Module: The Ethics of Intepreting

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	The Ethics of Intepreting
Module Code	TRA1001 (ITS: LC588M)
Faculty	SALIS	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5

Description

This online micro-credentials module fills a gap in interpreter training in Ireland. There is no other accredited University training for spoken language interpreters working on the Irish market. This micro-credentials module will be of interest to freelance interpreters who are currently working in hospitals and with GPs, in garda stations, courts, social protection and international protection. It is also suitable for people with high level language skills who are interested in becoming interpreters. This module focuses on interpreter ethics in a variety of settings in Ireland. The settings include courts, garda stations, hospitals, GPs, social protection and international protection. What do codes of ethics recommend? Do they address all the issues that may arise?

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically analyse the ethical principles that apply to interpreters working in different settings in Ireland
2. Explain their role and role boundaries to those who use their services
3. Demonstrate understanding of the potential implications of unethical interpreter behaviour
4. Apply the basic principles of interpreter codes of ethics to different ethical dilemmas that may arise
5. Deconstruct personal values to increase self awareness when interpreting
6. Align what they do when interpreting with the Irish Translators' and Interpreters' Association (ITIA) code of ethics

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	11	Online lecture focusing on interpreter ethics in different settings
Online activity	11	Discussion of the pros and cons of particular interpreter behaviour Bases for decision-making by interpreters
Directed learning	22	Reading and reflecting on assigned materials in preparation for classes.
Assignment Completion	20	Completion of research for assignment and assignment preparation and submission.
Independent Study	61	Additional reading to learn more about the Ethics of Interpreting. Debate and discussion with interpreter colleagues.
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20021	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator		Module Teacher

Section Breakdown
CRN	21330	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator		Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Essay	Students will be asked to write an essay where they apply ethical principles to various interpreting scenarios, draw on international research, and explain appropriate courses of action.	100%	Week 12

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to The Ethics of Interpreting
What is ethics? How do ethics apply to interpreters working in different settings in Ireland?

What ethical dilemmas have you experienced in your work?
Sharing of information on this issue. Discussion about best practice.

What code of ethics applies to interpreters working in the Irish market?
Translation companies' codes of ethics and non-disclosure agreements.

Irish Translators' and Interpreters' Association Code of Ethics

Is advocacy good or bad in the context of interpreting?
International and national views on advocacy

What can interpreters do to reduce risk?
Proactive strategies to reduce the likelihood of ethical issues arising

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Mary Phelan,Mette Rudvin,Hanne Skaaden,Patrick Kermit: 2019, Ethics in Public Service Interpreting, Routledge, 214, 9781138886155
Sandra Hale: 2007, Community Interpreting, Palgrave Macmillan, 256, 140394069X

Articles:
None

Other Resources

Website: Irish Translators' and Interpreters' Association, ITIA code of ethics, https://www.translatorsassociation.ie/itia-code-of-ethics/
Website: EULITA, EULITA code of ethics, https://www.eulita.eu/en/code-ethics/