Spanish Translation and Interpretation

AI AND OUR PROGRAM

We acknowledge and recognize that artificial intelligence (AI) is significantly impacting the translation and interpretation industry. As technology evolves, so too do the demands of the job market, and we are committed to ensuring our students are well-prepared to adapt to these changes. Our program stays current with industry trends, integrating AI into the curriculum as a valuable tool rather than a replacement for human expertise.

While we embrace AI's potential to enhance efficiency and accuracy, we firmly believe that the core skills of translation and interpretation remain paramount. Our classes incorporate AI technologies to teach students how to use them effectively, ensuring they can leverage these tools in their future careers. However, we prioritize training our students to become the best translators and interpreters possible, honing their analytical and linguistic abilities so they can excel in a landscape where human insight and creativity are irreplaceable.

Adjunct Part-Time Instructor 
English/Spanish Translation and Interpretation 
Department of Romance Languages, Hunter College 

The Department of Romance Languages at Hunter College, CUNY, invites applications for the position of part-time instructor in English/Spanish Translation. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis all year long. Possible classes include consecutive/simultaneous interpretation classes, English/Spanish translation classes and/or translation tools and technology classes. This is a temporary part-time position, subject to renewal.

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Teach English Spanish translation/interpretation course(s)
• Hold weekly office hours
• Grade assignments, post grades and offer feedback in a timely fashion

Minimum Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in Translation/Interpretation, Spanish, related field or equivalent experience
• Professional translation/interpretation experience
• Native or near native fluency in English/Spanish

Preferred Qualifications 

• Online teaching experience
• College teaching experience
• Professional certification
• Familiarity with BrightSpace or another Learning Management System

Application Requirements 

• Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Please indicate day/evening availability in your application.

Please email the required application documents to tania.varela@hunter.cuny.edu.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply.  At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

SPAN 313 is a course that focuses on the differences between the English and Spanish languages. The main objective is to provide an introduction to Translation and Interpretation between English and Spanish through a contrastive analysis of the structural differences in both languages. Emphasis will be placed on grammar, idiomatic expressions, and morphosyntactic stylistic aspects to incorporate them into the translation process. Classes are lecture-based, and exercises will be conducted on the historical development of English and Spanish, as well as theoretical lexicography.

This course offers a thorough exploration of the essential principles, methodologies, and techniques integral to effective translation and interpretation between English and Spanish. Throughout the semester, students will delve into theoretical frameworks while also engaging in practical exercises to hone their skills. Topics covered include key concepts, contemporary theories, translation history, technological advancements, an overview of specialized areas of translation and interpretation, and various translation methods and techniques.

Students will also acquire practical skills such as rapid reading, analysis, summarization, paraphrasing, listening comprehension, and shadowing. By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of the fundamentals of translation and interpretation, preparing them for further study in Translation and Interpretation.

This course is designed to offer students an introductory overview of consecutive interpreting techniques. Students will develop foundational skills essential to consecutive interpretation, including memory retention, comprehension, active listening, note-taking, and vocabulary expansion. Emphasis is placed on practical application, allowing students to engage in interpreting exercises across various topics and settings to enhance their listening performance and note-taking abilities. Tailored for interpreters seeking skill development, the course fosters confidence and cognitive control essential for successful interpretation.

This course provides students with a comprehensive introduction to simultaneous interpretation techniques, emphasizing the development of essential skills required for this demanding mode of interpretation. Throughout the course, students will engage in practical exercises aimed at honing their speaking, listening, and memory organization skills, which are crucial for simultaneous interpreters. Opportunities for rational interpretation of audio segments, discussion of challenges, and collaborative problem-solving sessions are integral parts of the curriculum. Topics covered range from conference speeches on politics, current affairs, medicine, international news, to motivational topics, ensuring students gain exposure to diverse subject matters. Students also explore the use of simultaneous interpretation beyond conference settings, preparing them for various professional contexts such as educational, healthcare, court, and community interpreting.

English<>Spanish Translation 1 is a foundational course that introduces students to the practice of translation between English and Spanish in both directions. Through a workshop-based approach, this course emphasizes practical skills and real-world application, with a particular focus on contrastive linguistics.

Students will engage in hands-on translation exercises, applying relevant translation theory to develop their proficiency and understanding of English <> Spanish translation through a variety of text types. By taking this course, students will gain the foundational knowledge and skills required for a successful career in translation, while also laying the groundwork for more specialized courses in the field.

"English <> Spanish Translation 2" builds upon the foundational knowledge acquired in SPAN-385, offering an in-depth exploration into the intricacies of translating between English and Spanish. Emphasizing the application of theories and techniques learned in the first class, this advanced course challenges students to work with more complex text types.

Through a series of workshops and practical exercises, students navigate the intricacies of advanced literary, technical, and specialized content, further honing their translation skills. The course aims to deepen students' understanding of cross-cultural communication and linguistic nuances while exposing them to a broader range of real-world scenarios.

SPAN-390 offers an overview of the translation and interpretation industry, focusing on a specific field each semester. Through theoretical analysis and initial practical application, students gain insight into the unique challenges and opportunities within areas such as legal, medical, business, or technical translation and interpretation.

In today's interconnected world, translation is a vital bridge between cultures and languages, and technology is the cornerstone of modern translation. "Translation Tools and Technology" is a dynamic course designed to equip students with the essential technical skills and knowledge required for effective translation work in various professional contexts. Throughout the course, students will explore the crucial intersection between translation tools and technology. This curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical experience, empowering students to employ software and tools that underpin the current translation industry.[collapsible linktext="Expand to See Courses"]

Through a systematic examination of industry essentials, this course equips students with the knowledge required to make informed career choices. Topics include the advantages and challenges of freelancing, the role of in-house language service positions, and the principles of project management within this context. Ethical considerations, the importance of specialization, and quality assurance standards are also explored. Furthermore, students will learn practical skills for marketing their language services, building professional networks, and understanding the legal and contractual dimensions of the industry. The course concludes with a focus on career development strategies, continuing education opportunities, and practical steps to advance in the field.

Students are encouraged to train in real-world skills applicable to the industries of translation and/or interpretation in a variety of contexts. The internship consists of at least 70 hours of practical work at an organization of their choice. In addition, the student must attend regularly scheduled meetings with the professor supervising the internship in order to discuss issues and problems in the real world of professional translation and/or interpretation.