Study guide
General Information
Perusopinnot / Basic Studies
Aineopinnot / Intermediate Studies
Syventävät opinnot / Advanced Studies
Pro Gradu -tutkielma / Master's thesis
Studies in translation and interpreting train experts in international communication requiring a high level of language, translation and interpreting skills and a profound knowledge of cultures. Moreover, the studies provide the students with a good command of the means of expression in the mother tongue, and the Master's degree equips them to conduct postgraduate studies in research fields relating to language and intercultural communication, especially to translation and interpreting.
In addition to German Translation and Interpretation as the major subject, degree students (Bachelor's degree) are required to take at least one minor subject. The choice of minor subjects is free. However, students are recommended to choose another language or a subject that offers expertise in a special field, and can thus be useful for future work as a translator or an interpreter. Furthermore, students with German Translation and Interpretation as their major subject are required to complete 15 credits of courses in Finnish.
Studies in German Translation and Interpretation form larger entities at three levels: Basic, Intermediate and Advanced levels. The Bachelor’s level studies usually consist of the Basic and Intermediate level studies, and Advanced studies normally correspond to the Master’s level.
Saksan kielen kääntämisen ja tulkkauksen perusopinnot (25 op)
Basic Studies in German Translation and Interpretation (25 ECTS credits)
The basic studies module comprises 25 credits. During basic studies, students develop their language skills and their linguistic and cultural knowledge needed in university studies and in work. The general objectives of Basic Studies are:
- a good command of contemporary German
- a good knowledge and command of the principles of oral and written communication
- a good knowledge of the cultural backgrounds of German-speaking countries
- a good knowledge of the basics of professional translation
In addition to 25 credits in Basic Studies, degree students have to complete a course in general linguistics: "Yleisen kielitieteen perusteet" (Introduction to General Linguistics) 2 credits. This course is provided by the Department of General Linguistics. The language of tuition is Finnish.
Basic communication skills
P1. Sanastotyö: Terminology Work and Basic Vocabulary
3 ECTS credits (KÄSA2060) Compulsory for degree students
Teachers: Kalle Konttinen
Language of tuition: Finnish
Content and aims: To encourage students to develop their language skills independently and to carry out systematic terminology work by exploiting different aids, references and texts. The course provides an introduction to text analysis and terminology work, and aims to develop students' study skills.
Teaching and learning methods: classes and exercises 28 h (2 hours per week). Alternatively, a written examination on: Vesalainen, Ritva/Greiner, Michael (1996): Saksan perussanasto.
Assessment: Regular attendance at classes, final examination
Grading: numerical 0-5
Period of study: autumn (period 1 and 2)
P2. Tekstityö: Textual Skills
4 ECTS credits (KÄSA2061) Compulsory for degree students
Teacher: Birgit Kretschmann
Language of tuition: German
Content and aims: Students will learn to produce and understand German texts, concentrating on topics and text types which are especially relevant for professional translators and interpreters.
Teaching and learning methods: autumn (period 1 and 2): ecercises 28 h; spring (period 1): written assignment
Assessment: Regular attendance at classes, active participation, exercises, written assignment.
Grading: numerical 0-5
Period of study: autumn (period 1 and 2), spring (period 1)
P3. Kieli- ja tekstitieto: Linguistic and Textual Knowledge
5 ETCS credits (KÄSA2062) Compulsory for degree students
Teacher: N.N.
Language of tuition: German
Content and aims: The course familiarises students with the central concepts of German grammar as well as with special features of the German language, emphasis on differences between grammatical structures in Finnish and German.
Teaching and learning methods: autumn (period 1 and 2): lectures 28 h; spring (period 1 and 2): exercises
Assessment: written exercises, examinations (autumn). Literature: Reimann, Monika: Grundstufen-Grammatik für Deutsch als Fremdsprache. Max Hueber Verlag. ISBN 3-19-001575-9.
