This course provides a platform for discussion and dialogue among postgraduate students, research supervisors and colleagues in the field of Translation Studies. Seminars are organized to facilitate intellectual exchange and friendly debates in order to further invigorate the pursuit of knowledge and ideas in translation. Students are encouraged to engage critically with topics in a wide range of domains including translation theory, translation history, translation practice, translation criticism, the relation between translation and bilingual communication, and others.

In addition to giving seminar presentations, students are encouraged to attend or study videos of actual academic seminars. The topics are negotiated with the class, and the content may include the following:

(1) Introduction to different topics on translation and bilingual communication, and the keys to their successful communication in academic seminars;

(2) How to prepare for seminar presentations—selection of topic, formulation of thesis, collection of material, shaping of arguments, styles of delivery, working within the time constraint, taking the discussion session seriously;

(3) Studying presentations by others, participation in discussion sessions, giving presentations;

(4) Post-seminar discussion and analysis: self-evaluation, evaluation by others. What constitutes a good performance and what are the reasons for disappointing presentations? Questions, views and ideas inspired/provoked by the presentations. Possibilities for further research? and

(5) Ways of overcoming the inhibition to speak in public, of finding one's own voice, and of making it heard.