BA/BS in Translation Studies

General Description: Objective(s) of a study programme: The objective of the presented study programme is to enable the students to acquire solid theoretical and practical foundations of Translation Studies, develop the inter-lingual competence of a translator, encompassing the abilities to perceive the systems of the source and target languages, understand the social nature of the language and its development; develop a systemic understanding of the source (LT, EN, FR, PL, RU, etc..) and the target languages (LT, EN), reveal the importance of terminology in translation and the principles of their functioning in the target language, encourage the striving of the students to develop a critical and creative approach towards a translation task, the principles of text creation, writing and presentation, maintain the principles of self-assessment both in relation to independent work and any general tasks related to translation practice. Learning outcomes: Upon the completion of the programme, a graduate is able to translate texts of different genres from the first foreign language into Lithuanian and from Lithuanian into the first foreign language, also from the second foreign language into Lithuanian; is able to understand, analyse and assess the systems of the source and the target languages; the nature and the development of the language as a social phenomenon and communicate properly in the languages of studies (e.g., EN, FR, IT, RU, etc.), understand the significance of terminology in translation and the principles of their functioning in the target language, to analyse and critically assess the entirety of these issues. Having the skills of information technologies, a graduate is able to use modern translation tools, has the information mining competence, is able to critically analyse and assess any retrieved information and manage the possibilities of different technical aids (data bases, etc.) as well as organise his work and independent studies, understands complies with the translator’s professional ethics. The studies are student-oriented. The curriculum includes lectures, seminars, practical classes, internship and professional placement, as well as independent work. Apart from classical lectures, active learning methods are used, including interactive lectures, problem-solving, etc. Seminars and practical classes are given to small groups (about 16 students) using student-oriented methods such as brainstorming, group discussions, presentations and reading (individual and in pairs). A lot of attention is devoted to independent studies: essay and term paper writing, using IT, feedback and peer-review. Students have internship at the university and professional placement outside the university (in translation bureaus, publishing houses, editorial offices, schools, etc.). A report is submitted at the end of the work placement period. The preparation of the final thesis includes empirical linguistic or literary research. Methods of assessment of learning achievements: The learning achievements of the students are evaluated applying continuous and cumulative assessment. The written (or written and oral) examination provides only a part of the final grade. The student accumulates the remaining part by submitting essays and research papers, taking tests, delivering presentations as well as doing other assignments. The specific proportions and the grade calculating formula depends on the learning outcomes aimed by the specific course. The internship included preparing a work placement report. In the case of the final thesis, the assessment covers the thesis itself, its presentation and defence. To assess the student's achievements, the grading scale from 1 (very poor) to 10 (excellent) is used. Framework: Study subjects (modules), practical training: The study programme consists of three blocks of courses: (i) general philological courses (e.g. introduction to linguistics; introduction to literary theory;(ii) compulsory courses developing the competences foreseen by the programme, i.e. theoretical and practical courses aimed at the development of the native language and two foreign language skills – the English language and a second language as offered for each intake of students (e.g. Italian in 2016), and translation study modules; (iii) Elective courses of two types, namely, general university courses (GUC) and electives offered by the department. Translation practice is held in the eighth term. The programme is completed with a Bachelor’s paper. Specialisations: Optional courses: Students may choose various course units (in the major or other study fields as well as general university education) according to their fields of interests. Distinctive features of a study programme: The programme is of applied nature. It is arranged in such a way that students acquire theoretical and practical competences in the Lithuanian language and two foreign languages during the first two years of study, with the competence of (written) translation developed progressively each term. Much attention is paid to the academic writing competence in general, and to the methods of academic research and presentation principles of Bachelor degree paper. Practice and theory are complementary and balanced, this done with the view of the development of a broad spectrum of competences – both special and transversal - thus empowering the alumni in the job market. Access to professional activity or further study: Access to professional activity: A graduate is a qualified translator and a specialist of interlinguistic communication. He/she can work in translation agencies, publishing houses, travel agencies, foreign country representations, public and private institutions, where there is a need for excellent native and foreign language skills and intercultural knowledge. Access to further study: Graduates of the Translation programme are able to continue their studies in a variety of second-cycle degree programmes in the Humanities or Social Sciences.