List of modules from Ghent University

Techniques and Technology for Interpreters (3 ECTS)

Elective module, year long module

The course wants to acquaint students with technological applications for conference interpreters: note-taking on tablet and with smart pens; terminological applications for interpreters, NLP in the booth, a visit to a remote interpreting hub, etc.

The following components will be offered:

  • Technology for consecutive interpreting: note-taking on tablet and with smart pens
  • Technology for simultaneous interpreting: NLP in the booth, terminological applications for interpreters, technology for remote interpreting

Learning outcomes:

  1. Knowledge of the most important technologies used in the context of conference interpreting
  2. Active knowledge of the main technologies in preparation of or during  interpreting classes

Machine Translation and Post-editing (5 ECTS)

Elective module in the 1st semester

Machine Translation (MT) is the translation of text by a computer.  To produce highquality translations, humans still need to intervene in the process either by making the input more suitable for MT (pre-editing) or changing the output (post-editing).

The course deals with the following topics:

  • Challenges for MT
  • Architecture of MT systems (rule-based MT, statistical MT and neural MT systems;  interactive and adaptive systems)
  • Evaluation of MT output (automatic vs. manual evaluation methods)
  • Post-editing and post-editing tools
  • Integration of MT in the translation workflow
  • Creation and evaluation of a customized MT engine

Learning outcomes:

  1. Advanced knowledge of different machine translation architectures and can, based on that knowledge, critically assess different machine translation systems
  2. Advanced knowledge of the evaluation methods that are used in the field of MT
  3. Advanced knowledge of the post-editing process and the typical MT errors
  4. Knowledge of how MT is integrated in translation workflows

Audiovisual Language Techniques (5 ECTS)

Elective module in the 1st semester

Intralingual and interlingual subtitles make foreign language films accessible to a wider audience. Live subtitling and audiodescription increase accessibility for the sensory impaired. The study unit Audiovisual Language Techniques aims to teach students techniques and translation competences required for different modes of audio-visual translation. It introduces them to both the technological and the linguistic aspects of these techniques and to the norms that apply in the field.

Topics:

  • The course offers an introduction to the conventions, concepts and techniques of audio description and of the different types of subtitling. Specialist software is used.

Learning outcomes:

  1. Students will be expected to be aware of and familiar with the aspects of interlingual subtitling, live subtitling and audiodescription both as processes and as products;
  2. Students will be expected to be able to use electronic resources and technological tools for the different modes of audiovisual translation
  3. Students will be expected to be able to produce and edit subtitles independently observing the conventions of the genre and applying techniques and translation strategies that are appropriate for the medium and the intended audience;
  4. The students will be expected to be able to assess the usefulness of subtitling applications and to use them adequately.

Introduction to Translation Technology (5 ECTS)

Elective module in the 1st semester

 (Translation) technology plays an important role in the translation industry. This course outlines the different steps in the translation process and discusses the different tools that are available on the market. The goal of this introductory course is twofold. On the one hand it provides insights into the basic underlying principles that are used in translation technology (sentence and word alignment, matching, standard formats, etc.). On the other hand, it provides hands-on experience with selected tools.

The theoretical part introduces:

  • Main concepts of computer-aided translation
  • Functioning of translation memories and alignment
  • (Parallel) corpora
  • Functioning and usefulness of term banks, terminology management and terminology extraction tools
  • Standard formats for the exchange of term banks and translation memories
  • Functioning of machine translation systems

In the practical part students get hands-on experience with:

  • Terminology extraction tools
  • Alignment software
  • Translation memories
  • Monolingual and/or bilingual concordance software
  • Advanced search queries on the Internet 
  • Machine translation

Learning outcomes:

  1. Basic knowledge and understanding in the field of translation technology 
  2. Knowledge of relevant electronic resources, using them adequately and efficiently, and critically evaluating them 
  3. Assessing the usefulness of computer applications in the areas of translating and using them adequately 

Natural Language Processing (5 ECTS)

Elective module in the 2nd semester

In this course, we cover the fundamentals of natural language processing and how human language can be modeled from a computational perspective, with the ultimate goal of human-like artificial language understanding. We start our discussion at the morphological and word level, building up via the syntactic level, to end with the complexity of semantic and discourse modeling. Different applications (sentiment analysis, emotion detection, information extraction, dialog systems and chatbots) are discussed as well as some predominant methodologies (machine learning, deep learning).