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
Period of study: autumn (period 1 and 2), spring (period 1 and 2)
Translation Studies
P4. Johdatus käännösviestintään: Introduction to Translation
2 - 4 ECTS credits (KÄSA2025) Compulsory for degree students
Teacher: Kalle Konttinen
Language of tuition: Finnish
Content and aims: The course provides students with basic knowledge of the practical work of a translator and of translation as a profession, to be applied to translation studies and to practical work. The course also offers students an understanding of the professional and practical orientation of translation studies, and gives an insight into the basic phenomena, problems and concepts involved in translating.
Teaching and learning methods: lectures 12 h, working in small groups 6 h.
Assessment: continuous assessment, two presentations. Alternatively, a written examination based on: Ammann, Margret. Kommunikation und Kultur. Dolmetschen und Übersetzen heute. Eine Einführung für Studierende.
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
Period of study: autumn (period 1 and 2)
P5. Käännösharjoitukset sa-su: Translation Exercises German-Finnish
3 ECTS credits (KÄSA2053) Compulsory for degree students
Teachers: Kalle Konttinen, Mari Junkkari
Language of tuition: Finnish
Content and aims: To practise applying the principles and methods of translation to diverse translation assignments. A selection of translation assignments will be analysed in guided discussion groups.
Teaching and learning methods: classes 28 h, translation exercises
Assessment: participation in classes, translation exercises
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
Period of study: autumn (period 1 and 2) or spring (period 1 and 2)
P6. Käännösharjoitukset su-sa: Translation Exercises Finnish-German
3 ECTS credits (KÄSA2054) Compulsory for degree students
Teacher: Gerda Torikka, N.N.
Language of tuition: German
Content and aims: To develop language skills and to practise applying the principles and methods of translation to diverse translation assignments.
Teaching and learning methods: classes 28 h, translation exercises
Assessment: participation in classes, translation exercises
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
Period of study: autumn (period 1 and 2) or spring (period 1 and 2)
Interpretation
P7. Johdatus tulkkausviestintään: Introduction to Interpretation
3 ECTS credits (KÄSA2065) Compulsory for degree students
Teacher: Leena Laiho
Language of tuition: Finnish
Content and aims: Students will be introduced to the principles and methods of interpretation.
Teaching and learning methods: written examination
Assessment: written examination
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
Period of study: autumn or spring
P8. Tulkkausharjoitukset: Interpretation Exercises
2 ECTS credits (KÄSA2066) Compulsory for degree students
Teachers: Birgit Kretschmann, Leena Laiho
Language of tuition: German and Finnish
Content and aims: Students will learn basic skills in interpretation.
Teaching and learning methods: classes and exercises 28 h
Assessment: continuous assessment
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
Period of study: spring (period 1 and 2)
Optional Studies
P9. Optiot: Options
2 - 6 ECTS credits
Optional studies. Literature to be agreed upon with teachers.
Saksan kielen kääntämisen ja tulkkauksen aineopinnot 45 op / 35 op
Intermediate Studies in German Translation and Interpretation 45 ECTS credits / 35 ECTS credits (minor subject)
The Intermediate Studies module comprises 45 ECTS credits for students with German Translation and Interpretation as their major subject (35 ECTS credits as a minor subject). The aim of the Intermediate Studies is to train the students to work as independent, responsible and professional translators. Moreover, the students will be acquainted with translation theories and theoretical concepts applicable to translation, and will be introduced to the principles of scholarly work and to the literature of the field.
Translation Studies
A1. Käännöstoimeksiannot saksa-suomi I: Translation German-Finnish I
3 ECTS credits (KÄSA1781) Compulsory for degree students
Teacher: Kalle Konttinen
Language of tuition: Finnish
Content and aims: Students will gain practice in applying different translation methods to diverse translation assignments, develop their abilities to carry out translation assignments and learn to comment on the translation process and on the chosen strategies. A selection of translation assignments will be analysed in guided discussion groups.
Teaching and learning methods: classes 28 h (2 hours per week), translation assignments
Assessment: participation in classes, translation assignments
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
Period of study: autumn (period 1 and 2)
A2. Käännöstoimeksiannot saksa-suomi II: Translation German-Finnish II
6 ECTS credits (KÄSA1782) Compulsory for degree students
Teacher: Kalle Konttinen
Language of tuition: Finnish
Content and aims: See A1. Practice in independent and responsible translation work.
