Professional Conduct in Public Service Interpreting
| Duration | 10 weekly meetings | |
|---|---|---|
| Tutor | Zora Jackman | |
| Course code | IAT23A5078D | |
| Fee | £186 | |
| Concessionary fee | £149 (find out about eligibility and funding options) | |
| Location | Online course |
This course addresses common misunderstandings regarding the role of public service interpreters with reference to the Impartial Model of public service interpreting reflected in the Codes of Conduct of relevant organisations.
It aims to promote professional conduct amongst public service interpreters by raising awareness of the knowledge, skills, understanding and continuous professional development required including terminology research, assignment preparation and working on a freelance basis.
This course is taught in English but is designed for bilingual students already working or interested in working as public service interpreters and is essential for those planning to enrol on the specialised 'Public Service Interpreting - Health' course that runs from January to June where the topics covered in this module are further developed and applied to health settings.
You should be able to understand and express complex ideas using correct grammar, spelling and punctuation and have a good grasp of idiomatic English.
A native English speaker should be able to understand your spoken and written English without difficulty.
If you are a native English speaker then the same applies for the other language(s) that you intend to use for public service interpreting.
If you are not able to read and / or write your other language you can still take the course but you must let the tutor know at the start.
Students will need to have access to IT facilities as the course relies on their use of Cardiff University email and Learning Central (the CU Virtual Learning Environment) for announcements from the tutor and access to course materials and information.
Learning and teaching
- Students will be introduced to the main principles of professional conduct for public service (PS) interpreters with reference to the Impartial Model of Public Service interpreting. Their application to various scenarios and settings will be demonstrated.
- The skills required of a public service interpreter will be outlined and explained.
- Students will be guided to research terminology and develop their own glossaries and introduced to the skill of paraphrasing.
- Practical issues related to working as a public service interpreter in the UK will be outlined and discussed.
Coursework and assessment
Students are generally expected to spend an average of four hours of additional study time for each hour they spend in the classroom. In this course they will be guided to use Learning Central in order to undertake relevant reading and research.
This will include researching terminology that will feature in written tests and practical work. There is also a minimum attendance requirement of 50% of the lessons.
For this course the assessments consist of short written tests throughout the course and oral bilingual work towards the end of the course.
To award credits we need to have evidence of the knowledge and skills you have gained or improved.
Some of this has to be in a form that can be shown to external examiners so that we can be absolutely sure that standards are met across all courses and subjects.
The most important element of assessment is that it should enhance your learning.
Our methods are designed to increase your confidence and we try very hard to devise ways of assessing you that are enjoyable and suitable for adults with busy lives.
Reading suggestions
The pages and resources related to the Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI) and The Linguist magazine, both from the Chartered Institute of Linguists website.
The Code of Conduct for the NRPSI (National Register of Public Service Interpreters).
Other relevant resources will be posted on Learning Central during the course.
Library and computing facilities
As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.
Accessibility
Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.
