BA in English and Translation Studies is designed for students who aspire to learn how to generate original or translated content that effectively communicates ideas and messages to a variety of audiences. The program aims to improve students’ command of English and of a second foreign language, by developing their lexical repertoire and polishing their writing style. The program provides the opportunity to deepen mastery of specific skill sets through minoring in PR, Public Administration, Law, Marketing, International Relations, etc. This prepares students for a wide range of careers in the academic, corporate, administrative, and non-governmental sectors.
Students of this program will be able to:
- Apply theoretical concepts and principles of translation studies to critically analyze and evaluate translation strategies, techniques, and approaches;
- Develop research skills to identify, access, and critically evaluate relevant literature, resources, and sources in translation studies and related disciplines, design and conduct research projects in translation studies;
- Cultivate multilingual and intercultural competence to navigate diverse linguistic and cultural contexts in translation practice and research;
- Adhere to ethical principles and professional standards in translation practice, including accuracy, confidentiality, integrity, and respect for intellectual property rights;
- Utilize translation technologies and tools effectively to enhance translation efficiency, accuracy, and productivity;
- Communicate effectively and collaborate with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders in translation projects, demonstrating professionalism, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity;
- Engage in lifelong learning and professional development activities to stay current with advancements in translation studies, technologies, and industry trends.
BATS Curriculum
Requirements for the BA in Translation Studies are as follows:
| Category of Courses | Credits | ECTS |
| General Education | 36 | 56 |
| Required Courses | 33 | 51 |
| Elective Courses | 3 | 5 |
| Program Foundation | 71 | 117 |
| Required Courses | 38 | 62 |
| Elective Courses | 33 | 55 |
| Program Specialization | 36 | 59 |
| Required Courses | 12 | 19 |
| Elective Courses | 24 | 40 |
| Final Attestation | 3 | 8 |
| Total Required for Graduation | 146 | 240 |
To view the detailed BATS curriculum, please see KIMEP University Catalog *hyperlink to the Catalog
STUDY PLAN
The following tables are a sample program of study to finish the BA in Translation Studies degree in four years.
| 1st year | |||||||
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | ||||||
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits | ECTS | Course Code | Course Title | Credits | ECTS |
| LING1101 | Fundamentals of Linguistics | 3 | 5 | COGN/GEN XXXX | KIMEP-wide Elective or Minor 1 | 3 | 5 |
| ENG/GEN1110 | Academic Listening and Note Taking | 3 | 5 | ENG/GEN 1100 | Academic English Speaking | 3 | 5 |
| ENG/GEN1120 | Academic Reading and Writing I | 3 | 5 | ENG/GEN1121 | Academic Reading and Writing II | 3 | 5 |
| GEN1000 | Modern History of Kazakhstan | 3 | 5 | GEN/OPM1300 or GEN/OPM2301 | Information and Communication Technologies or Business Computer Applications | 3 | 5 |
| KAZ/RUS xxxx | Kazakh/Russian | 3 | 5 | KAZ/RUS xxxx | Kazakh/Russian | 3 | 5 |
| GENxxx | The Module of Socio-Political Knowledge 1 | 3 | 3 | GENxxxx | The Module of Socio-Political Knowledge 2 | 3 | 3 |
| GENxxxx | Physical Training 1 | 2 | 4 | GENxxxx | Physical Training 2 | 2 | 4 |
| TOTAL | 20 | 32 | TOTAL | 20 | 32 | ||
| 2nd year | |||||||
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | ||||||
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits | ECTS | Course Code | Course Title | Credits | ECTS |
| TRN2101 | Introduction to Translation | 3 | 5 | TRN3101 | Introduction to Interpreting | 3 | 5 |
| LINGXXXX | Linguistics Elective 1 | 3 | 5 | LING2201 | Language and its Structure II: Morphology and Syntax | 3 | 5 |
| LING2101 | Language and its Structure I: Phonetics and Phonology | 3 | 5 | LINGXXXX | Linguistics Elective 2 | 3 | 5 |
| ENG2101 | Introduction to Literary Studies | 3 | 5 | ENGxxxx | Literature Elective 1 | 3 | 5 |
| KAZ/ RUS 22xxxx | Professional Kazakh/Russian | 2 | 3 | GEN/IRL 2510 | Introduction to Philosophy or Principles of Ethics | 3 | 5 |
| GENxxxx | GE elective (Category B) | 3 | 5 | TRN2202 | Academic Internship | 3 | 4 |
| CHN/KOR/GERxxxx | FLE 1 | 3 | 5 | GENxxxx | The Module of Socio-Political Knowledge 3 | 2 | 2 |
| TOTAL | 20 | 33 | TOTAL | 20 | 31 | ||
| 3rd year | |||||||
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | ||||||
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits | ECTS | Course Code | Course Title | Credits | ECTS |
| TRNxxxx | Interpreting Elective 1 | 3 | 5 | ENG/GEN3102 | Introduction to Rhetoric and Composition | 3 | 5 |
| TRNxxxx | Translation and Interpreting Elective 1 | 3 | 5 | TRN4103 | Senior Project in Translation | 3 | 5 |
| ENG/GEN xxxxx | Literature Elective 2 | 3 | 5 | TRNxxxx | Translation and Interpreting Elective 2 | 3 | 5 |
| LIT3301 | Survey of Russian Literature | 3 | 5 | TRNxxxx | Translation and Interpreting Elective 3 | 3 | 5 |
| CHN/KOR/GERxxxx | Foreign Language Elective 2 | 3 | 5 | XXXxxxx | Minor 2 or WE | 3 | 5 |
| TRN3204 | Technology for Translation | 3 | 5 | CHN/KOR/GERxxxx | FLE 2 | 3 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 18 | 30 | TOTAL | 18 | 30 | ||
| 4th year | |||||||
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | ||||||
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits | ECTS | Course Code | Course Title | Credits | ECTS |
| TRNxxxx | Interpreting Elective 2 | 3 | 5 | XXXXxxxx | KIMEP-wide Electives or Minor 3 | 3 | 5 |
| CHN/ KOR/GER xxxx | Foreign Language Elective 4 | 3 | 5 | XXXxxxx | Minor 4 or WE 4 | 3 | 5 |
| TRN4101 | Topics in Translation: Russian Stylistics | 3 | 5 | XXXxxxx | WE 5 | 3 | 5 |
| LING2204 | Pragmatics | 3 | 5 | CHN/KOR/GER xxxx | FLE 5 | 3 | 5 |
| TRN4104 | Professional Internship | 3 | 4 | TRN4204 | Capstone Project in Translation | 3 | 8 |
| TOTAL | 15 | 24 | TOTAL | 15 | 28 | ||
Total for program: 146 course credits (240 ECTS)
BATS Course Description
CHN1301 Beginning Chinese (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisites: None
This course introduces the basic elements of the Chinese language in such a way as to enable students to engage in simple communication. It also provides a good foundation for further study of the language. Practice is given in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Basic vocabulary and elementary grammatical structures are introduced. The course focuses on writing short compositions, dictations, delivering monologues, and intensive and extensive reading of graded books. Speaking and listening skills will be developed primarily through self-study assignments.
