(MA) Master of Arts
Western Marxism and Translation
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Philosophical, Historical, and Interdisciplinary Studies (School of)
Colchester Campus
Masters
Full-time
MA V5T112
08/05/2024
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
A 2:2 degree in one of the following subjects:
- Archaeology
- Anthropology
- Art History
- Foreign Languages (must include an essay-writing component)
- History
- Law
- Literature which includes at least one module in Philosophy or Marxism
- Marxism
- Philosophy
- Politics
- Sociology
We will also consider applicants with any other 2:2 degree or above.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
If English is not your first language, we require IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum
component score of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in all other components.
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English
pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Additional Notes
The University uses academic selection criteria to determine an applicant’s ability to
successfully complete a course at the University of Essex. Where appropriate, we may ask
for specific information relating to previous modules studied or work experience.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
This MA will equip students both with important subject knowledge in Western Marxism and translation skills from English into their mother tongue. They will study at a world-leading centre for Western Marxism, with modules focused on the Frankfurt School, and Western Marxist critiques of capitalism. They will also benefit from the excellent translation modules and expertise available at Essex. To cap off their studies, they will – with the help of individual supervision by both a subject expert and a translation expert – translate a not-yet-translated source from Western Marxism and write a scholarly commentary on it. This will place them in an excellent position to pursue an academic career (or another career in research or teaching).
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Knowledge of philosophical texts from traditions of Western Marxism and a variety of historical and social contexts.
A2: Knowledge of techniques of philosophical reasoning and different conceptions of philosophical method.
A3: Knowledge of major issues currently being debated within Western Marxism.
A4: Knowledge of intercultural communication, ethics and code of practice in professional translation and communication.
A5: Knowledge of principles of translation and project management.
Learning methods
A1-A3 are acquired through: teaching in lecture, class and seminar format; lecturers conveying module content in a general manner while allowing for, and encouraging, questions from students; classes and seminars generally focusing on specific textual, argumentative or practical examples, where emphasis is placed on student discussion.
A4-A5 are addressed through attendance at lectures and application of the principles encountered in lectures to practical tasks undertaken in classes, labs and in independent work. A4 is further addressed through lectures and seminar discussion. A5 is also developed through the construction of personal glossaries and Translation Memories based on assignments undertaken in class, lab and independent work.
The use of books and journal articles to convey module content.
The use of books, journal articles and internet resources to write coursework.
Assessment methods
Outcomes A1-A3 are assessed through continuous coursework.
Coursework consists of plans, essays, quizzes, commentaries, presentations and reports during the academic year for a specified module, returned with a grade and written/audio feedback for the student. It also includes a portfolio (consisting out of an original translation and commentary on a source within the Western Marxist tradition).
Coursework tests the ability to research a topic using, for example, library and internet resources, expound specified texts and enter into detailed argumentation with them.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Ability to identify complex arguments and to present one's own evaluation of them.
B2: Ability to use and criticise specialised philosophical terminology.
B3: Ability to summarise complex and demanding texts, often written at historical distance, and to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the views they propose.
B4: Ability to identify underlying issues in philosophical texts, debates and arguments, and to highlight deficiencies such as unquestioned assumptions, superficial analogies and unsubstantiated claims.
Learning methods
Skills B1-B4 are obtained and developed through the teaching and learning methods described above.
Students are expected to read background material for lectures and classes, and to participate fully in class discussions.
Assessment methods
Outcomes B1-B4 are assessed through continuous coursework.
Coursework consists of plans, essays, quizzes, commentaries, presentations and reports during the academic year for a specified module, returned with a grade and written/audio feedback for the student. It also includes a portfolio (consisting out of an original translation and commentary on a source within the Western Marxist tradition).
C: Practical skills
C1: Communicating ideas, information and arguments in oral and written form in English and Chinese, with a level of fluency, accuracy, clarity and effectiveness across a range of registers and styles.
C2: Ability to abstract and synthesize relevant information from a range of sources, including books, journal articles, library and internet resources.
C3: Collaborating with others to produce joint solutions to problems; grasping other points of view.
C4: Working autonomously; time management; working to deadlines; using e-resources to inform decisions.
Learning methods
Skills C1-C4 are gained by participation in class discussion, discussion with the lecturer during class and office hours, independent research for and writing of coursework.
Assessment methods
Outcomes C1-C4 are assessed through continuous coursework.
Coursework consists of plans, essays, quizzes, commentaries, presentations and reports during the academic year for a specified module, returned with a grade and written/audio feedback for the student. It also includes a portfolio (consisting out of an original translation and commentary on a source within the Western Marxist tradition).
D: Key skills
D1: Ability to write clearly, and to communicate ideas to an audience.
D2: Use of relevant information technology to research and present written work.
D3: Not applicable.
D4: Ability to identify the problem to be solved; to articulate critically the assumptions underlying or connected with the problem; to compare and contrast differing and often contradictory solutions to the problem; and to provide argument and evidence in defence of one's solution to the problem
D5: Ability to co-operate in researching and presenting philosophical ideas and texts
D6: Ability to read closely and carefully; to organize one's reading and thinking in relation to specific topics; to learn from feedback from the lecturer in the form of written comments on coursework and oral communication; and to work to deadline
Learning methods
Skills D1, 2, 4, 5 & 6 are acquired and developed through the teaching and learning methods described above, and in class discussions.
Students are encouraged to use the University key skills on-line package, word processing packages, library searches and internet philosophy resources.
Assessment methods
Outcomes D1, 2, 4, 5 & 6 are assessed through continuous coursework.
Coursework consists of plans, essays, quizzes, commentaries, presentations and reports during the academic year for a specified module, returned with a grade and written/audio feedback for the student. It also includes a portfolio (consisting out of an original translation and commentary on a source within the Western Marxist tradition).