Teaching and learning methods: classes 56 h (2 hours per week), translation assignments
Assessment: participation in classes, translation assignments
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
Period of study: autumn (period 1 and 2) and spring (period 1 and 2)
A3. Käännöstoimeksiannot saksa-suomi III: Translation for Professional Purposes German-Finnish III
3 ECTS credits (KÄSA2072) Compulsory for degree students
Teacher: Leena Laiho
Language of tuition: Finnish
Content and aims: Review of some special fields and / or special types of translation. Translation assignments from the fields of technology and industry, law and administration or commerce and economics.
Teaching and learning methods: classes 28 h (2 hours per week), translation assignments
Assessment: participation in classes, translation assignments
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
Period of study: autumn (period 1 and 2) or spring (period 1 and 2)
A4. Käännöstoimeksiannot suomi-saksa I: Translation Finnish-German I
3 ECTS credits (KÄSA1784) Compulsory for degree students
Teachers: Gerda Torikka, N.N.
Language of tuition: German
Content and aims: Students will gain practice in applying different translation methods to diverse translation assignments, develop their abilities to carry out translation assignments, and learn to comment on the translation process and on the chosen strategies. A selection of translation assignments will be analysed in guided discussion groups.
Teaching and learning methods: lectures 7 h, exercises 21 h, translation assignments
Assessment: participation in classes, translation assignments
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
Period of study: autumn (period 1 and 2) or spring (period 1 and 2)
A5. Käännöstoimeksiannot suomi-saksa II: Translation Finnish-German II
6 ECTS credits (KÄSA1785) Compulsory for degree students
Teachers: Gerda Torikka, N.N.
Language of tuition: German
Content and aims: Students will practice applying the principles and methods of translation to diverse translation assignments and learn to comment on the translation process and on the chosen strategies. A selection of translation assignments will be analysed in guided discussion groups. Practice in independent and responsible translation work.
Teaching and learning methods: lectures 10 h, exercises 46 h, translation assignments
Assessment: continuous assessment, translation assignments
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
Period of study: autumn (period 1 and 2) and spring (period 1 and 2)
A6. Käännöstoimeksiannot suomi-saksa III: Translation for Professional Purposes Finnish-German III
3 ECTS credits (KÄSA2073) Compulsory for degree students
Teachers: Birgit Kretschmann, N.N.
Language of tuition: German
Content and aims: See A3
Teaching and learning methods: lectures 8 h, exercises 20 h, translation assignments
Assessment: continuous assessment, translation assignments
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
Period of study: autumn (period 1 and 2) or spring (period 1 and 2)
Degree students (main subject) must choose one of the following courses, A7 or A8:
A7. Tietokoneavusteinen sanastotyö: Computer-Assisted Terminology Work
2 ECTS credits (KÄSA2028)
Teacher: Kalle Konttinen
Language of tuition: Finnish
Content and aims: Students will be introduced to the principles and methods of terminology work and to the equipment used in computer aided terminology work and translation. The course covers the following topics: concepts of terminology, planning of terminology work, the different phases of drawing up a terminology and the technical aids applicable to terminology work, translation memories.
Teaching and learning methods: lectures 14 h, exercises in small groups 6 h
Assessment: participation in classes, independent terminological study. Alternatively, examination based on: Austermühl, Frank. 2001. Übersetzen im Informationszeitalter. Überlegungen zur Zukunft fachkommunikativen und interkulturellen Handelns im Global Village. Trier.
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
Period of study: spring (period 1 and 2)
A8. Kääntäjän sähköinen työympäristö: Translator's Electronic Work Environment
3 ECTS credits (KÄSA2090)
Teacher: Bernd Lüecke
Language of tuition: German
Content and aims: Introduction to the electronic work environment on translators and to the use communication technology and translation tools in a translation company (translation memories, spell check tools, virtual work environment, webbased services)
Teaching and learning methods: exercises 28 h
Assessment: participation in classes and excursions, written assignment
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
Period of study: autumn (period 1 and 2) or spring (period 1 and 2)
A9. Optiot: Options
2 - 6 ECTS credits
Optional translation studies, to be agreed upon with teachers.