CHN1302 Elementary Chinese (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: CHN1301 Beginning Chinese
This course follows the Beginning Chinese course and assumes knowledge of all the materials covered in CHN 1301. This course is designed to provide students with a solid background in the four language learning skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. A special focus of this course is given to developing speaking skills as an integral part of the learning process. Students will learn to communicate in simple terms about their house/flat and their immediate needs, and to describe and comment on their living situations and daily and leisure-time activities. Reading and listening activities will focus on a variety of topics from everyday life in Chinese-speaking countries. Students will also have an opportunity to learn about Chinese culture and traditions.
CHN1303 Pre-Intermediate Chinese (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: CHN1302 Elementary Chinese
This course is a continuation of CHN1302 Elementary Chinese course and is aimed at students who possess sufficient basic knowledge of phonetics, morphology and syntax of the Chinese language and have experience in everyday speech in Chinese. The course will help to improve students’ accents, their production of proper intonation, and their knowledge of Chinese grammar, and to introduce the basic features of functional styles of the Chinese language.
CHN1304 Intermediate Chinese (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: CHN1303 Pre-Intermediate Chinese
This course is designed for students with prior experience on listening, speaking, reading and writing Chinese at the elementary level. While students will be trained in all four skills, more emphasis will be given to reading and writing Chinese characters, expanding vocabulary, and understanding Chinese culture. This course further develops students’ linguistic and cultural competence. In dealing with texts, students are guided to interpret, narrate, describe, and discuss topics, ranging from real-life experience and personal memoirs to historic events. To facilitate the study of the language, different aspects of Chinese culture and society will be introduced through group activities, multimedia programs, and research projects throughout the course.
CHN1305 Upper Intermediate Chinese (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: CHN1304 Intermediate Chinese
This course offers Chinese for daily communication through intensive study and practice in written and spoken Chinese. Students will carry on conversations and participate in classroom discussions in Chinese on various topics associated with daily life and learn to write short passages in Chinese characters. This course also explores definitions of culture and analyzes the dynamic role of language in culture and culture in language, with an aim to foster cross-cultural awareness and self-realization while developing proficiency in Chinese.
CHN1306 Advanced Chinese (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisites: CHN1305 Upper Intermediate Chinese
This course continues the development of critical awareness by emphasizing the link between socio-cultural literacy and a higher level of language competence. While continuing to expand their critical literacy skills, students interpret texts related to Chinese popular culture, social change, cultural traditions, politics and history. Through linguistic and cultural comparisons, students will understand more about people in the target society and themselves, as well as about the power of language in use to enhance their competence in operating between languages and associated cultures. This course also aims to improve the ability to speak and understand Chinese, emphasizing correct pronunciation and intonation.
CHN3302 Chinese for Business Settings (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: CHN1304 Intermediate Chinese
This course is designed to develop comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing of Chinese specifically related to the business environment. It is an advanced Chinese course for those interested in contemporary Chinese business communications. The course covers various types of authentic business-related language materials, both oral and written. It emphasizes cultural and linguistic aspects of Chinese business communications. Objectives include a better understanding of the business world in China, its practices and trends, as well as development of language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
CHN3305 Chinese Language: Language of Mass Media (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: CHN1304 Intermediate Chinese
This course covers an introduction to the language of Chinese media, including newspapers, magazines, TV, radio and the internet. It includes a deep understanding of both the content of the selected materials and the linguistic characteristics of the language: its structures, vocabulary and style. The emphasis of the course is on improved reading comprehension through the study, analysis and discussion of a wide range of topics in the Chinese media. The course is designed to develop Chinese language skills in conversation, reading, writing, and critical thinking in both practical and cultural situations through contemporary films, television programs, newspapers, magazines, and literary works. Selected important issues and themes in Chinese culture and history are considered.
COGN/GEN1201 Introduction to Psychology (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: ENG/GEN1120 Academic Reading and Writing I
This course provides an overview of the foundational subfields and theories in psychology. Students will be introduced to the breadth of the research and topics in psychology, and the basics of subfields like cognitive psychology, social psychology, and human psychological development. They will learn about classic theories in psychology and be introduced to the ways that psychological research is conducted.
