Mixed Messages? The Everyday Art of Translation unit (HUM310)

Hobart, Online

Introduction

This is a unit suitable for anyone curious about the challenges of communication in the 21st Century. Frequently, in our globalised society, we need to communicate with others across certain boundaries: space, different electronic mediums, time, culture and language. Even seemingly straightforward communication involves the translation of ideas between people regardless of whether they speak the same language. When multiple languages enter the mix, the potential for mixed messages and other communication glitches is heightened. This can leave us at crossed purposes, striving to translate and interpret meaning. Even within the confines of the English-speaking world we often encounter many of the same problems faced by translators and interpreters of foreign languages. In this unit, we seek to answer questions arising from communication across boundaries of all types: How do misunderstandings arise, even if we’re speaking the same language?; Do film subtitles really accurately reflect what actors in foreign films are saying?; How do you translate Donald Trump’s speeches in cultures where authority figures deserve unquestioned respect? What communication problems arise from the sudden unexpected relocations that result from of crises of all kinds? And what is the purpose of translation, what should we expect of it? For students with a language other than English, you can try your hand at your own translations, but this unit is suitable for all students, whether you are familiar with one language or many.

Summary

Unit name	Mixed Messages? The Everyday Art of Translation
Unit code	HUM310
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Arts and Society Humanities and Social Sciences
Discipline	Languages
Coordinator	Doctor Emerald L King
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1
Online	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse existing scholarship on the art of translation to produce a researched solution to specific, and complex, communication issues.
• Implement analytical strategies and evaluation methodologies to produce a reasoned solution to complex communication issues.
• Effectively communicate knowledge, methodologies and findings on the art of translation through a range of media (e.g. written, oral, visual).

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
091519	$592.00	$592.00	not applicable	$2,562.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

25 credit points at Introductory level or higher

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	On Campus: Weekly 1 hour recorded lecture Weekly 1.5 hour workshop Off campus: Weekly 1 hour recorded lecture Weekly 1.5 hour zoom workshop
Assessment	Progress and Participation Portfolio (10%)|Project Proposal (10%)|Minor Translation Project (30%)|Major Translation Project (50%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	No set text book - readings will be distributed in class via MyLO and reading lists.
Recommended	No set text book - readings will be distributed in class via MyLO and reading lists.

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