Web Site of the Department  

Head of Department : Mehmet Şahin

Associate Department Heads: 

Professors: Yeşim Ebru Diriker, Mehmet Şahin, Kadir Suat Karantay*, Şehnaz Tahir Gürçağlar*

Associate Professors: Şule Demirkol, Jonathan M. Ross

Assistant Professors: Ayşenaz Cengiz, Sema Üstün Külünk, Fazilet Akdoğan Özdemir, Melis Yavuz*

Instructors: Dr. Ceyda Elgül, Nedime Mercangöz*, Hüseyin Mergan*, Ahu Latifoğlu Doğan*, Bahar Çotur*, Bihter Esin Yücel*, Ezgi Ünlüer Baglieto*, Hande Güner*, Aslı Süreyya Sayman* Bilge Has Bıyıklı*, Öğr. Gör. Dr. İrem Konca*, Hatice Soytorun, Belgin Dolay*, Orhan Bilgin

The aim of the four-year B.A. Degree program is to teach students the theories and techniques of translation and interpreting, and to provide them with the necessary cultural background and skills for a career in translation and conference interpreting

In the fourth year students specialize in either translation or conference interpreting. Specialization in interpreting is subject to the students' success in previously completed INT-coded courses and in a screening test given at the end of the third year

As a language requirement, all students must complete a combined total of 24 credits in a maximum of three languages approved by the department other than Turkish and English. These 24 credits must include the six credits gained by taking 400-coded translation classes in at least one approved language other than Turkish and English

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM

TRANSLATION

INTERPRETING

Total Credits: 140 / 142 
Total ECTS: 242-248

* HUM / HIST electives are any two of HIST 105, HIST 106, HUM 101, HUM 102 Courses

**Language Elective: 24 credits in a maximum of three languages other than Turkish and English. Choice of language(s) subject to departmental approval.

***Science Elective: Subject to departmental approval, to be taken as a science elective.

**** HSS Elective: Subject to departmental approval, to be taken as a complementary elective.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

TR 106 Research Paper Writing in Translation Studies (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Çeviribilimde Akademik Makale Yazımı
Discussion and practice of the main stages in the preparation of a research paper in the field of translation studies. Areas of research. Identifying a suitable topic in translation studies, and developing an approach to this topic. Conducting research in the library, on the Internet, and in the field. Evaluating, deploying and documenting sources. Structuring the paper. Conventions and problems of academic English. Formatting the paper.

TR 108 Turkish for Translators (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 4
(Çevirmenler için Türkçe)
Special emphasis on correct and refined Turkish usage, anticipating the needs of prospective translators. Practice in essay writing and in rewriting of Turkish texts in the form of intralingual translation. Correcting common mistakes in Turkish. Summarizing English newspaper articles in Turkish. Introduction to new Turkish coinages - cultural and scientific terms and concepts.

TR 109 Introduction to Translation and Translation Studies I (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Çeviri ve Çeviribilime Giriş I)
Introduction to functionalist and descriptive translation theories. Translation practice with operative and informative texts.

TR 110 Introduction to Translation and Translation Studies II (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Çeviri ve Çeviribilime Giriş II)
Further discussion of translation theories focusing on concepts such as shifts of expression, equivalence, translatability, acceptability and adequacy. Translation practice with expressive texts. Brief history of translation.
Prerequisite: TR 109

TR 111 Rhetoric and Composition for Translators (4 + 0 + 0) 4 ECTS 7
(Çevirmenler için Etkili Konuşma ve Yazma)
Familiarization with the rhetorical styles used in diverse text-types and discourses. Improvement of language skills required for translation, interpreting and academic work through practice and assignments. Emphasis on appropriate use of English in both written and verbal communication. Discussion of grammatical, lexical and stylistic problems in writing. Consideration of pronunciation and prosody, as well as non-verbal aspects of public speaking, including audience analysis, body language, and overcoming stage fright.

TR 201 Etymology I (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Etimoloji I)
The origin and history of English words, with a short history of the English language up to the Renaissance. Prefixes and suffixes (Old English, Greek and Latin), Greek and Latin roots.

TR 202 Etymology II (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 4
(Etimoloji II)
Further analysis of English words with Latin roots. Words, phrases and literary terms derived from classical mythology. International terms, phrases, mottos. Turkish loan words in English and the etymology of English and Turkish place names.
Prerequisite: TR 201.