ENG/GEN1100 Academic English Speaking (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisites: ENG/GEN1110 Academic Listening and Note Taking
This course develops students’ skills in speaking confidently and persuasively on a variety of academic topics in the Humanities, Business Studies and the Social Sciences. Students will be expected to undertake extensive research on their chosen topics and thereby develop their ability to use resources appropriately and ethically. In so doing, they will engage analytically and in-depth with their topics and offer constructive criticisms of one another’s presentations. At all times, critical thinking will be emphasized. Students will adopt a process approach to academic speaking, placing emphasis less on the final product than on the stages of academic research, each of which will be presented to the class in the form of a mini-presentation. Through regular presentations on their research, students will improve their language proficiency and ability to argue effectively and persuasively within an academic context, and to handle evidence and statistical data. Class activities will take the form of discussions, debates and presentations.
ENG/GEN1121 Academic Reading and Writing II (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisites: ENG/GEN1120 Academic Reading and Writing I
This is an advanced-level academic reading and writing course in which students undertake a research project on an academic topic of their own choice. Building on the research and writing skills developed in previous courses, students select a project of substantial scope within an area of interest to them. They offer a sound defense of their choice of topic, using criteria appropriate to an academic context, and then prepare to undertake research. In preparing their research essays, students make extensive use of library and online resources, as well as field research such as interviews and off-campus research, depending on the nature of their topic. Reading tasks include finding, analyzing and evaluating a variety of sources. A process-approach to writing is adopted, with specific attention to planning, outlining, surveying the literature, drafting, rewriting, reviewing and using feedback constructively. Attention is paid to both peer and instructor feedback. At the final stage, editing, citations and bibliographical components are the focus of attention.
ENG/GEN2100 Introduction to Creative Writing (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: ENG/GEN1121 Academic Reading and Writing II
An introduction to imaginative writing, concentrating on the mastery of language and creative expression in different genres. The course includes analysis of literary models (professional writings in each genre), individual and class criticism of work by established writers, and lectures on and discussion of literary techniques in each genre.
ENG/GEN2101 Introduction to Literary Studies (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: ENG/GEN1120 Academic Reading and Writing I
This course uses a meaningful range of literary texts to introduce the main genres and central topics of literary studies. Its object is to develop a well-rounded general understanding of the literary arts, including their historical aspects and the basic terminology used in their analysis and interpretation. The texts will model poetry, prose, and drama, while the coursework will focus on the methodical investigation of plot, character, setting, and symbolism, as well as on essential poetic, narrative, and dramatic structures and techniques.
ENG/GEN2201 Introduction to British Literature (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: ENG/GEN2101 Introduction to Literary Studies
An introduction to the literature of the British Isles through an analysis of its major continuing themes, such as the evolution of regional and class identities, the legacies of industrial revolution, colonialism, and empire, and the wider relation of Britain to Europe and the world. There will be analysis and interpretation of relevant texts and media, covering a variety of genres and touching on topics in language, culture, politics, economics, and intellectual history, with some emphasis on regional literatures within the British Isles.
ENG/GEN2202 Introduction to American Literature (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: ENG/GEN2101 Introduction to Literary Studies
An introduction to American literature through an analysis of its major continuing themes, such as the meaning of freedom, the place of nature and the wilderness in the American mind, urban-rural dichotomies, and issues of race, class, and gender identity. This includes the analysis and interpretation of relevant texts and media, covering a variety of genres and touching on topics in language, culture, politics, economics, and intellectual history. Some emphasis on regional literature.
ENG/GEN3102 Introduction to Rhetoric and Composition (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: ENG/GEN1121 Academic Reading and Writing II
This course introduces students to the field of writing studies. It presents key concepts, principles, traditions and discussions that define the field of rhetoric and composition, surveying major texts, movements, issues and methodologies.
ENG3301 Masterpieces of World Literature (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: ENG/GEN2101 Introduction to Literary Studies
This course is an overview of the development of world literature. Each class will be dedicated to a significant book that challenged the received literary conventions and paved the way to new directions in literature. It offers students the opportunity to read excerpts from works that are considered landmark classics.
ENG3303 Business and Professional Writing (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: ENG/GEN1120 Academic Reading and Writing I
A practical, workshop style course in the types and techniques of business and professional writing in English, including commercial correspondence, reports, policy documents, advertising copy, and product-related literature. Strengthens skills necessary to communicate effectively in a variety of business and professional situations and in both oral and written modes.
PSY/GEN1201 Mental Health and Well-being (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: None
This is an introduction to the subject of mental health and wellbeing. In the course students are familiarized with cultural, individual differences, and lifespan approaches to mental health and wellbeing. The course overviews current accounts of well-being and common mental health problems such as symptoms of anxiety and depression, weight/eating problems, conduct problems, alcohol and other drug use. The course also explores how to recognize signs of mental ill health and what positive steps individuals can take to improve their mental health and well-being.
GER1301 Beginning German (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisites: None
This course introduces the basic elements of the German language in such a way as to enable students to engage in simple communication. It also provides a good foundation for further study of the language. Practice is given in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Basic vocabulary and elementary grammatical structures are introduced. The course focuses on writing short compositions, dictations, delivering monologues, and intensive and extensive reading of graded books. Speaking and listening skills will be developed primarily through self-study assignments.
GER1302 Elementary German (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisites: GER 1301 Beginning German or equivalent
This course follows Beginning German and assumes knowledge of all the materials covered in GER 1301. This course is designed to provide students with a solid background in the four language learning skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. A special focus of this course is given to developing speaking skills as an integral part of the learning process. Students will learn to communicate in simple terms about their house/flat and their immediate needs, and to describe and comment on their living situations, and daily and leisure-time activities. Reading and listening activities will focus on a variety of topics from everyday life in the German- speaking countries. Students will also have an opportunity to learn about German culture and traditions.
GER1303 Pre-Intermediate German (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: GER1302 Elementary German
This course is a continuation of the GER1302 Elementary German course and is aimed at students who possess sufficient basic knowledge of phonetics, morphology and syntax of the German language and have experience in everyday speech in German. The course will help to improve students’ accents, their production of proper intonation, and their knowledge of German grammar, and to introduce the basic features of functional styles of the German language.