Topics: 

  • Regular expressions, text normalization, edit distance
  • Lexical level: n-gram language models; vector semantics
  • Syntactic level: part-of-speech tagging and syntactic parsing
  • Semantic level: semantic role labeling, coreference resolution applications: information extraction, sentiment analysis and emotion detection, dialog systems and chatbots
  • Machine learning: traditional approaches versus neural networks

Learning outcomes:

  1. Basic knowledge on natural language processing
  2. Ability to critically reflect on the current state of the art in NLP
  3. Basic skills to conceive a NLP system from scratch

Introduction to Processing Language with Python (5 ECTS)

Elective module in the 1st semester

This course offers an introduction to programming with Python. The focus of the course is on automatic text processing. Programming skills have a number of benefits: (a) an understanding of the functioning and possibilities of computer programs is becoming ever more important in a society where technology is omnipresent, (b) programming trains analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, and (c) repetitive or data-intensive tasks can be automated with simple programs.

Topics:

  • Basic concepts of programming: variables, operators, assignment, data types
  • Control structures: conditions, loops, recursion
  • Using and writing functions
  • Working with files and directories
  • Using external libraries, especially those developed for text analysis
  • Anatomy of a computer program
  • Calling scripts in a command line environment
  • Documentation and error handling

Learning outcomes:

  1. Having general knowledge about how computer programs work
  2. Having the practical knowledge and skills to develop simple computer programs
  3. Capacity to break down an assignment into smaller subtasks
  4. Ability to find and correct bugs in code

Advanced Language Processing with Python (5 ECTS)

Elective module in the 2nd semester

Advanced Language Processing with Python builds on previously acquired programming competencies in Python and focuses on the applications of the Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques, which are thought in the course “Natural Language Processing”. In this course, the students will learn to integrate NLP libraries (such as the Natural Language Toolkit (NLTK), NumPy and Scikit-Learn) into Python code and tackle NLP problems using supervised machine learning techniques, such as linear and logistic regression.

Topics:

  • Searching and manipulating text using regular expressions
  • Integrating NLP libraries into Python
  • Text pre-processing: tokenization, part-of-speech tagging, named entity recognition
  • Text normalization: stemming, lemmatization
  • Dependencies and dependency parsing – feature engineering for NLP tasks
  • Introduction to supervised machine-learning
  • Visualizing data
  • Evaluating machine learning models

Learning outcomes:

  1. Having the practical knowledge and skills to integrate NLP libraries in Python code
  2. Having the practical knowledge and skills to build machine-learning models and to evaluate their performance
  3. Ability to apply NLP tools and machine-learning skills to large-scale programming projects

Project Management (5 ECTS)

Elective module in the 1st semester

In this course, we discuss the fundamentals of a good project. We cover competencies such as project planning, project monitoring, budget control, risk analysis, etc. We also discuss which tools can be used to support project management activities, ranging from more general tools to specific tools for certain professions (e.g. translation).

We cover the base principles of project management and evaluate a number of tools during hands-on sessions. The following components will be discussed:

  • General introduction in project work
  • Project planning (using project planning software)
  • Project monitoring and risk analysis
  • People management
  • Software tools: Plunet, XTM, etc.

Learning outcomes:

  1. Competences to manage a project from start to end: planning of the project, assignment of the project, follow-up, invoicing, monitoring cost efficiency, etc.

Applied Linguistics: capita selecta (5 ECTS)

Elective module in the 1st semester

The course is directed at incoming exchange students who have no command of the Dutch language. In this study unit students will acquire knowledge of and insights into different aspect of different disciplines of applied language studies.

In this course students will be introduced to different subdisciplines of Applied Language Studies by means of a capita selecta principle. This makes it possible to adapt the course’s subjects to the students’ pre-existing knowledge. This entails that students’ potential in terms of cultural background and diversity will be tapped into by involving them in seminars and letting them contribute to the contents of the course. The students will be familiarized with the most common research methods from the different subdisciplines. They will also get acquainted with recent developments and evolutions within the domain. They will be asked to set up – and report on  – a cultural project in which they investigate the cultural significance of people, museums, statues or objects for Flanders or Belgium.

Learning outcomes:

  1. Knowledge and understanding of the different disciplines of the applied language studies domain
  2. Critical understanding of the research methods of the different disciplines of applied language studies with a view to independently gathering and processing data
  3. Scientifically underpinned reflection when answering research questions relating to one of the subdisciplines of applied language studies
  4. Ability to report in English (oral and written) on an academic paper and on a cultural project that was developed with peers
  5. Functioning in group and sharing responsibility when developing the cultural project
  6. Ability to use sources efficiently when preparing the academic paper presentation and the cultural project

Terminology and Translation Technology (5 ECTS)

Elective module in the 1st semester

Building on previous knowledge, this course aims (a) to give students a sound grounding in the theory of terminology and terminology management; and (b) to familiarize them with a number of computer based aids for translation, especially terminology management and translation memory tools. The unit of study prepares for practical work in other translation courses but also aims to stimulate critical reflection on CAT tools.

