Master of Arts in Bible Translation

Purpose

The Master of Arts in Bible Translation [MA (Bible Translation)] aims to achieve the following: to educate and train individuals to translate the Bible and, through research, generate knowledge to do so. Bible translation involves a complex knowledge of translation theory and methodology, the ancient source texts and their cultural context, and the target language and its linguistic structures. The qualification will thus provide documentation that learners have achieved competency in these areas for the purpose of Bible translation.

Rationale

Bible translation is a very important activity world-wide, especially in Africa and Asia.

The qualification is especially important for the main not-for-profit organisations involved in Bible translation. Bible translation organisations are focussing now on training of indigenous translators as opposed to the colonial model of an ex-patriate translating the Bible. The qualification is thus in accordance with the main goals of the organisations involved in Bible translation and enhances the value of indigenous languages.

There is no tradition of a Bachelor's Degree in Bible translation in South Africa. Instead, learners who want to study Bible Translation typically come from a theology background, secondarily from the study of the ancient biblical source languages (Hebrew and Greek), and thirdly from linguistics. The qualification will provide postgraduate education and training for learners in a field that is growing.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements stated, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. RPL will be applied according to the Recognition of prior learning, credit accumulation and transfer, and assessment (CHE 2016) and institution's RPL policy. The process will be managed by the central RPL Office in collaboration with the Faculty of Theology.

Note that

• Through its RPL policy and RPL Office, the institution will ensure that quality assurance processes that address the specificities of the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems) and are implemented; and that administrative and support systems, both prior and subsequent to RPL assessment, are in place.
• Applicants will be assessed against Level 8 competencies. Furthermore, an RPL application for access will be evaluated against the entry requirements of the Master of Arts in Bible Translation and assessment will be undertaken by the Faculty of Theology.

Credit accumulation and transfer will be applied when a learner's achievements are recognised and contribute to further learning even if the student has not obtained a qualification. Any and all credits for an incomplete qualification may be recognised as meeting part of the requirements for the Master of Arts in Bible Translation as per institutional General Rules.

Entry Requirements

• Bachelor of Divinity, Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Theology Honours, Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Arts Honours, Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Theology, Level 8.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

• Theory and Practice of Bible Translation, 40 Credits.
• Linguistics for Bible Translators or Advanced Topics in Linguistics for Bible Translators, 40 Credits.
• Bible Hermeneutics, Exegesis and Theology or Advanced Topics in Biblical Languages for Bible Translators, 40 Credits.
• Mini-dissertation or published article/publishable manuscript, 60 Credits.

1. Apply the main approaches to translation.
2. Understand and apply the key terms, concepts and techniques of the various approaches to translation within the realm of Bible translation.
3. Apply the key terms and concepts of linguistics as applied within the realm of Bible translation.
4. Identify and distinguish a variety of hermeneutical approaches to biblical texts.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of current synchronic and literary approaches to biblical exegesis and discriminate/evaluate these.
6. Identify, distinguish between and apply historical critical approaches to biblical exegesis.
7. Generate, through research knowledge of Bible translation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Apply the functionalist approach to translation.
• Apply the descriptivist approach to translation.
• Formulate translation briefs for translation projects.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Describe and apply the key terms and concepts of the various approaches to translation within the realm of Bible translation.
• Analyse and apply the translation techniques and strategies in Bible translation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Understand and apply the key concepts of linguistics and apply them to issues of Bible translation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Understand, analyse and evaluate a variety of hermeneutical approaches used by biblical commentaries with respect to biblical texts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Understand current synchronic and literary approaches to biblical exegesis.
• Distinguish between these approaches and suggest suitable approaches for a particular context.
• Analyse current synchronic and literary approaches to biblical exegesis with respect to translation of the Bible.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Identify, distinguish and apply historical critical approaches to biblical exegesis.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Identify an issue/problem.
• Design a research plan and methodology based on a literature review.
• Conduct the research.
• Collect and analyse data.
• Daw findings and communicate them.

Integrated Assessment

The MA (Bible Translation) by coursework and mini-dissertation: The three coursework modules will be assessed through formative and summative assessment. Formative assessment will comprise, but is not exclusive to written assignments and presentations.

The assessment approach for course content in the coursework MA (Bible Translation) will include elements of both summative (final examination) and formative (written assignment and practical/seminars/simulation exercises).

Formative assessment will account for 50% of the final mark, while summative assessment for the other 50%. The combined mark of these forms will constitute the final grade and will determine whether a student passed or failed a module.

Summative assessment: The module representing the research component of the requirements for a Master's Degree by coursework and mini-dissertation entails writing a coursework Master's mini-dissertation and generally comprises between 20 000 and 30 000 words, depending on the subject field and unless the faculty rules specify otherwise. It contains a justifiable argument that is based on research of limited scope and counts 50% of the achievement mark.