GER1304 Intermediate German (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: GER1303 Pre-Intermediate German
This course is designed for students with prior experience on listening, speaking, reading and writing German at the elementary level. While students will be trained in all four skills, more emphasis will be given to reading and writing German characters, expanding vocabulary, and understanding German culture. This course further develops students’ linguistic and cultural competence. In dealing with texts, students are guided to interpret, narrate, describe, and discuss topics, ranging from real-life experience and personal memoirs to historic events. To facilitate the study of the language, different aspects of German culture and society will be introduced through group activities, multimedia programs, and research projects throughout the course.
GER1305 Upper Intermediate German (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: GER1304 Intermediate German
This course offers German for daily communication through intensive study and practice in written and spoken German. Students will carry on conversations and participate in classroom discussions in German on various topics associated with daily life and learn to write short passages in German characters. This course also explores definitions of culture and analyzes the dynamic role of language in culture and culture in language, with an aim to foster cross-cultural awareness and self-realization while developing proficiency in German.
GER1306 Advanced German (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisites: GER1305 Upper Intermediate German
This course continues the development of critical awareness by emphasizing the link between socio-cultural literacy and a higher level of language competence. While continuing to expand their critical literacy skills, students interpret texts related to German popular culture, social change, cultural traditions, politics and history. Through linguistic and cultural comparisons, students will understand more about people in the target society and themselves, as well as about the power of language in use to enhance their competence in operating between languages and associated cultures. This course also aims to improve the ability to speak and understand German, emphasizing correct pronunciation and intonation.
GER3302 German for Business Settings (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: GER1304 Intermediate German
This course is designed to develop comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing of German specifically related to the business environment. It is an advanced German course for those interested in contemporary German business communications. The course covers various types of authentic business-related language materials, both oral and written. It emphasizes cultural and linguistic aspects of German business communications. Objectives include a better understanding of the business world in German, its practices and trends, as well as development of language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
GER3305 German Language: Language of Mass Media (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: GER1304 Intermediate German
This course covers an introduction to the language of German media, including newspapers, magazines, TV, radio and the internet. It includes a deep understanding of both the content of the selected materials and the linguistic characteristics of the language: its structures, vocabulary and style. The emphasis of the course is on improved reading comprehension through the study, analysis and discussion of a wide range of topics in the German media. The course is designed to develop German language skills in conversation, reading, writing, and critical thinking in both practical and cultural situations through contemporary films, television programs, newspapers, magazines, and literary works. Selected important issues and themes in German culture and history are considered.
KAZ1501 Beginning Kazakh (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisites: None
Beginning Kazakh provides students with an opportunity to learn the State language of the RK and one of the world’s widely spoken languages – Turkic. This course establishes a sound foundation in Kazakh language, enabling students to understand simple spoken and written forms used in everyday situations and to develop basic communication skills. An academic and critical thinking component is included in his course, aimed at encouraging research on the countries where these languages are spoken, thereby also promoting cross-cultural understanding and respect.
KAZ1502 Elementary Kazakh (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: KAZ 1501 Beginning Kazakh
This course is designed to provide students with a solid background in the four language learning skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. A special focus of this course is given to developing speaking skills as an integral part of the learning process. Students will learn to communicate in a simple way about family and other people, living conditions, educational background and present and most recent job. Reading and listening activities will focus on a variety of topics from simple everyday life in the Turkic speaking countries. Students will also have an opportunity to learn about the aspects of Kazakh culture and tradition.
KAZ1504 Pre-Intermediate Kazakh (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisites: KAZ 1502 Elementary Kazakh
During the course, students learn the language and speech tools used in typical speech situations in the socio-domestic and socio-cultural spheres of everyday communication and practice their use. The student learns to tell the story of his experience, giving detailed descriptions of people and places he knows. The student acquires the necessary grammatical and lexical skills for this purpose and actively uses them, learns to listen to short messages from the media and understand basic information.
KAZ1506 Intermediate Kazakh (3 credit, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: KAZ 1504 Pre–Intermediate Kazakh
During the course, students increase their vocabulary and improve their writing, reading and speaking skills. Increases the ability to self-express, create and present your own ideas on common topics. At this level, the student acquires the skills of writing a descriptive essay. Working with different types of reading (stories, reading letters) develops students’ language skills.
Students develop the ability to express their opinions on various topics and acquire the skills to justify them. They can support their opinions with arguments, understand informative content, and stay informed about current events from sources such as TV, radio, and the Internet. Additionally, students learn to distinguish the purpose and meaning of different parts of a text, comprehend the main idea of modern informative articles, and utilize both basic and additional information to articulate their opinions. They gain proficiency in writing opinions about events, drawing from relevant information. Throughout the course, they cultivate the skills to justify their opinions using information and data.
KAZ1508 Upper Intermediate Kazakh (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: KAZ 1506 Intermediate Kazakh
The course is designed for those who want to use it at the general specialty level. Students develop skills in the correct use of Kazakh vocabulary and commonly used sentences and phrases. Students will also learn to participate in debates, roundtables, compose texts on interesting topics, and write essays on a given topic using words and phrases learned throughout the course.
In this course, the students understand the main content of large, complex texts on specific or abstract topics, as well as depending on their professional interests. They can express themselves on various topics, participate in discussions on the specialty, and write an essay. They can give a brief overview of the information in the newspapers in the state language. They also listen to news related to their professional field, describe problems on general professional topics and suggest solutions in writing.
