The Bachelor of Arts in Translation and Interpretation Studies

Option English and Spanish (code 2-6701) (120 units)

This new pilot program was recommended by the Academic Senate on March
8, 2001,
approved by the President on August 2, 2001 and
approved by the Chancellor on July 30, 2001.

The degree in Translation and Interpretation Studies provides students proficient in both English and Spanish with an opportunity to develop and perfect their linguistic skills and cultural knowledge to pursue a career in the field of translation and interpretation. The areas covered by the B.A. in Translation and Interpretation Studies include technical vocabulary acquisition (legal, medical, business, technical, etc.), written translation research methodology (including the identification and use of primary and secondary sources), sight translation, and consecutive and simultaneous interpretation. The training covers memorization and concentration techniques in terminology acquisition and in both consecutive and simultaneous interpretation such as decalage and the incremental sentence. Instruction includes terminology and methodology resources, extensive use of the internet, court and medical transcripts and documents, video tapes, and numerous audio tapes. Students are trained in the classroom and in the new state-of-the-art simultaneous interpretation laboratory at CSULB. Students work both individually and in groups in written and sight translation, and in the consecutive and simultaneous modes of interpretation, to prepare to work in State, Federal and Immigration courts, in the medical and business sectors, in civil legal litigation, for state agencies such as the Department of Social Services, the Housing Authority and the Agricultural Labor Relations Board, the film industry, and conference interpretation. The purpose of the B.A. is to provide students with in-depth training which is at the same time extensive and varied enough to make graduates highly marketable in both the public and private sectors. The B.A. in Translation and Interpretation Studies also provides invaluable training for students pursuing degrees in Business, Chicano and Latino Studies, Criminal Justice, Finance, Real Estate and Law, Health Sciences, International Studies, Journalism, and Political Science, among many other fields.

Requirements

Prerequisites: SPAN 312/313 with a "B" or better, or instructor's consent. The program consists of a Basic Core (21 units) comprised of seven specialized courses in order to meet the professional needs of students preparing for a career path that requires a solid foundation in translation and interpretation techniques and methodologies. In addition, students take three courses (9 units) in linguistics, civilization and literature selected from the following: SPAN 410, 423, 427 and 445, for a total of 30 upper-division units. Linguistics, civilization and literature courses: SPAN 410, 423, 427, 445
Translation and interpretation courses: SPAN 461, 462,463, 464, 465, 466, 467