INT 202 Introduction to Interpreting (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Sözlü Çeviriye Giriş)
Introduction to the main types and contexts of interpreting. Initial steps in developing basic skills and techniques in interpreting. Emphasis on on-sight and bilateral interpreting between Turkish and English. Practice with authentic conference material. Exposure to research tools and terminology from different fields. Laboratory.

TR 203 Information Technologies (IT) for Translators (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 4
(Çevirmenler için Bilişim Teknolojileri)
Introduction to information technologies developed for translators and language professionals. Focus on major language-related technologies and their historical development. Basic training for the most widely-used software applications, with a special emphasis on word processors and translation memory software. Discussion on benefits, uses and limitations of existing technologies. Ethical issues. Overview of current research.

TR 206 Language of Journalism (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 4
(Basın Dili)
Journalistic expression in English and Turkish with special emphasis on headlines, politics and economics. Research into the basic structure of the press. Content analysis of news. Exercises in English and Turkish for an increased awareness of the language of journalism.

TR 208 Localization (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Yerelleştirme)
Basic guidelines to localization, history of localization industry and its present state. General introduction to and hands on practice with translation memory. Terminology tools, software localization, project management.
Prerequisite: TR 203

TR 215 Technical Translation (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 4
(Teknik Çeviri)
Practice with texts related to science, technology, law, and medicine. Basic terminology. Theoretical approaches to technical translation.

INT 301 Introduction to Consecutive Interpreting (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Ardıl Çeviriye Giriş)
Introduction to consecutive interpreting. Theoretical approaches. Expansion of speech based on notes. Training in comprehension, note-taking and memory skills in both English and Turkish. Specialized vocabulary in various fields through the study of authentic conference texts. Laboratory.
Prerequisite: INT 202

TR 301 Theories of Translation (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 6
(Çeviri Kuramları )
Theories and current issues in Translation Studies. Approaches specific to the cultural paradigm. Emphasis on context, situation and power relations in translation.

TR 313 Introduction to Intercultural Communication Studies (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Kültürlerarası İletişim Araştırmalarına Giriş )
 Introduction to theories of Intercultural Communication. Culturally sensitive issues in interpreting and translating. Focus on new paradigms involving poststructuralist discussions on cultural and ethnic identities. Readings on minority/majority cultures, power relations within culture, culture shock, nonverbal communication and other culture-bound communication strategies.

TR 314 Literary Translation (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Edebiyat Çevirisi)
Text analysis, with different approaches suited to the nature and structure of the text to be translated, followed by actual translation and translation criticism. Practice with different genres, figures of speech and stylistic elements.

TR 315 Medical Translation (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Tıp Çevirisi )
 Familiarization with basic information about the nature of the human body, medical problems and procedures, to facilitate understanding and production of texts on medical matters. Basic anatomy, and related terminology in Latin, Turkish and English. Developing strategies for translating texts aimed at distinct readerships (e.g. scientific articles, textbooks, patient information leaflets). Translation practice.
Prerequisite: TR 215

TR 316 Translation Criticism (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Çeviri Eleştirisi )
Critical exploration of published translations, cultivating an awareness based on theoretical readings rather than error identification and prescriptivism.

TR 317 Translating Texts on Economics and Business (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Ekonomi ve Ticaret Metinleri Çevirisi)
Translation of business language (English and Turkish) with emphasis on technical terms from economics, management, banking, commerce, insurance, and business law. Format, style and expression in business documents (contracts, proxies, etc.). Translation of related articles from Turkish and English newspapers.

INT 318 Introduction to Simultaneous Interpreting (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 4
(Eşzamanlı Çeviriye Giriş )
Theoretical and practical introduction to the basic processes and strategies of simultaneous interpreting through recordings of authentic conference material. A brief history of the profession. Simulated interpreting in translation booths. Laboratory.
Prerequisite: INT 301

TR 318 Seminar (0+2+0) 0 P/F ECTS 3
(Seminer)
Overview of the main fields of translation practice and research, with special focus on the areas of specialization offered in the final year.

TR 319 Translation History (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Çeviri Tarihi)
Introduction to the history and historiography of translation. Brief overview of translation history in the world and in Turkey. Emphasis on the links between translation history and the evolution of modern translation theory. Research methodology in translation history. Term paper.