Language and cultural studies
Degree students must do at least 6 credits of the following courses (A10, A11, A12, A13, A14):
A10. Yhteiskunnalliset rakenteet ja kansainväliset suhteet: Social Structures and International Relations
3 ECTS credits (KÄSA2074)
Teacher: Birgit Kretschmann
Language of tuition: German
Content and aims: Introduction to the society and institutions of Finland and German-speaking countries as well as to the field of international relations. Students will gain practice in acquiring knowledge of the different areas of society in German-speaking countries and in Finland, from the point of view of translating and cross-cultural communication.
Teaching and learning methods: lectures and exercises 28 h, Assessment: participation in classes, presentations, written assignment
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
Period of study: autumn (period 1 and 2)
A11. Saksan kulttuuri ja kirjallisuus: German Culture and Literature
6 ECTS credits (KÄSA1902)
Teacher: Birgit Kretschmann
Language of tuition: German
Content and aims: Introduction to the culture and literature of Germany. Students will be introduced to important cultural events and phenomena in Germany before the year 1945, special emhasis will be placed on German literature.
Teaching and learning methods: lectures, a written assignment
Assessment: participation in classes, written assignment
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
Period of study: spring (period 1 and 2)
A12. Saksan kielioppi: German Grammar
6 ECTS credits (KÄSA1901)
Teacher: Irmeli Helin
Content and aims: To widen the knowledge of grammatical and structural features and concepts of the German language.
Teaching and learning methods: examination based on: Piitulainen-Lehmus-Sarkola: Saksan kielioppi (Otava 1998).
Assessment: examination
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
A13. Kieliharjoittelu: Language Residency Abroad
3 ECTS credits (KÄSA2075)
Teachers: Gerda Torikka, Birgit Kretschmann
Teaching and learning methods: a minimum of four weeks' stay in a German-speaking country, a report written in German
Grading: pass/fail
A14. Optiot: Options
Optional language and cultural studies. To be agreed upon with teachers.
Research Skills
A15. Käännösviestinnän teoreettiset perusteet: Theoretical Principles of Translation
3 ECTS credits (KÄSA1875) Compulsory for degree students
Teacher: Leena Laiho
Language of tuition: Finnish
Content and aims: To provide students with a profound knowledge of translation theories and concepts applicable to translation, and to provide an understanding of how these theoretical concepts can be exploited in practical translation work.
Teaching and learning methods: lectures 28 h
Assessment: active participation in classes, examination. Alternatively, examination based on literature, to be agreed upon with the teacher.
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
Period of Study: spring (period 1 and 2)
A16. Proseminaari ja kandidaatintutkielma: Proseminar and BA Thesis
10 ECTS credits (KÄSA1787) Compulsory for degree students with German Translation and Interpretation as their major subject
Teacher: Irmeli Helin
Language of tuition: Finnish
Content and aims: Students will be introduced to the principles of translation research and will gain practice in acquiring, exploiting and presenting scholarly knowledge. During the course students will write their BA thesis. To obtain the credits for this course and their BA degree, students must also write an essay in Finnish on the subject area of the BA thesis to show their proficiency in writing on a scholarly subject in Finnish (kypsyysnäyte).
Teaching and learning methods: lectures 14 h, participation in seminar discussions, BA thesis
Assessment: participation in seminar discussions, BA thesis
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
Period of study: autumn or spring
A17. Optiot: Options
Optional studies, to be agreed upon with teachers.
Saksan kielen kääntämisen ja tulkkauksen syventävät opinnot 80 op / 60 op
Advanced Studies in German Translation and Interpretation 80 ECTS credits / 60 ECTS credits (minor subject)
The Advanced Studies module comprises 80 ECTS credits (60 ECTS credits as a minor subject). The aim of the Advanced Studies is to deepen and expand the student's knowledge of research, methodology and theory formulation in the fields of translation, communication and linguistics.
