Graduate Level Interpreting Studies Course Descriptions
501
– Introduction to Interpreting Principles, 3 Cr.
This course is an introduction to the
theory, methods, techniques, and problems involved in community interpreting,
with a theoretical and practical introduction to interpreting in legal and
medical settings. Graduate students will be expected to produce a 10-15 page
research paper on a topic selected in close consultation with the instructor.
544
– Intercultural Competence and Ethnics in Interpreting, 3 Cr.
This course is structured to facilitate
the observation, recognition, and assessment of facts and overall patterns of
the contexts for the behavior and actions of individuals, families, and
communities within and across cultures in order to promote appreciation,
respect for differences, and effective communication. This course will also explore
the role of ethics and ethical behavior when depicted against cultural and or
spiritual beliefs. Graduate students will submit two research papers. Topics
for the papers will include one each on cultural competency and ethics in
interpreting. Prerequisite: 501 or admission to the Community Interpreting
Certificate program.
552
– Seminar in Legal Interpreting, 3 Cr.
This is an intensive, highly student-directed
hybrid seminar in legal interpreting. The course will cover different aspects
of court interpreting as a profession, including the training needed, job
opportunities and sources of work, standard business practices, free-lance
status versus staff interpreting, extensive practical work in the three modes
of interpretation used in the courtroom, the professional code of ethics, and
professional development activities. The course aims to prepare students to
interpret between Spanish and English by fostering awareness of the different
nature of interpreting in legal settings, providing grounding in basic legal
language and courtroom procedure. In close consultation with the instructor,
graduate students will be expected to produce a 10-15 page research paper
entailing a contrastive analysis of current theories in legal interpreter
training, research, practice, or pedagogy. Graduate students’ research findings
will be presented at the end of the course in an informal seminar.
Prerequisite: 501 or admission to the Community Interpreting Certificate
program.
556
– Seminar in Medical Interpreting, 3 Cr.
This is an intensive, highly
student-directed hybrid seminar in medical interpreting. The course will cover
different aspects of medical interpreting as a profession, including the
training needed, job opportunities and sources of work, standard business
practices, free-lance status versus staff interpreting, extensive practical
work in the three modes of interpretation used in the medical context with special
emphasis on consecutive interpretation, the professional code of ethics, and
professional development activities. The course aims to prepare students to
interpret between Spanish and English by fostering awareness of the different
nature of interpreting in medical settings, providing a panoramic overview of
biomedical culture in the U.S., U.S. health care systems, body systems and
anatomy, and medical terminology. In close consultation with the instructor,
graduate students will be expected to produce a 10-15 page publishable research
paper entailing a contrastive analysis of current theories in medical
interpreter training, research, practice, or pedagogy. Graduate students’
research findings will be presented at the end of the course in an informal seminar.
Prerequisite: 501 or admission to the Community Interpreting Certificate
program.
581
– Internship/Practicum, 3 Cr.
The Interpretation Practicum is
designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice by offering students the
opportunity to practice and consolidate the sight translation, consecutive and
simultaneous interpretation strategies that they have been learning in their
coursework. The practicum, tailored to reflect the specific needs and skills of
the student, also plays a key role in preparing interpreters for future
interpreting work in a variety of settings. In close collaboration with
selected community partners, students will engage in supervised field work, and
will integrate and reflect upon their educational, personal and professional
experiences. Graduate students must prepare a presentation on their experience
and lead a discussion with students in the program. Prerequisite: 501 or
admission to the Community Interpreting Certificate program.