Outline

Overview

This unit will introduce the principles and codes of conduct of translators as language professionals providing practical guidelines to translators. These principles and codes of conduct have been developed by Australian professional bodies of translators and interpreters and are widely endorsed by industry and language practitioners. They include professional conduct, confidentiality, competence, impartiality, accuracy, clarity of role boundaries, maintaining professional relationships and solidarity. This unit will introduce essential concepts of translation ethics to students in an advanced stage of language studies equipping them to work as language professionals in Australia

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Languages and Cultures
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	ICLS2200
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	SLCS4203
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Christine Ji, christine.ji@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Hongchong Yu, hongchong.yu@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Small continuous assessment	Case analysis Test 1 Applying the principles of Translation Accuracy in case scenarios.	10%	Week 02	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Case analysis Test 2 Applying the principles of Professional Competence in case scenarios.	5%	Week 04	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Case analysis Test 3 Applying the principles of Translation Impartiality in case scenarios.	5%	Week 06	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Case analysis Test 4 Applying the principles of Translation Confidentiality in case scenarios.	10%	Week 08	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Case analysis Test 5 Applying the principles of Role Boundaries in case scenarios.	5%	Week 10	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Team Project Develop and present a team project applying the principles of translation & interpreting. Group Presentation (15%) in W12; Written reflection (10%) due in W13.	25%	Week 12	1500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Case analysis Test 6 Applying the principles of Professional Relationships in case scenarios.	5%	Week 12	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Knowledge Test Test essential concepts, principles of ethical translation & interpreting.	20%	Week 13	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Creative assessment / demonstration	Interviews Apply the overall knowledge acquired in this unit.	15%	Week 13	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

This unit contains a lecture and a tutorial or workshop per week for 13 weeks. Various assessments will be designed to examine timely the students’ understanding of the new knowledge and their competency to apply the new knowledge in complex scenarios. The knowledge test (20%) will evaluate students’ understanding of essential concepts and principles of ethical translation. The scenario-based case analyses will test students’ ability to apply the new knowledge in real-life, complex scenarios. The group project (25%) provides an opportunity for students to develop a simulated case study to interpret the principles and codes of conduct in self-designed scenarios. During the oral interview, students will have the opportunity to discuss with the examiner applying the overall knowledge acquired in this unit. Detailed information for each assessment can be found in the Canvas site for this unit.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to Translation Accuracy	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Case Analyses of Translation Accuracy	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Applying the principles of Translation Accuracy in practical scenarios	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Case analysis Test 1 and Discussions	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Introduction to Professional Competence	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Case Analyses of Professional Competence	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Applying the principles of Professional Competence in practical scenarios	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Case analysis Test 2 and Discussions	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Introduction to Translation Impartiality	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Case Analyses of Translation Impartiality	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Applying the principles of Translation Impartiality in practical scenarios	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Case analysis Test 3 and Discussions	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Introduction to Translation Confidentiality	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Case Analyses of Translation Confidentiality	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Applying the principles of Translation Confidentiality in practical scenarios	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Case analysis Test 4 and Discussions	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Introduction to Role Boundaries	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Case Analyses of Role Boundaries	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Applying the principles of Role Boundaries in practical scenarios	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Case analysis Test 5 and Discussions	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Introduction to Professional Relationships	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Case Analyses of Professional Relationships	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Team Project	Project (1 hr)
Week 12	Case analysis Test 6 and Discussions	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Translation Ethics Knowledge Test	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Interviews	Performance (1 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Students will learn to demonstrate a familiarity with essential concepts and principles of ethical translation practices.
LO2. Students will learn to apply the principles and codes of conduct in real-life, complex scenarios based on the thorough scenario-based case studies exercise throughout the semester.
LO3. Students will learn to demonstrate practical skills to work professionally, effectively with a range of stakeholders, clients.
LO4. Students will learn to make professionally sound decisions and adhere to the codes of conduct in complex contexts.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Updated for 2025 based on USS survey in 2024.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

SLCS3001: Ethics in Translating and Interpreting

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links