KAZ2001 Business Correspondence in Kazakh (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisites: KAZ2004 Public Speaking in Kazakh
This course is designed for native speakers of Kazakh and for students with advanced knowledge of Kazakh as a second language. It is meant to provide students with a comprehensive review of Kazakh business communication, and its scope and importance in business. The course also aims to expand students’ awareness of certain important aspects of business life such as corporate culture, guiding principles of business ethics, cross-cultural relations in business, and business communications by email, Kazakh standards of office management and so forth. This course offers opportunities to develop communication skills through speaking and writing assignments and presentations based on research of real business cases.
KAZ2004 Public Speaking in Kazakh (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisites: None
The course is designed for students who are fluent in the Kazakh literary language, oratory and creativity, and want to develop fluency in the Kazakh language. During the course, students learn to prepare speech, to speak in front of an audience, be able to build speeches according to different models, to manage the audience, to hold discussions, to use tools to influence the listener. In addition, during the learning process, the student will develop analytical competence in information analysis, leadership skills such as team management.
KAZ2005 Academic Writing in Kazakh (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: KAZ2004 Public Speaking in Kazakh
This course enables students to deal with the academic reading and writing requirements of the program courses. Course activities develop advanced-level reading ability by focusing on main ideas and specific information, by recognizing lexical meaning from content areas in context, and by training in writing that presents clear, well-researched arguments within particular essay styles and structures. Students will acquire independent research skills, using online and print sources in a responsible and ethical manner so as to extend their critical thinking ability within a piece of academic discourse. They will learn to find and select relevant reading texts that provide information and interpretations that can be used to support their ideas and provide evidence in their essays. Students will need to process and critically analyze that information before incorporating it within their own arguments. A process-writing approach will be adopted, with greater emphasis on the process of reading and writing and on drafts of the essay than on the final product.
KAZ2101 Professional Kazakh 1 (2 credits, 3 ECTS)
Prerequisites: KAZ1502 Elementary Kazakh or KAZ1504 Pre-Intermediate Kazakh
The course is designed for language learners who have mastered the Kazakh language at an elementary level, are familiar with its features, speak the language at an everyday level, and aim to learn it specifically for their field of activity and/or profession. During the course, prospective professionals will be able to obtain information, explain, apply, commit, control, introduce the company, agree / disagree, etc. in their field of expertise. They will participate in speech situations and acquire communication skills. During the course the students read and fully understand simple instructional texts as well as complex texts and find general information. They learn to write simple types of business letters, resumes.
KAZ2102 Professional Kazakh 2 (2 credits, 3 ECTS)
Prerequisites: KAZ1506 Intermediate Kazakh or KAZ1508 Upper Intermediate Kazakh
In this course students learn to use the state language as a means of communication in their future profession, professional field. They develop the skills necessary for the implementation of communicative goals necessary for professional activity in everyday life. They learn business etiquette in all forms of business communication. Students enrich their vocabulary with words and terminology related to the specialty. They learn to write business texts, documents, letters, understand and analyze oral assignments in the field. The student who finished this course will be able to understand business language, and write different letters, documents using Kazakh language. The State language will be used in student’s future work, especially by improving student’s professional and communication skills.
KOR1301 Beginning Korean (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisites: None
This course introduces the basic elements of the Korean language in such a way as to enable students to engage in simple communication. It also provides a good foundation for further study of the language. Practice is given in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Basic vocabulary and elementary grammatical structures are introduced. The course focuses on writing short compositions, dictations, delivering monologues, and intensive and extensive reading of graded books. Speaking and listening skills will be developed primarily through self-study assignments.
KOR1302 Elementary Korean (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: KOR1301 Beginning Korean
This course follows the Beginning Korean course and assumes knowledge of all the materials covered in KOR1301. This course is designed to provide students with a solid background in the four language learning skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. A special focus of this course is given to developing speaking skills as an integral part of the learning process. Students will learn to communicate in simple terms about their house/flat and their immediate needs, and to describe and comment on their living situations and daily and leisure-time activities. Reading and listening activities will focus on a variety of topics from everyday life in -speaking countries. Students will also have an opportunity to learn about Korean culture and traditions.
KOR1303 Pre-Intermediate Korean (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: KOR1302 Elementary Korean
This course is a continuation of KOR1302 Elementary Korean course and is aimed at students who possess sufficient basic knowledge of phonetics, morphology and syntax of the Korean language and have experience in everyday speech in Korean. The course will help to improve students’ accents, their production of proper intonation, and their knowledge of Korean grammar, and to introduce the basic features of functional styles of the Korean language.
KOR1304 Intermediate Korean (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: KOR1303 Pre-Intermediate Korean
This course is designed for students with prior experience on listening, speaking, reading and writing Korean at the elementary level. While students will be trained in all four skills, more emphasis will be given to reading and writing Korean characters, expanding vocabulary, and understanding Korean culture. This course further develops students’ linguistic and cultural competence. In dealing with texts, students are guided to interpret, narrate, describe, and discuss topics, ranging from real-life experience and personal memoirs to historic events. To facilitate the study of the language, different aspects of Korean culture and society will be introduced through group activities, multimedia programs, and research projects throughout the course.
KOR1305 Upper Intermediate Korean (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: KOR1304 Intermediate Korean
This course offers Korean for daily communication through intensive study and practice in written and spoken Korean. Students will carry on conversations and participate in classroom discussions in Korean on various topics associated with daily life and learn to write short passages in Korean characters. This course also explores definitions of culture and analyzes the dynamic role of language in culture and culture in language, with an aim to foster cross-cultural awareness and self-realization while developing proficiency in Korean.
KOR1306 Advanced Korean (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisites: KOR1305 Upper Intermediate Korean
This course continues the development of critical awareness by emphasizing the link between socio-cultural literacy and a higher level of language competence. While continuing to expand their critical literacy skills, students interpret texts related to Korean popular culture, social change, cultural traditions, politics and history. Through linguistic and cultural comparisons, students will understand more about people in the target society and themselves, as well as about the power of language in use to enhance their competence in operating between languages and associated cultures. This course also aims to improve the ability to speak and understand Korean, emphasizing correct pronunciation and intonation.
