Text Production and Translation

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/L_ETBACIW203

Course Objective

By the end of the course, students should be able to:Effectively translate a text from another source language into English;Identify features of cross-linguistic interference and understand how these impact the writing process;Mobilize translation skills to improve their own writing;Recognize what constitutes a coherent written text in English;Apply different writing styles to different textual genres;Produce effective written texts in various writing styles.

Course Content

The aim of this course is to provide students with theoretical and practical insight into the creation of various types of texts. The course consists of two components: Text Production, which focuses on writing for various purposes in English, and Translation, which focuses on translating existing texts into English. We will handle different types of texts and consider what makes each type of text effective. Questions will include: What is the best way to structure and communicate different types of information in different languages? How can we capture and hold the audience’s attention? How can we make sure our writing is coherent and appealing? What are some of the cultural differences in written communication styles?

Teaching Methods

Weekly seminar, weekly assignments

Method of Assessment

The final assessment for this course consists of two components: a translation portfolio (40%): fulfilling learning goals 1, 2, and 3a writing portfolio (40%): fulfilling learning goals 3, 4, 5, and 6 an oral portfolio defense (20%): fulfilling learning goals 2, 3, and 4

Literature

Required reading will be announced during the course.

Target Audience

2nd year students in BA Communicatie
- en Informatiewetenschappen (specialisation English Language and Communication Studies); pre-master students Schrijven en Vertalen. Other interested students should contact the course coordinator.

Additional Information

80% attendance is mandatory, and all weekly assignments must be adequately completed in order to access the final assessment.

Recommended background knowledge

Students should have passed English: International Communication (L_ETBACIW102), Academic English CIW-L&S Grammar (L_EABAALG103) and Academic English CIW-L&S Writing (L_EABAALG104).