Expertise in Translation and Interpretation
Degree students must choose at least 15 credits of the following courses:
S1. Käännösnäyte saksa-suomi: Demonstration of Professional Proficiency in Translation: German-Finnish
3 - 6 ECTS credits (KÄSA8918) 3 credits compulsory for degree students
Teacher: Leena Laiho
Language of tuition: Finnish
Content and aims: Students will gain practice in carrying out demanding translation assignments independently and professionally, and will learn to justify the chosen strategies and to comment theoretically on the translation process. Practice in critical analysis of a translation assignment.
Teaching and learning methods: Active participation in seminars. During the course, the student produces a translation including a commentary on the translation process. Assessment of another student's translation.
Assessment: translation assignment, translation assessment, active participation in seminars.
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
Period of study: autumn (period 1 and 2) or spring (period 1 and 2)
S2. Käännösnäyte suomi-saksa: Demonstration of Professional Proficiency in Translation: Finnish-German
3 ECTS credits (KÄSA8971) Compulsory for degree students
Teacher: Gerda Torikka
Language of tuition: German
Content and aims: See S1.
Teaching and learning methods: See S1.
Assessment: translation assignment, translation assessment, active participation in seminars
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
Period of study: autumn (period 1 and 2) or spring (period 1 and 2)
S3. Käännösprojekti saksa-suomi: Translation Project German-Finnish
3 ECTS credits (KÄSA2081)
Teachers: Kalle Konttinen, Leena Laiho
Language of tuition: Finnish
Content and aims: Students will further develop their proficiency in translation and their ability to recognize and solve translation problems by carrying out demanding translation assignments.
Teaching and learning methods: Students will carry out a number of translation assignments independently. Participation in seminars.
Assessment: translation assignments, active participation in seminars
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
Period of study: spring (period 1 and 2)
S4. Käännösprojekti suomi-saksa: Translation Project Finnish-German
3 - 6 ECTS credits (KÄSA2082)
Teachers: Bernd Lüecke, Gerda Torikka
Language of tuition: German
Content and aims: Students will further develop their proficiency in translation and their ability to recognize and solve translation problems by carrying out demanding translation assignments. Students will be acquainted with principles and methods of project work.
Teaching and learning methods: Lectures and translation assignments. Students will work as a translation team and carry out a number of translation assignments as translation projects.
Assessment: project management, translation assignments
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
Period of study: autumn (period 1 and 2) or spring (period 1 and 2)
S5. Suomentajaseminaari: Literary Translation Ger-Fin, Seminar
3 - 6 ECTS credits (KÄSA2013)
Teacher: Leena Laiho
Language of tuition: Finnish
Content and aims: Students will gain an insight into the various aspects of literary translation, including the economic, legal and cultural aspects. Students will be acquainted with the negotiation process connected with literary translation assignments and the role of publishers and translators in this process. Students will be able to give a demonstration of professional proficiency in literary translation to a publisher.
Teaching and learning methods: lectures and seminars, translation assignments, critical analysis of the translations
Assessment: active participation in seminar discussions, translation assignments, translation analysis
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
Period of study: autumn (period 1 and 2) or spring (period 1 and 2)
Interpretation
The students can specialize in interpretation by choosing up to 15 credits of the following courses:
S6. Konsekutiivitulkkaus I: Consecutive Interpretation I
3 ECTS credits (KÄSA2083)
Teachers: Birgit Kretschmann, Leena Laiho
Language of tuition: Finnish and German
Content and aims: Students will practise consecutive interpretation in different situations, including discussions, negotiations and presentations. Students will learn the techniques and methods used in consecutive interpretation.
Teaching and learning methods: Exercises 28 h. Preparation for interpretation, interpretation exercises, participation in evaluation of the interpretation exercises.
Assessment: active participation in exercises and evaluation
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
Period of study: autumn (period 1)
S7. Konsekutiivitulkkaus II: Consecutive Interpretation II
3 ECTS credits (KÄSA2084)
Teacher: Birgit Kretschmann, Leena Laiho
Language of tuition: Finnish and German
Prerequisites: S6 or equivalent skills
Content and aims: Students will practise consecutive interpretation in various demanding situations. Students will develop their interpretation skills and be acquainted with preparatory work (e.g. research and terminology work) needed for successful interpretation.
