aims to introduce students to the main theories of screen translation and to give them the opportunity to apply them in practical subtitling/dubbing tasks. By the end of the module we expect that students will be able to: i) Understand the constraints of screen translation; ii) Relate theory to practice in practical subtitling or dubbing projects using professional subtitling/dubbing software; and iii) Use subtitling/dubbing software to produce subtitles/dubbing scripts to appropriate standards.

15 credits

Semester two:

Subtitling/Dubbing Project

This unit aims to give students the opportunity to further develop the technical skills acquired in the core module The Theory and Practice of Subtitling and Dubbing by applying them to an extended practical subtitling or dubbing task. It will enable them to enhance essential technical skills of subtitling including spotting, timing, cueing, segmentation and the positioning of captions, or dubbing adaptation using professional subtitling or dubbing software. By the end of the module we expect that students will be able to: i) Appreciate the technical aspects of screen translation; ii) Appreciate the practical constraints of screen translation; iii) Relate theory to practice in a practical subtitling or dubbing project using professional subtitling/dubbing software; iv) Use subtitling/dubbing software to produce subtitles/dubbing scripts to appropriate standards and v) Investigate and present an individual subtitling/dubbing project.

15 credits

International Project Management

This module deals with the main issues involved in International Project Management (IPM), as well as the cultural components of international communication. It is delivered through seminars that should be followed by the students' own research to develop independent thinking. Wherever possible, the students will work in international groups to develop a project. By the end of the module, students will be able to write a project proposal, identify the main issues relating to IPM, create tools to evaluate a project, and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of current issues in IPM.

15 credits

Translation Skills 2

This module aims: i) To explore aspects of linguistic theory in relation to the act of translation; ii) To offer an account of translation as an act of cultural and ideological mediation; and iii) To study key concepts of translation theory including equivalence and functionalism. By the end of the module, we expect that students will be able to: i) Understand, explain and comment critically on the main theories of translation; ii) Develop their own views and insights from an understanding of these theories; and iii) Relate theories of translation to practical translation scenarios

15 credits

Film Adaptation of Literary Classics

Theories of the translation of literary language will be examined in the context of the constraints of screen translation as will the practical issues involved in the adaptation of literary works to the cinema screen.

15 credits

Key Issues in Intercultural Communication Seminar

Following the module Concepts and Approaches in Intercultural Communication (Autumn), students will work in groups on a range of concepts in more depth. Learning the principles of running a 1-hour seminar, they will research, plan and deliver an interactive session to peers. They will also prepare for and contribute to seminars delivered by other peer groups. They will consider the implications for a range of workplace scenarios.

15 credits

Localisation for Linguists

This module introduces various aspects of the localisation industry and provides students with the theoretical and practical skills needed to translate websites, software and documentation and to ensure that they comply with the linguistic, cultural and technical requirements of groups of users in different language communities as a professional translator or localiser. Students will learn to use a variety of software tools to localise and translate electronic information such as websites, documentation and software. Teaching methods include an e learning component.

15 credits

Suggested specialist modules for Audio Visual Media:

Theory and Practice of Subtitling and Dubbing

This module aims to introduce students to the main theories of screen translation and to give them the opportunity to apply them in practical subtitling/dubbing tasks. By the end of the module we expect that students will be able to: i) Understand the constraints of screen translation; ii) Relate theory to practice in practical subtitling or dubbing projects using professional subtitling/dubbing software; and iii) Use subtitling/dubbing software to produce subtitles/dubbing scripts to appropriate standards.

15 credits

Film Adaptation of Literary Classics

Theories of the translation of literary language will be examined in the context of the constraints of screen translation as will the practical issues involved in the adaptation of literary works to the cinema screen.

15 credits

Subtitling/Dubbing Project

This unit aims to give students the opportunity to further develop the technical skills acquired in the core module The Theory and Practice of Subtitling and Dubbing by applying them to an extended practical subtitling or dubbing task. It will enable them to enhance essential technical skills of subtitling including spotting, timing, cueing, segmentation and the positioning of captions, or dubbing adaptation using professional subtitling or dubbing software. By the end of the module we expect that students will be able to: i) Appreciate the technical aspects of screen translation; ii) Appreciate the practical constraints of screen translation; iii) Relate theory to practice in a practical subtitling or dubbing project using professional subtitling/dubbing software; iv) Use subtitling/dubbing software to produce subtitles/dubbing scripts to appropriate standards and v) Investigate and present an individual subtitling/dubbing project.

15 credits

Students should choose three of the following specialist modules in Digital Information:

Digital Business

The module addresses theoretical and practical aspects of digital business in the age of AI. The module will cover the key concepts and current topics in commerce, including digital transformation, applications of AI in enterprises, the platform business, the concept of ecosystems, and various digital business models.   The module  aims to equip students with theoretical knowledge and entrepreneurial skills to innovate and manage a business in the digital economy.

15 credits

Researching Social Media

The module will examine the key theoretical frameworks and methods used in social media studies. Students will explore the following questions: 1) What can be learnt about society by studying social media? 2) How should researchers construct ethical stances for researching sites such as Facebook and Twitter? 3) What are the traditional and digital research methods and tools that can be applied to conduct research on social media? 4) What are the strengths and weaknesses of these methods?

The primary focus of the module is on designing social media research projects rather than conducting them. Nevertheless, there will be opportunities to learn and practice relevant analysis skills. It is not a programming module but some of the topics involve the use of software and there will be the chance to write small programs for related tasks.

15 credits

Localisation for Linguists

This module introduces various aspects of the localisation industry and provides students with the theoretical and practical skills needed to translate websites, software and documentation and to ensure that they comply with the linguistic, cultural and technical requirements of groups of users in different language communities as a professional translator or localiser. Students will learn to use a variety of software tools to localise and translate electronic information such as websites, documentation and software. Teaching methods include an e learning component.

15 credits

Website Design and Search Engine Optimisation

This module aims to teach the key principles of search engine optimised (SEO) and user-centred website design; including areas of search optimised and accessible design, content strategy, requirements analysis, user experience, and Web standards compliance. Students will have opportunities to apply this knowledge to authentic design problems and develop web authoring skills valued by employers. In particular, students will be introduced to the latest web mark-up languages (currently HTML5 and CSS3) and issues surrounding long-term search ranking, globalisation, internationalisation and localisation - with a business focussed context.

15 credits