INT 320 Community Interpreting (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Toplum Çevirmenliği)
Training in the skills of interpreting (English-Turkish, Turkish-English) for the social services and in legal, medical and educational settings. Familiarization with the diverse demands of community interpreting. Laboratory.
Prerequisite: INT 202

TR 320 EU Policies and Institutions: Translation of Key Documents (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 4
(AB Kurum ve Politikaları: Temel Metinlerin Çevirisi)
Introduction to the institutions and policies of the European Union (EU). Translation of key legal instruments of the EU. Translation of texts related to Turkey's accession to the EU.

TR 322 Semiotics (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 4
(Göstergebilim)
Introduction to semiotics. A survey of the work of leading scholars in the field and related schools of thought in the 20th century..

TR 401 Contemporary Issues in Translation and Translation Studies (0+2+0) 0 P/F ECTS 3
(Çeviri ve Çeviribilimde Güncel Konular)
Readings in contemporary translation theories. Emphasis on recent trends in Translation Studies including interdisciplinarity, sociology of translation, deconstruction and translation. Links between translation and the publishing world. Translation ethics.

TR 403 Political Discourse of International Organizations (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Uluslararası Örgütlerin Siyasal Söylemi)
Analytical survey of the political discourse emerging from the role and impact of international organizations (e.g. United Nations, European Union, Council of Europe), to facilitate students' performance in translation and conference interpreting. Discussions on the main issues of international politics and Turkish foreign policy.
Prerequisite: POLS 101.

TR 404 Translating Texts on Political Science and International Law  (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Siyaset Bilimi ve Uluslararası Hukuk Metinleri Çevirisi)
Translating subject matter related to political science and international law. Developing specific translation strategies to address terminological and conceptual challenges.

TR 405 Translating Texts on Social Sciences (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Sosyal Bilimler Metinleri Çevirisi)
 Introduction to the translation of social science texts, with an emphasis on psychology and philosophy, and their terminology.

TR 406 Translating Texts on the Humanities (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(İnsan Bilimleri Konulu Metinlerin Çevirisi)
Developing the skills needed for translating texts on the humanities. Emphasis on history, mythology and art, and their terminology.

TR 407 Translation of Prose Fiction (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Hikâye ve Roman Çevirisi)
Familiarization with the genres of short fiction and novel. Translation of selected excerpts from the works of well known Turkish and Anglo-Saxon authors (in both directions). Translation criticism and discussion of a short story translated into Turkish.

TR 408 Literary Research Paper Writing (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Edebiyat Araştırmaları ve Makale Yazımı)
Examination of the various approaches, methods, steps and issues involved in the production of a research paper on a literary subject. Emphasis on the combination of personal interpretation with insights and materials acquired from pertinent secondary sources. Discussion of the problematics of studying literature in translation. Characteristics of the argumentation, organization and language of literary research.

TR 409 Turkish-English Literary Translation (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Türkçe-İngilizce Edebiyat Çevirisi)
Intensive practice in translating the major literary genres in contemporary Turkish literature, with special attention to culture-specific problems. Exercises and presentations in class as well as written assignments.

TR 410 Poetry Translation (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Şiir Çevirisi)
Introduction to poetry and poetic devices. Theoretical discussions on the challenges and strategies of translating poetry. Focus on various examples of poetry translation from English into Turkish. Comparative analyses of student translations and guided discussions on the methods in poetry translation.

TR 411 Drama Translation (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Tiyatro Çevirisi)
 Survey of theatre texts beginning from Ancient Greek tragedies until 20th century Realism. Analyses of source texts and Turkish translations, followed by actual translation and translation criticism. Developing familiarity with specific style and expression of theatre texts.

INT 412 Simultaneous Interpreting Practice in Conference Situations (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Konferanslarda Eşzamanlı Çeviri Uygulaması)
Acquisition of professional skills in actual conference situations. Off-campus training under the instructor's supervision.

INT 415 Simultaneous Interpreting I (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Eşzamanlı Çeviri I)
Training for students who specialize in conference interpreting. Intensive practice in booths, with audio recordings of authentic conference material on a variety of subjects such as economics, marketing, international politics, medicine and law. Introduction to different usages of English and Turkish. Laboratory.