KOR3302 Korean for Business Settings (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: KOR1304 Intermediate Korean
This course is designed to develop comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing of Korean specifically related to the business environment. It is an advanced Korean course for those interested in contemporary Korean business communications. The course covers various types of authentic business-related language materials, both oral and written. It emphasizes cultural and linguistic aspects of Korean business communications. Objectives include a better understanding of the business world in Korea, its practices and trends, as well as development of language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
KOR3305 Korean Language: Language of Mass Media (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: KOR1304 Intermediate Korean
This course covers an introduction to the language of Korean media, including newspapers, magazines, TV, radio and the internet. It includes a deep understanding of both the content of the selected materials and the linguistic characteristics of the language: its structures, vocabulary and style. The emphasis of the course is on improved reading comprehension through the study, analysis and discussion of a wide range of topics in the Korean media. The course is designed to develop Korean language skills in conversation, reading, writing, and critical thinking in both practical and cultural situations through contemporary films, television programs, newspapers, magazines, and literary works. Selected important issues and themes in Korean culture and history are considered.
LING/GEN1101 Fundamentals of Linguistics (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: None
This course will provide students with an overview of linguistics, the scientific study of language, such as how to analyze the different parts of language such as sounds (phonology), parts of words (morphology), word meaning (semantics), and grammar (syntax). How do people use language in conversation with each other (pragmatics and discourse analysis)? These questions and more will be explored in this course, which aims to introduce students to the exciting diversity of world languages and the basics of linguistic analysis.
LING2101 Language and its Structure I: Phonetics and Phonology (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: LING/GEN1101 Fundamentals of Linguistics
Introduction to the nature and patterning of sounds in human language. The students will be familiarized with articulatory and acoustic phonetics, and basic phonological analysis, focusing on cross-language typology and comparison. The class is aimed at hands-on development of practical skills, including IPA transcription, field techniques, and digital speech analysis.
LING2201 Language and its Structure II: Morphology and Syntax (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: LING2101 Language and its structure I: Phonetics and Phonology
Morphology deals with the internal structure of words and their meaningful parts. Syntax is concerned with sentence structure. Together, morphology and syntax comprise the core of the grammar of a language. This course introduces students to the basic principles for the description of grammatical structure and the structure of words, and how they can be applied to describe English and other languages. The class is aimed at hands-on development of practical skills of morpho-syntactic analysis. It also focuses on descriptions of contemporary English grammatical structures that pose problems for learners and teachers.
LING/GEN2202 Latin (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: None
This course introduces the basic aspects of Latin language and ancient culture. It provides a basic exposure to the Latin elements of scientific language in order to facilitate understanding of special vocabulary and enable students to use appropriate language in communicating with both specialists and the general public. In this course, students will become more conscious of words and their history, and will increase their vocabulary by studying how words are formed, by learning Latin elements in modern words, and by improving their ability to use a dictionary.
LING2204 Pragmatics (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: LING/GEN1101 Fundamentals of Linguistics
This elective course will introduce students to a fascinating subfield of linguistics devoted to understanding how and why certain language is used in a particular context and how context affects our interpretation of language. Students will explore a wide range of theoretical and experimental research on topics in pragmatics, such as implicature, speech acts, relevance and conversation, and non-verbal communication, and apply these concepts to break down utterances for discourse analysis. It will be engaging to anyone interested to learn how people communicate and mis/understand each other. Students will come away with strong awareness of different pragmatic factors and tools to analyze natural language production in various settings.
LIT3301 Survey of Russian Literature (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: ENG/GEN2101 Introduction to Literary Studies
Introduction to the classics of Russian literature in translation, beginning with Pushkin in the early nineteenth century and concluding with the works of Dostoevsky and Tolstoy in the later part of that century. This course provides a survey of Russian literature of the newly-concluded eventful 20th-century. The course is conducted in Russian/English.
RUS1301 Beginning Russian (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisites: None
This Beginning Russian course introduces the basic elements of the Russian language in such a way as to enable students to engage in simple communication. It also provides a good foundation for further study of the language. Practice is given in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. The course focuses on learning basic vocabulary and elementary grammatical structures, writing short compositions and dictations.
RUS1302 Elementary Russian (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: RUS1301 Beginning Russian
The course assumes the knowledge of all the materials covered in RUS1301. This course is designed to provide students with a solid background in the four language learning skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. A special focus of this course is given to developing speaking skills as an integral part of the learning process. Students will learn to communicate in simple terms about their house/flat and their immediate needs, and to describe and comment on their living situations and daily and leisure-time activities. Reading and listening activities will focus on a variety of topics from everyday life in Russian-speaking countries. Students will also have an opportunity to learn about Russian culture and traditions.
RUS1304 Pre-Intermediate Russian (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: RUS1302 Elementary Russian
This course is a continuation of RUS1303 Elementary Russian and is aimed at students who possess sufficient basic knowledge of phonetics, morphology and syntax of the Russian language and have experience in everyday speech in Russian. The course will help to improve students’ accents, to provide proper intonation, to improve their knowledge of Russian grammar, and to introduce the basic features of functional styles of the Russian language. This course will greatly expand the vocabulary and common lexicon, and will form a reserve of “background knowledge” of Russian culture. Students will learn not only to participate in educational discussions, but also to lead them. The course involves watching television and listening to lectures and recorded guides to historical Russian cities. Tasks will include a need to describe, narrate, explain and reason about the given cultural information.