Teaching and learning methods: Exercises 28 h. Interpretation exercises, evaluation of the interpretation exercises, written analysis
Assessment: active participation, written analysis
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
Period of study: autumn (period 2)
S8. Simultaanitulkkaus I: Simultaneous Interpretation I
3 ECTS credits (KÄSA2085)
Teachers: Birgit Kretschmann, Leena Laiho
Language of tuition: Finnish and German
Prerequisites: S6 and S7 or equivalent skills
Content and aims: Students will learn the basic principles, techniques and methods of simultaneous interpretation. Students will practise simultaneous interpretation, starting with simple exercises. Towards the of the course, the situations will start to resemble actual conference situations.
Teaching and learning methods: Exercises 28 h. Interpretation exercises, preparation for interpretation, evaluation of the interpretation exercises, written analysis, information material on a particular topic.
Assessment: active participation, written assignments
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
Period of study: spring (period 1)
S9. Simultaanitulkkaus II: Simultaneous Interpretation II
3 ECTS credits ( KÄSA2086)
Teachers: Birgit Kretschmann, Leena Laiho
Language of tuition: Finnish and German
Prerequisites: S6, S7 and S8 or equivalent skills
Content and aims: Students will develop their skills in conference interpreting. Students will practice simultaneous interpreting of demanding speeches, requiring intensive preparation work.
Teaching and learning methods: Exercises 28 h. Interpretation exercises, preparation for interpretation, evaluation, written analysis, examination.
Assessment: active participation, written assignments, examination
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
Period of study: spring (period 2)
S10. Konferenssitulkkaus: Conference Interpreting
3 ECTS credits (KÄSA2087)
Teachers: Birgit Kretschmann, Leena Laiho and other lecturers
Language of tuition: Finnish and German
Prerequisites: S6, S7, S8 and S9 or equivalent skills
Content and aims: Students will act as interpreters in a simulated conference on a socially significant, current topic. Interpreting requires intensive preparation work and research. Students will gain experience in working as a team of interpreters.
Teaching and learning methods: Interpreting assignments (German > Finnish > German) in a simulated conference, preparation and research, discussion and evaluation, written analysis of two assignments.
Assessment: interpreting assignments, written analysis
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
Period of study: spring (period 2)
Research Skills and Professional Proficiency
Degree students must choose at least 25 credits of the following courses.
S11. Seminaari: Seminar
6 ECTS credits (KÄSA2037)
Teacher: Irmeli Helin
Language of tuition: Finnish
Content and aims: Students will gain experience in independent scholarly work. During the seminar students will choose a topic for their Master's thesis, present a research plan and start gathering and analysing their research material, using different sources of information. Teaching and learning methods: lectures 12 h, seminar discussions
Assessment: participation in seminar discussions, preparation for the Master's thesis
Grading: numerical 0 - 5
Period of study: autumn or spring
S12. Työharjoittelu: Traineeship
3 - 6 ECTS credits (KÄSA1860)
Teacher: Irmeli Helin
Content and aims: Students will work for at least two months in the field of translation or equivalent. Students will gain an insight into the work of a translator in practice and develop their professional skills.
Teaching and learning methods: working period of at least two months, written report
Grading: pass/fail
Optiot: Options
Options are optional studies which may be taken either in the form of lecture courses or by taking an exam on reading agreed upon with professor Irmeli Helin. Students will deepen their knowledge of linguistics and translation theory. The extent of an option usually varies from 2 to 6 ECTS credits. Available options include for example the following subject areas:
S13. Theories of Translation
S14. History of Translation
S15. Semantics
S16. Linguistic Stylistics
S17. Psycholinguistics
S18. Sociolinguistics
S19. Applied Linguistics
S20. Contrastive Linguistics
S21. Text Linguistics
S22. Lexicography
S23. Terminology and Terminology Work
S24. Special Field Translation
S25. Cultural History
S26. Intercultural Communication
S27. Theories and Research of Interpretation
Pro gradu -tutkielma: Master's Thesis
40 ECTS credits Compulsory for degree students with German Translation and Interpretation as their major subject.
Sivuaineen -tutkielma: Thesis (minor subject)
20 ECTS credits Compulsory for degree students with German Translation and Interpretation as their minor subject.