Courses
COURSES:
We are excited to announce that our curriculum is currently undergoing revisions, with new updates set to take effect in Fall 2025. These enhancements are designed to better align our program with industry standards and student needs. Please see below for the list of courses that will be offered through the program, reflecting our commitment to providing a comprehensive and relevant educational experience.
SPAN-313 – Introduction to Translation and Interpretation
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.
SPAN-380 – Fundamentals of Translation and Interpretation
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.
SPAN-382 – Consecutive 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.
SPAN-384 – Simultaneous 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.
SPAN-385 – Translation English <> Spanish 1
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.
SPAN-386 – Translation English <> Spanish 2
"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 – Translation and Interpretation for the Professions
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.
SPAN-393 – Translation Tools and Technology
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.
SPAN-394 – Professionalization for Translators and Interpreters
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.
SPAN-391/392 – Internship in Translation/Interpretation
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.