RUS1306 Intermediate Russian (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisites: RUS1304 Pre-Intermediate Russian
This course is intended to motivate students in their Russian language learning, develop communication skills in real situations, and improve knowledge and appreciation of Russian culture. The course is intended to be communicative, with a focus on active student participation and the use of many different learning resources (textbooks, recordings, computers, etc.). Cultural and literary readings are used to expand vocabulary, stimulate discussion, and broaden understanding of the Russian world. Constant review and acquisition of new knowledge are fundamental requirements for the study of this course.
RUS1308 Upper Intermediate Russian (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: RUS1306 Intermediate Russian 2 or equivalent or any Kazakh Language Course
This course is designed for students from CIS countries. It aims to help students enhance their Russian language proficiency, particularly their reading and speaking competence. Students will improve their Russian language skills to the level of free idiomatic use, the perception and generation of stylistically differentiated speech in the socio-cultural and professional sphere of communication, develop confidence for everyday communication and expand knowledge of Russian culture. The main emphasis is on active vocabulary expanding, reading comprehension and interpretation. Intermediate level of Russian is required.
RUS2001 Advanced Russian (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: RUS1308 Upper Intermediate Russian
This course is designed for students from the CIS. The purpose of the course is to deepen and systematize knowledge in the field of vocabulary, syntax and punctuation of the Russian literary language, the formation of linguistic competence and communication skills in the field of business writing and communication, students’ understanding of the features of the functioning of language units in a literary text.
RUS2101 Professional Russian 1 (2 credits, 3 ECTS)
Prerequisites: RUS1302 Elementary Russian, RUS1304 Pre-Intermediate Russian
This course prepares students to use Russian for their professional studies and consequently for their professional needs in real life and work. It further helps students master Russian language skills by using professional terminology and fundamental business communication tools such as writing letters, e-mail, progress reports, business idioms, and delivering presentations. The classroom focus will be on the use and improvement of Russian speaking and communication skills within the context of the business world.
RUS2102 Professional Russian 2 (2 credits, 3 ECTS)
Prerequisites: RUS1306 Intermediate Russian, RUS1308 Upper Intermediate Russian
The main aim of this course is to develop the ability to use Russian language proficiently in professional environments that demand communicative competence. With a wide variety of offerings – from accent correction to business writing – this course focuses on helping students to develop the skills necessary to succeed in their careers and to function comfortably in more casual settings. Formation of skills of public speaking and the mastery of the official business style of speech will enable the successful conduct of future specialists in any direction.
RUS2103 Professional Russian 3 (2 credits, 3 ECTS)
Prerequisites: RUS2001 Advanced Russian, KAZ2001 Business Correspondence in Kazakh, KAZ2004 Public Speaking in Kazakh, KAZ2005 Academic Writing in Kazakh
The main objective of this course is to study the Russian literary language norms necessary for a specialist in the field of business and professional communications as well as the effective methods of professional communication in oral and written forms. The course contains basic information on stylistics and grammar of spoken and written language, the rules of speech etiquette and speech mastery.
RUS3302 Business Communication in Russian (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisites: Advanced-level proficiency in Russian
This course is designed for native speakers of Russian and for students with advanced knowledge of Russian as a second language. It is meant to provide students with a comprehensive review of Russian business communication, and its scope and importance in business. The course also aims to expand students’ awareness of certain important aspects of business life such as corporate culture, guiding principles of business ethics, cross-cultural relations in business, and business communications by email, Russian standards of office management and so forth. This course offers opportunities to develop communication skills through speaking and writing assignments and presentations based on research of real business cases.
RUS3305 Russian Language: Language of Mass Media (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: RUS1306 Intermediate Russian
This course covers introduction to the language of Russian media, including newspapers, magazines, TV, radio and the internet. It includes a deep understanding of both the content of the selected materials and the linguistic characteristics of the language: its structures, vocabulary and style. The emphasis of the course is on improved reading comprehension through the study, analysis and discussion of a wide range of topics in the Russian media. The course is designed to develop Russian language skills in conversation, reading, writing, and critical thinking in both practical and cultural situations through contemporary films, television programs, newspapers, magazines, and literary works.
TRN2101 Introduction to Translation (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisites: None
This is the core prerequisite course for students in the Bachelor’s in Translation Studies (BATS) program. The course introduces the basic principles of translation as applied to any language pair, but with a particular emphasis on Kazakh-English, Russian-English, and/or Kazakh-Russian, depending on the student and instructor. The course includes units on translation history and theory, in both source and target cultures, as well as focused exercises in textual analysis, vocabulary building, systematic research, and cultural interpretation. It will explore the burgeoning field of AI or machine translation and hone skills in post-editing, quality assurance, and practical problem-solving. The course provides an overview of the translator’s profession in Central Asia and around the world. Students are encouraged to analyze what “works” about a translation, what doesn’t work, and why.
TRN2102 Subtitles: Translation for Films and Television (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: TRN2101 Introduction to Translation
This course helps students develop the technical skill and theoretical insight necessary to produce high-quality subtitles for feature and documentary films, television shows, websites, video games, and related audiovisual media. It will analyze subtitling from both practical and theoretical perspectives, examining common problems from examples and exploring strategies to solve them. Along with actual subtitling, students will learn the historical development of audiovisual translation and build the kind of theoretical foundation that allows them to bridge the gap between theory and practice. They will apply various principles, methods, and strategies to specific media, and to the challenges presented by particular genres, ranging from the strictly technical to the socio-political, cultural, and historical.
TRN2202 Academic Internship (3 credits, 4 ECTS)
Prerequisites: Minimum of 69 credits in program (115 ECTS)
Students will have the opportunity to practice translation in a professional area, including the development of specialized glossaries or the undertaking of other independent projects supervised by professionals.
