Verba volant, scripta manent. How to write an M.A. thesis in Translation Studies

Szczegóły produktu The book is aimed at those who want to investigate translation-related problems and write a Master’s thesis that is an academic thesis as part of their second cycle of studies in the European Higher Education Area. This target audience may be enlarged to include Bachelor’s degree students (the first level) for whom certain remarks and chapters in the book will be equally pertinent. The aim of the book is to guide and assist its users at each stage of their research, from identifying an area of interest, through selecting a topic, planning and conducting the research, to submitting their thesis and defending it in a final exam. Students may find it useful for self-study and reference, while teachers and supervisors can use it to enhance their course material. CONTENTS Introduction 1. Motivation and academic honesty Academia and the institutional environment Translation seminars Academic supervision – working with your supervisor Motivation in choosing an M.A. topic Academic honesty 2. English for Academic Purposes What is EAP – background information Understanding academic terminology Linguistic and textual considerations in academic writing Presenting an argument Paragraph and coherence/cohesion Signalling words Useful expressions The use of Latin and other borrowings Problems with lexical items in Polish-English translation Abstract writing 3. Translation Studies research Introduction to research: Polish and English research styles Disciplinary classification of TS research Understanding the language of research TS research characteristics Types and areas of TS research Historical research Basic models of TS research Research questions and problems Data Research methods in TS Recent developments and new directions 4. Translation Studies resources and background reading Primary, secondary and tertiary sources Location Publication form: electronic and print Evaluation Types of TS resources 5. Compiling a bibliography and documenting sources Bibliography vs. works cited Referencing conventions In-text references Quoting 6. My M.A. project in Translation Studies – time management and research design Research projects vs. M.A. dissertations Temporal dimension – my research in TS is an orderly process Textual dimension – my M.A. dissertation has a structure and follows a style sheet 7. Quality checks – editing and revision Time to revise Types of revision and editing (content, structural, stylistic and copy editing) Computer aids in copy editing Typographical errors Inclusive language Critical point revision Correction symbols and proofreaders’ marks Overview of factors connected with revision Punctuation and typographical signs 8. Communicating research orally Orality, settings and audience Important considerations for successful presentations 9. Preparing for an M.A. exam in Translation Studies M.A. examinations Self-help techniques Question time – thematic areas and sample exam questions in TS 10. Tasks and exercises APPENDICES Appendix 1: FAQs (Frequently asked questions) Appendix 2: Frequently used TS abbreviations and acronyms Appendix 3: Relevant abbreviations in academic writing Appendix 4: Diploma thesis timetable Appendix 5: Research proposals and progress reports Appendix 6: Sample style sheet for M.A. papers in TS Appendix 7: Sample tables of contents Appendix 8: Frequently used revision abbreviations and symbols Appendix 9: Grading systems Appendix 10: Evaluating research – a review sheet Translation Studies library Works cited Index