PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES IN TRANSLATION PROGRAMME COURSE DESCRIPTION

Code	Name of the Course Unit	Semester	In-Class Hours (T+P)	Credit	ECTS Credit
ETI401	PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES IN TRANSLATION	7	3	3	8

GENERAL INFORMATION
Language of Instruction :	English
Level of the Course Unit :	BACHELOR'S DEGREE, TYY: + 6.Level, EQF-LLL: 6.Level, QF-EHEA: First Cycle
Type of the Course :	Compulsory
Mode of Delivery of the Course Unit	-
Coordinator of the Course Unit	Assist.Prof. VAHİDE METİN
Instructor(s) of the Course Unit
Course Prerequisite	No

OBJECTIVES AND CONTENTS
Objectives of the Course Unit:	The purpose of this course is to prepare students for the legal, commercial, ethical, and operational processes of the translation industry, enabling them to establish a professional translator identity. The course aims to enhance students' industry competence in areas such as freelance and in-house employment models, pricing and proposal preparation, copyright and contract law, professional codes of ethics, quality standards (ISO 17100), and personal branding.
Contents of the Course Unit:	This course covers the structure and professional working conditions of the global and local translation markets. Content includes cost calculation and unit pricing in translation projects, client and agency relationship management, translation contracts and copyright law, professional ethics, translation associations, CV/portfolio preparation, digital marketing strategies, and translation project management processes.

KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES OF THE COURSE UNIT (On successful completion of this course unit, students/learners will or will be able to)
Students will be able to apply pricing, contract drafting, invoicing, and digital profile optimization processes required to operate as freelance or in-house translators in real-world scenarios. Students will be able to critically evaluate translation project management workflows, quality standards (ISO 17100/18587), and professional ethics—including AI integration—in line with industry demands.

WEEKLY COURSE CONTENTS AND STUDY MATERIALS FOR PRELIMINARY & FURTHER STUDY
Week	Preparatory	Topics(Subjects)	Method
1	-	Introduction to the Translation Industry and Market Structure: Analysis of local and global translation markets; translation agencies, language service providers (LSPs), corporate entities, and freelancing models.	Lecture & Discussion
2	Reading the assigned material	Fundamentals of Freelance Translation: Freelance translator identity; taxation processes, setting up a sole proprietorship, invoicing, and official tax obligations.	Lecture & Discussion
3	Reading the assigned material	Pricing, Cost Calculation, and Proposal Preparation	Lecture & Discussion
4	Reading the assigned material	Translation Contracts and Copyright Law: Service agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), copyright law (FSEK), and the legal liabilities of the translator.	Lecture & Discussion
5	Reading the assigned material	Client and Agency Relationship Management	Lecture & Discussion
6	Reading the assigned material	Professional Ethics and Deontology: Codes of ethics in translation; confidentiality, impartiality, limits of competence, ethical principles in AI usage, and professional misconduct.	Lecture & Discussion
7	Reading the assigned material	Quality Standards and Accreditation: Quality standards in the translation industry (ISO 17100, ISO 18587); translation associations (ÇEVBİR, TUÇED, FIT), and accreditation processes.	Lecture & Discussion
8	Reading the assigned material	Translation Project Management: Workflow in a translation agency; the role of the Project Manager (PM), resource management, deadlines, and budget tracking.	Lecture & Discussion
9	Reading the assigned material	Personal Branding and Digital Presence: Preparing a professional CV and cover letter; optimizing ProZ, LinkedIn, and Smartcat profiles; defining a niche area.	Lecture & Discussion
10	-	MID-TERM EXAM	-
11	Reading the assigned material	Technology Integration and Productivity Tools	Lecture & Discussion
12	Reading the assigned material	Industry Guests and Real-World Case Studies: Talks and case analyses with invited industry speakers (agency owners, senior freelance translators, project managers).	Lecture & Discussion
13	Reading the assigned material	Final Portfolio Preparation and Simulation: Review of professional portfolios (CV, translation samples, rate cards, draft contracts) and simulated job interviews.	Lecture & Discussion
14	Reviewing	Overall Review	Lecture & Discussion
15	Reviewing	Overall Review	Lecture & Discussion
16	-	FINAL EXAM	-
17	-	FINAL EXAM	-