The first part of the course focuses on terminology:

  • Fundamental principles of the theory of terminology (concept, concept system, description of a concept, term, assigning a term to a concept)
  • Neology
  • Language for specific purposes
  • Normalisation

Much attention is devoted to practical aspects, including the in-house GenTerm terminological record; term extraction practice; terminology management (using SDL MultiTerm); terminographical products, incl. thesauri.

The second part, on translation technology, covers the following:

  • General introduction to translation technology, introduction to machine translation and its integration in translation memory tools, translation software, character encoding and file formats for translation;
  • Hands-on introduction to, and critical assessment of, translation memory software (SDL Trados Studio and comparison with competitors incl. memoQ; interoperability standards)
  • Introduction to Quality Assurance (QA) (E.g. Spelling and grammar checking, tag verification, etc.) and translation project/flow management (calculate project statistics, measure overlap between segments to translate and the Translation Memory, etc.);
  • A larger translation project where the students are asked to translate various file formats (Word, HTML) by means of SDL Trados Studio.

Learning outcomes:

  1. Being familiar with the principles and strategies when searching for and collecting terminology
  2. Creating terminology databases using the appropriate terminology management tools
  3. Having advanced knowledge of the principles and methods used in translation  technology
  4. Critically assessing translation technology tools

Localisation (5 ECTS)

Elective module in the 2nd semester

In the translation industry, the term localisation refers to the adaptation and translation of software, games and websites. Recently, e-learning has been added to this list. The process involves more than just translating, and also comprises tasks such as adjusting layout, graphics, help programs, time indications, etc. Specialized localization tools such as Passolo and Alchemy Catalyst support the localization process.

Topics:

  • Introduction to the main concepts of localisation
  • Technical aspects of localisation (a.o. internationalisation, encoding, support of different formats)
  • Cultural aspects of localisation
  • Localisation of software programs and online help files
  • Localisation of websites
  • Localisation of games
  • Localisation of e-learning

Learning outcomes:

  1. Having advanced knowledge of the localisation process and, based on that knowledge, critically assessing localisation technology tools;
  2. Localising digital contents (software applications including user interfaces and online  help files, websites, games and e-learning);
  3. During the translation process, making use of terminological resources (a.o. the Microsoft Language Portal), style guides and specific localisation tools;
  4. Having advanced knowledge of the specific technical and cultural aspects of  localization
  5. Having a basic understanding of HTML code (HTML elements and attributes, structure of an HTML document)

Technical Writing (5 ECTS)

Elective module in the 2nd semester

How can we efficiently transfer knowledge? This course covers the base principles of technical writing. In hands-on sessions, students learn how to write technical documentation. We also show which tools and document models can support this writing process.

Topics:

  • Writing clear and efficient technical documentation and reports
  • Writing documents that meet the requirements of the target audience
  • Using document models to support structured writing (eg. DITA Darwin Information Typing Architecture)
  • Using software (e.g. Oxygen) to write technical documentation

Learning outcomes:

  1. Skills to efficiently organize and write technical documentation
  2. Knowledge of the principles behind technical writing and ability to use the available tools for supporting structured writing

Advanced Website Management (5 ECTS)

Elective module in the 2nd semester

This course’s main objective is to offer students: (a) the skills to both develop and maintain a professional website; and (b) a solid technical background of HTML, CSS and CMS. The course covers the whole process of building and maintaining a professional website driven by a content management system (CMS). Though the main focus is on the more technical aspects of how such a website is built and maintained, the students are also introduced to the basic principles of web design and the functioning of web teams.

Basically, the course comprises four modules:

  • Basic module: how does the internet work (servers, clients, proxies, protocols, DNS, …), how does a web team work (developers, frontend, backend, …), the conceptual part of creating a website (define target audience, writing for the web, …)
  • HTML/CSS module: learn the principles of (x)html and css to design, develop and maintain a website
  • Database/CMS module: learn the basic principles of databases, and how to build and maintain a website using a CMS (e.g. Drupal or WordPress)
  • Use cases: the student gets a hands-on introduction to real life problems and successes a web team might encounter

Learning outcomes:

  1. Solid technical background (HTML, CSS, WordPress) to build and maintain a website driven by a content management system. 
  2. Ability to write in an appropriate web-based style;
  3. Ability to understand and communicate about technical details regarding website management.

Digital Communication Management (5 ECTS)

Elective module in the 1st semester

In today’s information society a solid technical background of digital communication tools offers a true added value to any communication profile.

