Applied languages and translation studies

ClongowesBoy

Hey all, few trivial questions about this course as its currently number one on my cao:

I get the impression that the inter cultural strand is geared toward communication while the translation strand is (captain obvious) geared to wards translation ie. it would be dealing more with literature. Would this be correct?

Secondly I've heard the hours are quite low, around 13 hours or so, does this mean more or less early mornings? I would be driving preferably but if I have a few 9 starts would have to go with the bus. I know this one doesn't matter but its just out of interest.

Thirdly and finally, is it true that after one year you can drop one of the languages? I would prefer not to but just want to know if the choice is there.

Hopefully someone can answer my questions, even if it's only from what you've heard from friends cheers

Konata

I'm just finished 2nd year of the course so hopefully I can answer your questions

1. First of all, I have no idea if you can pick between the Intercultural/Translation strands any more. The course structure has changed since I begun, including the re-naming (from Applied Languages and Intercultural Studies to Applied Languages and Translation Studies). At the end of 1st year we had to pick between the Intercultural and Translation strands however, looking at the programme on the DCU website it no longer mentions this choice so I don't know if you can or not. Maybe e-mail the course head (contact on this page) if you're really concerned.

To answer your question though - essentially, yes. The intercultural modules are based around learning about identity, cultural differences and the theories behind successful intercultural communication. The translation modules focus on the theory behind translation (how you should go about doing it etc.), terminology and its related theories and then, actual translation practice for your chosen languages.

2. Unfortunately, the amount of hours a week you have has absolutely no bearing on what your timetable is gonna be like! I usually had at least 1 9am a week for each semester (timetable changes every semester) with other starts being 10am or 11am. It depends on what languages you do of course but the timetable is impossible to predict as it's not the same every semester/year. I'd just wait until you're enrolled in the course and have your timetable before you decide on the driving.

Actually, on that note, unless you're in the college by 8.30am, it can be pretty difficult to get a parking space. Looking for a space at 9.45am for a 10am start could be a nightmare. But again, suss it all out when you get to the college.

3. It was true (after 2nd year) but no longer is. For example, I am studying Japanese and French. I have now finished 2nd year and have chosen to drop French and carry on with Japanese for 3rd & 4th year. However, with the course changes I've mentioned, they've gotten rid of this and you must now carry both languages all the way to completion of final year.

Hope that helps!

Luize

Konata wrote: »

I'm just finished 2nd year of the course so hopefully I can answer your questions

1. First of all, I have no idea if you can pick between the Intercultural/Translation strands any more. The course structure has changed since I begun, including the re-naming (from Applied Languages and Intercultural Studies to Applied Languages and Translation Studies). At the end of 1st year we had to pick between the Intercultural and Translation strands however, looking at the programme on the DCU website it no longer mentions this choice so I don't know if you can or not. Maybe e-mail the course head (contact on this page) if you're really concerned.

To answer your question though - essentially, yes. The intercultural modules are based around learning about identity, cultural differences and the theories behind successful intercultural communication. The translation modules focus on the theory behind translation (how you should go about doing it etc.), terminology and its related theories and then, actual translation practice for your chosen languages.

2. Unfortunately, the amount of hours a week you have has absolutely no bearing on what your timetable is gonna be like! I usually had at least 1 9am a week for each semester (timetable changes every semester) with other starts being 10am or 11am. It depends on what languages you do of course but the timetable is impossible to predict as it's not the same every semester/year. I'd just wait until you're enrolled in the course and have your timetable before you decide on the driving.

Actually, on that note, unless you're in the college by 8.30am, it can be pretty difficult to get a parking space. Looking for a space at 9.45am for a 10am start could be a nightmare. But again, suss it all out when you get to the college.

3. It was true (after 2nd year) but no longer is. For example, I am studying Japanese and French. I have now finished 2nd year and have chosen to drop French and carry on with Japanese for 3rd & 4th year. However, with the course changes I've mentioned, they've gotten rid of this and you must now carry both languages all the way to completion of final year.

Hope that helps!

I'm also thinking of putting this number 1 on my CAO before the change of mind period closes.
Would you say it's an interesting course? Or is it really hard? Like I love languages, and I'm pretty good at them. I got A's in French and German for junior cert and I'm hoping for a repeat of that next week :P
but I'm not sure if it's what I want to do every day for the next four years ahh so stressful