SOURCE MATERIALS & RECOMMENDED READING

ASSESSMENT
Assessment & Grading of In-Term Activities	Number of Activities	Degree of Contribution (%)	Description	Examination Method

Level of Contribution
0	1	2	3	4	5

KNOWLEDGE
Theoretical
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Knows translation theories, linguistic approaches, and intercultural communication models.	0
2	Explains fundamental concepts related to the relationship between language, culture, and meaning.	0
3	Evaluates the historical development and theoretical orientations of the field of translation studies.	0

KNOWLEDGE
Factual
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Identifies the grammatical, semantic, and cultural characteristics of source and target languages.	0
2	Has knowledge of the structural and functional features of various text types.	0
3	Recognizes institutions, professional standards, and ethical principles related to the translation industry.					4

SKILLS
Cognitive
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Analyzes written and oral texts in terms of language, meaning, and context.	0
2	Determines appropriate translation strategies and reconstructs meaning with consideration of cultural differences.	0
3	Evaluates translation problems through critical thinking and problem-solving skills.	0

SKILLS
Practical
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Effectively uses professional tools and technological software in written and oral translation processes.					4
2	Performs translation practices in various fields such as law, literature, technology, and media.					4
3	Manages translation projects by observing time management and quality standards.					4

OCCUPATIONAL
Autonomy & Responsibility
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Plans, conducts, and evaluates translation projects individually or as part of a team.					4
2	Solves problems in translation processes by making independent decisions.	0
3	Takes responsibility in professional practices and demonstrates leadership when necessary.	0
4	Works collaboratively with different stakeholders to achieve common goals.	0

OCCUPATIONAL
Learning to Learn
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Follows new research and technological developments in the field.	0
2	Continuously improves professional knowledge and skills through lifelong learning.					4
3	Identifies personal learning needs and applies independent learning strategies.	0

OCCUPATIONAL
Communication & Social
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Communicates effectively in multicultural environments and contributes to teamwork.	0
2	Uses English and Turkish fluently and accurately in professional and social contexts.	0
3	Respects intercultural differences and acts in accordance with ethical values.	0

OCCUPATIONAL
Occupational and/or Vocational
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Adheres to the principles of confidentiality, impartiality, and accuracy in the translation process.						5
2	Assumes professional responsibility and makes ethical decisions in translation projects.					4
3	Acts professionally in accordance with national and international standards of the field.						5

WORKLOAD & ECTS CREDITS OF THE COURSE UNIT
Workload for Learning & Teaching Activities
Type of the Learning Activites	Learning Activities (# of week)	Duration (hours, h)	Workload (h)
Lecture & In-Class Activities	14	3	42
Preliminary & Further Study	14	2	28
Land Surveying	0	0	0
Group Work	13	2	26
Laboratory	0	0	0
Reading	13	3	39
Assignment (Homework)	13	2	26
Project Work	0	0	0
Seminar	0	0	0
Internship	0	0	0
Technical Visit	0	0	0
Web Based Learning	0	0	0
Implementation/Application/Practice	0	0	0
Practice at a workplace	0	0	0
Occupational Activity	0	0	0
Social Activity	0	0	0
Thesis Work	0	0	0
Field Study	0	0	0
Report Writing	0	0	0
Final Exam	1	1	1
Preparation for the Final Exam	20	1	20
Mid-Term Exam	1	1	1
Preparation for the Mid-Term Exam	20	1	20
Short Exam	0	0	0
Preparation for the Short Exam	0	0	0
TOTAL	109	0	203