Unit Overview
- Description
Translators are increasingly called upon to make use of the tools of artificial intelligence in their practice. This unit equips students in translation studies with the tools necessary to reflect on the ethics of the development and use of artificial intelligence and other similar technological resources. Students will develop foundational skills in argument evaluation, critical reasoning, and analytical writing. Topics covered will include the use of generative AI in creative industries, the political implications of the proliferation of such technologies, and the implications of algorithmic decision-making. Students will engage critically with real-world scenarios, gaining the ethical literacy and analytical acumen needed to engage responsibly in an AI-driven world.
Note: international students should bear in mind that this is an online-only unit. International students cannot exceed 24 credit points for online-only study.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
Availability Location Mode First year of offer Not available in 2026 - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) apply foundational techniques of critical thinking to evaluate arguments, identify logical fallacies, and assess the validity of reasoning in complex ethical and policy contexts; (2) critically assess the ethical tensions surrounding AI's appropriation of artistic work (including translations), data ownership, and intellectual property rights; (3) formulate and defend reasoned ethical positions on contemporary AI challenges, integrating insights from applied ethics, political philosophy, and other related areas; (4) analyse the ethical implications of using the tools of artificial intelligence for translation; and (5) explain professional obligations that arise concerning the use of artificial intelligence in the translation industry.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) case analyses; (2) mid-semester oral assessment; and (3) final exam. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Lachlan Umbers
- Unit rules
- Contact hours
- Asynchronous online, optional drop-in sessions to discuss unit material with subject co-ordinator
- Note
- Note: international students should bear in mind that this is an online-only unit. International students cannot exceed 24 credit points for online-only study.
- Texts
- None
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.