The Certificate in Spanish Translation Studies

The Certificate in Spanish Translation Studies is a 15-hour option in Spanish graduate studies with its primary focus on the language skills necessary to perform translation. Translation is defined as the rendering of a written text from a source language into another, while interpretation is the rendering of spoken language from a source language into another. Although this program will focus on the former rather than on the latter, both draw on the same type of general linguistic skills as those gained by studies in literature, language, and culture. This certificate focuses more closely on their practical applications in modern day life than does the more comprehensive M.A. in Spanish, with a total of 36 hours.

Entrance and Exit Requirements

In addition to meeting university-wide admission requirements either as a special graduate student or a degree-seeking student in a graduate program, all prospective students must pass a written entrance exam in both languages to determine linguistic competence and general cultural preparation. The Department will administer the exams and will inform applicants as to date and time of their administration.

Entrance- and exit-level skills in both languages will be no lower than Level 3 and 4, respectively, according to the U.S. Government’s Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) Skill Level Descriptions for Translation Performance.

Program Requirements

The Certificate in Spanish Translation Studies consists of 15 course hours to include an introduction to theory and practice, the terminology of translation, with supplementary training to include areas such as computer applications, translation workshops and individualized, practical coursework. Courses in Spanish linguistics, literature, and culture strengthen the interdisciplinary underpinnings of the Certificate. The capstone course provides training and reinforcement in written translation skills through a translation case study.

Students must complete the following requirements:

A.     3 hours from the following:

FL        5043    Principles of Translation

SPN     6083    Theory and Practice of Translation

B.      6 hours from the following:

            SPN 5023        Writing and Editing of Spanish

            SPN 5843        History of the Language

SPN 5853        Spanish of the Southwest

            SPN 5883        Spanish Morphology and Syntax

            SPN 5893        Spanish Dialects

SPN 6973        Special Problems

C.        Three hours of any SPN 5000-level course or above with a focus on language, literature, or culture

D.        FL 6013 Practicum in Translation/Interpretation

Students will take this course during their last semester of enrollment in the Certificate Program.  In consultation with the instructor, they will select an area of interest and define a task within that area. Project translations or interpretation work will normally be exclusively into the student's dominant language.  Prerequisites: FL 5043, SPN 6083 or faculty approval.