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BFS-30014 - Module Specification
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 17 December 2025

BFS-30014 - Translation Practice in Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs
Coordinator: Bulent Gokay Room: CBA2.002 Tel: +44 1782 7 33512
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 7.5
Study Hours: 75
School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

The aim of this module is to develop your skills in diplomatic language and enable you to translate diplomatic texts both in writing and verbally following diplomatic conventions. This module will look at what diplomacy is and what diplomatic translation/interpretation requires. In this module you will translate and interpret a wide variety of diplomatic texts from different cultures and with differing course of action in international diplomacy. By the end of this module, you will have enhanced your knowledge and understanding of diplomacy through both translation practice and group discussions.

Aims
Diplomatic translation is an important part of international diplomacy linked with history, politics, religion, culture and language. The module aims to provide training that draws on the results of research and practical experience to ensure relevance and effectiveness. The aim of this module is to develop familiarity with diplomatic language and to translate certain diplomatic texts both in writing and verbally following diplomatic conventions. Academic content of the module is complemented by practical examples where you are able to apply what was learned in the class to real case studies.

Intended Learning Outcomes

identify and explain the features of diplomatic language: 1
appreciate the points to be considered in the translation/interpretation of diplomatic texts: 1
classify various diplomatic texts encountered in translation practice: 1
translate/interpret diplomatic texts appropriately as required by their textual properties: 1
Demonstrate an understanding of different styles and content in diplomatic texts: 1

Study hours

30 contact hours (15 hours lectures + 10 hours seminars + 5 hours one-to-one tutorial with the tutor)
15 hours lecture/ seminar preparation
30 Final exam preparation

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Exam weighted 100%
Assessment
Assessment: Assessment 1 Brief Description: Mid-term exam Assessment Type: Exam Assessment Description: This assignment is a mid-term open-book exam: Chinese to English translation of one passage (500 words) of a diplomatic text provided by the tutor. Weighting: 30% Marking Scheme: Assessment rule 40% Qualifying Mark: None Is this the final assessment?: No Exemption from anonymous marking: No Intended learning outcomes: 1,2,3 Assessment: Assessment 2 Brief Description: Final Exam Assessment Type: Exam Assessment Description: This is the final exam for this module, closed book, based on the translation of two passages (500 words each) from English to Chinese. Weighting: 70% Marking Scheme: Assessment rule 40% Qualifying Mark: None Is this the final assessment?: Yes Exemption from anonymous marking: No Intended learning outcomes: 1,2,4,5

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 17 December 2025