INT 416 Simultaneous Interpreting II (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Eşzamanlı Çeviri II)
Training for students who specialize in conference interpreting. Advanced practice in booths, with audio recordings of authentic material on current topics, and at off-campus conferences. Laboratory.
Prerequisite: INT 415.

INT 417 Consecutive Interpreting (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 4
(Ardıl Çeviri)
A continuation of INT 301 with emphasis on improving note-taking for students who specialize in conference interpreting. Introduction of subject matter at a more challenging level. Laboratory.
Prerequisite: INT 301

INT 418 Theoretical Approaches to Interpreting Practice (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Sözlü Çeviri Uygulamasına Kuramsal Yaklaşımlar)
Study of theoretical approaches to interpreting. Examination of the strengths and shortcomings of different paradigms (cognitive, socio-cultural, and physiological as well as those related to translation theory). Exercises in interpreting, followed by a critical assessment of both the process and the product according to the different paradigms.

INT 419 Interpreting Project Design (1+ 2 + 0) 1 ECTS 3
(Sözlü Çeviri Projesi Tasarımı)
Preliminary work for INT 420 (Project in Interpreting). Selection of a topic for research in Interpreting, or a source text for translation. Preparation of outline and text analysis.

INT 420 Project in Interpreting (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Sözlü Çeviri Projesi)
English-Turkish and/or Turkish-English translation of a recorded conference text, or a text on interpreting (each of substantial length), or a scholarly research project on a topic related to interpreting, supervised by a faculty member. Prerequisite: INT 419

TR 421 Japanese Culture in Translation (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Japon Kültürü ve Çeviri)
Japanese culture, history and literature in translation. Contextualization of Japanese modernism through an examination of the development of Japanese culture between tradition and westernization. Presentations, films, literary readings in both Turkish and English translation. Readings on the subject of translating from Japanese into English and Turkish.

TR 422 Japanese Literature in Translation (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Çeviri Japon Edebiyatı)
Introduction of different forms of Japanese narrative fiction in Japanese literature through English and Turkish translations. Contrastive analysis of translation techniques in works read, focusing on cultural issues and their transfer into target texts.

TR 423 Intercultural Communication Studies I (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Kültürlerarası İletişim Çalışmaları)
Analysis of applied approaches to intercultural communication studies. Critique of essentialist paradigms and discourses in intercultural contexts. Introduction to identity politics and narratives of identity. Emphasis on the narrative turn.

TR 424 Intercultural Communication Studies II (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Kültürlerarası İletişim Çalışmaları II)
Special emphasis on the connection between intercultural communication and postcolonial studies. Survey of postcolonial theories dealing with multiculturalism, alterity, and power relations. Cultural translation as an intercultural site of identity construction.

TR 425 Screen Translation I (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Televizyon ve Sinema Çevirisi I)
Introduction to the field of audio-visual translation: theory, practice and research. Familiarization with the procedures and constraints involved in subtitling and dubbing foreign-language films and TV programs, focusing on the situation in Turkey. Practice in subtitling and dubbing programs and films in different genres, aimed at differing audiences.

TR 426 Screen Translation II (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Televizyon ve Sinema Çevirisi II)
Further practice in subtitling and dubbing, with an emphasis on particularly challenging elements such as dialect, songs, realia and close-ups. Exploration of the wider context of screen translation, with a special focus on marketing foreign films and the choice of titles. Developments in technology and the future of screen translation.

TR 427 Translation Project Design (1+2+0) 1 ECTS 3
(Çeviri Projesi Tasarımı)
Preliminary work for TR 428 (Translation Project). Selection of topic or source text. Preparation of outline and text analysis.
 
TR 428 Translation Project (3 + 0 +0) 3 ECTS 6
(Çeviri Projesi)
English-Turkish and/or Turkish-English translation of a text of substantial length, or a scholarly research project on a topic related to translation, supervised by a faculty member.
Prerequisite: TR 427

INT 480-499 Special Topics for Interpreters (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Konferans Çevirmenliğinde Özel Konular)
Study of selected topics in interpreting not covered in other courses, such as media interpreting, interpreting into a B language, and chuchotage. Laboratory.

TR 480-499 Special Topics in Translation (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 5
(Çeviride Özel Konular)
Study of selected topics in translation not covered in other courses. Exercises, presentations and laboratory.