The omnipresence of social media have drastically changed the communication and marketing process. This course offers students a thorough background in digital communication tools. First the different social media platforms are discussed (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter,… ) together with some basic digital skills (e.g. perform search engine optimization, set up a social media or mailing campaign, …). Then more advanced business intelligence techniques use cases are discussed in close detail (e. g. sentiment analysis for customer intelligence). At the same time the student learns how to critically assess the vast amount of online available web analytics tools and how to apply social media without infringing current privacy laws or ethical codes.

Learning outcomes:

  1. Knowing social media and how to incorporate these for business intelligence
  2. Understanding the added value of SEO
  3. Ability to incorporate and analyze social media in digital project
  4. Ability to to critically assess existing tools for web analytics
  5. Awareness of the ethical and privacy implications

Desktop Publishing (5 ECTS)

Elective module in the 2nd semester

Desktop publishing is the formatting of documents with graphical layout software such as Adobe InDesign. During layout, different kinds of content (text, images, design) are combined into a single document that is suitable for print or digital publication. DTP software allows the creation of graphically more complex documents than is possible with traditional word processors. DTP skills are also relevant for language professionals who need to produce copy or translations directly in the target format, in order to better match the text to the layout and to reduce production time.

The course deals with the following topics:

  • What is DTP? In which stage of the print process does DTP occur?
  • Creating, editing and exporting documents for print
  • Design principles
  • Working with text
  • Working with images
  • Multilingual DTP Adobe InDesign is used for all exercises. 

Learning outcomes:

  1. Having general knowledge of the design process with DTP software
  2. Familiarity with the relevant characteristics of text and images for print
  3. Ability to assess and adapt a document’s design
  4. Ability to produce text in a DTP document, with consideration for its impact on design
  5. Knowledge about multilinguality in DTP documents

Audiovisual Translation: English-Spanish (5 ECTS)

Elective module in the 2nd semester

The course aims to teach students insights in and practices of audiovisual (multimodal) translation: dubbing, audio description and interlingual subtitling. Students learn how to analyse a source document, identify potential textual and cognitive difficulties and assess strategies and resources needed for appropriate reformulation in line with communicative needs. Special attention is paid to the inherent features of each medium and to the changes, both linguistic and cultural, which the scripts have to undergo during the translation process. The students also learn how to use the specialized software.

Topics:

  • History, norms and conventions, translation strategies of: dubbing, audio description, interlingual subtitling
  • Use of specialized software

Learning outcomes:

  1. Command of English at B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages for comprehension (listening and reading) and at C2 for Spanish
  2. Knowledge and insight of contextual factors that influence the translation proces (commissioner, instructions, medium, skopos
  3. Knowledge of specific problems of multimodality in audiovisual translation: semiotic cohesion, reformulation, shorten, relevance, … being able to implement conventions and style guides 
  4. Knowledge of language variation in English and Spanish
  5. Knowledge of pragmatic differences between English and Spanish
  6. Knowledge and understanding of the cultural and institutional context of the English and Spanish speaking parts of the world and for the intercultural relations and differences, and applying these in the translation and production of written and  oral text
  7. Knowledge of relevant tools (dictionaries, reference works and electronic aids), using them adequately and efficiently, and critically evaluating them
  8. Based on scientific knowledge, thinking and reasoning analytically and creatively and based on this, solving unfamiliar, complex problems

Audiovisual Translation: English-German (5 ECTS)

Elective module in the 2nd semester

The course aims to teach students techniques and translation competences required for audio-visual translation (subtitling and audiodescription). Special attention is paid to the changes, both linguistic and cultural, which the scripts have to undergo during the translation process.

The students are provided with an introduction to the conventions, concepts and techniques of subtitling. As a next step the students will apply these when subtitling an English documentary film and/or movie into German. The subtitles are revised and proofread in class. The students also get an introduction to audiodescription and the guidelines which need to be applied. Furthermore the students have to look for a scientific article in the field of audiovisual translation, summarize it and present it in class.

Learning outcomes:

  1. Adequately interpreting, analyzing, assessing and correcting written and oral  communication, including messages of a specialized nature
  2. Editing independently subtitles in German and assessing them critically, making use of the existing conventions, techniques and translation strategies, resulting in a translation appropriate to the purpose, target group and media
  3. Independently and correctly analyzing and summarizing text of scripts of  documentary films and/or movies, and producing subtitles/translating from English into German
  4. Having knowledge of relevant dictionaries, reference works and electronic aids, using them adequately and efficiently, and critically evaluating them

Assessing the usefulness of subtitling applications and using them adequately.