TRN3101 Introduction to Interpreting (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: TRN2101 Introduction to Translation and ENG/GEN 1100 English Speaking
This course introduces the special nature of English interpreting (translating orally), into and out of any other language, but with an emphasis on Russian and/or Kazakh, depending on the instructor. The course will focus on the particular skill set an oral interpreter must develop and constantly reinforce. It offers an overview of the responsibilities of interpreters in judicial, commercial, political, educational, technical, and other settings. Extensive practice is included in sight translation and in simultaneous as well as consecutive interpreting.
TRN3201 Commercial Translation (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: TRN2101 Introduction to Translation
This course examines the particular characteristics of business texts, such as commercial correspondence, company policy documents, advertising copy, and product-related literature. The specialized vocabulary and conventions governing commercial texts are studied. Careful attention is paid to the translator’s responsibility to the client. Practice is given in translating a wide variety of authentic texts. Students continue to focus on basic principles of translation, with special emphasis on theory, textual analysis, vocabulary building, systematic research, and the exploitation of AI and other digital tools.
TRN3202 Legal Translation (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: TRN2101 Introduction to Translation
This course examines the particular characteristics of legal texts, such as contracts, briefs, correspondence, official documents, law enforcement documents, and others. The specialized vocabulary and conventions governing such texts are studied. Careful attention is paid to the translator’s responsibility to the client. Practice is given in translating a wide variety of authentic texts. Students continue to focus on basic principles of translation, with special emphasis on theory, textual analysis, vocabulary building, systematic research, and teamwork.
TRN3204 Technology for Translation (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: TRN2101 Introduction to Translation
This course introduces students to the technology available to support the practice of translation. It will familiarize them with modern hardware and software systems, including AI resources. Students will also explore and practice relevant skills in machine translation, subtitling, dubbing, editing, and formatting, learning the tools used for commonly needed tasks in local and global industry.
TRN3205 Literary Translation in Prose (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: TRN2101 Introduction to Translation
Seminar-style course on literary translation in prose, including the most common theoretical and practical problems of artistic translation and the techniques and strategies that translators employ to produce high-quality texts that faithfully serve the original and at the same time have artistic merit in their own right. Emphasis on linguistic, cultural, and critical contexts and on developing competencies, including studying different translations of the same work and then practicing (and theorizing) translations of one’s own. Students will choose their own texts from fiction and drama, generally working with English-Kazakh, English-Russian, or Russian-Kazakh language pairs, or with other language pairs with the instructor’s permission.
TRN3301 Topics in Consecutive Interpreting (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: TRN3101 Introduction to Interpreting
A practical, workshop-style course on the styles and techniques of consecutive (sequential) interpreting. It differs from the introductory course in its emphasis on practice over theory, providing opportunities to improve consecutive interpreting skills in a variety of situations and contexts.
TRN3302 Topics in Simultaneous Interpreting (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: TRN3101 Introduction to Interpreting
A practical, workshop-style course on the skill of simultaneous interpreting. It differs from the introductory course in its emphasis on practice over theory, with opportunities to improve simultaneous interpreting skills in a variety of situations and contexts and through the medium of various technologies.
TRN4101 Topics in Translation: Russian Stylistics (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: TRN2101 Introduction to Translation and completion of all four Academic English courses.
The course aims to help students develop and enhance stylistic appreciation of a wide range of text types. The students taking the course work systematically through all the levels of the language (stylistic, lexical, syntactical etc.) to identify and familiarize themselves with a variety of expressive means and stylistic devices found in Russian. As part of the course, the functional styles of the Russian language are explored in terms of their characteristic features and typical contexts so that, as a result, students can make informed and conscious choices between stylistic and linguistic alternatives in their own speech and writing.
TRN4105 Voice and Diction (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: TRN3101 Introduction to Interpreting
This advanced course introduces students to the fundamentals of voice and diction for oral interpreting and related spheres. Emphasis will be on relaxation, alignment, and preparation, proper breathing techniques, clear vowel and consonant formation, knowledge of different resonators, power of projection, word association, and linking one’s voice to character. The course will consist of lecture demonstrations, vocal and physical warm-ups, explorations and exercises, and written assignments. The objective is for students to develop an increased awareness of their individual vocal strengths, weaknesses, controls, and potential.
TRN4103 Senior Project in Translation (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: TRN2101 Introduction to Translation and at least two other BATS courses
This course is intended for students doing a major or a minor in the Bachelors in Translation Studies (BATS) program. Students will develop a semester-long translation project in consultation with the instructor and/or program coordinator. The final translation may include a written defense reflecting on the student’s translation principles or analyzing particular translation problems.
TRN4104 Professional Internship (3 credits, 5 ECTS)
Prerequisite: TRN2202 Academic Internship
This course is supervised training in a business firm, government office, or translation agency. The course involves weekly discussions of specific texts and problems arising from the field work experience. The internship includes written and laboratory assignments.
TRN4204 Capstone Project in Translation (3 credits, 8 ECTS)
Prerequisites: 108 credits of coursework (180 ECTS)
Students will apply their knowledge and skills attained throughout their training in their undergraduate studies to identify, propose, and execute a meaningful translational research project.
There are many opportunities for merit-based scholarships for Kazakhstani and international students.
While studying at KIMEP University, students may also apply for part-time positions available on the University campus.
Contact the Office of Financial Aid, if you would like to apply for scholarship.
Tuition & Fees
Career opportunities
Language degrees can open up opportunities in many areas:
- Further education (research)
- Education (teaching, educational management and consulting)
- Professional, technical, and creative writing
- Blogging, podcasting and social media
- Digital content industry (e.g., web content creation and management, copywriting)
- Translation and interpreting
- Entertainment industry (e.g., game translator, subtitles and voiceover, screenwriting, editing, etc.)
- Editing and publishing
- Journalism and broadcasting
- Public relation and HR
- Marketing, advertising and PR
- Private and government agencies
- Business, logistics and sales
- Training and educational software development agencies
- Diplomacy and commerce
- International organizations
- Tourism and hospitality
- Many others