Module overview
This module will introduce you to the different types of audiovisual translation and the various kinds of subtitles produced nowadays. You will learn about the interaction between text and image and the technical issues and constraints involved in creating both monolingual and interlingual subtitles. The module will cover the linguistic and cultural aspects of subtitling, whilst allowing you to develop hands-on practical skills in subtitling using a professional package. You will work with clips both in English and other languages and carry out tasks such as cuing and spotting, as well translating clips following the limitations imposed by the medium of subtitling.
Linked modules
LANG3007
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- produce interlingual subtitles
- produce basic monolingual subtitles and subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing;
- use a professional subtitling package;
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- evaluate and choose appropriate strategies for dealing with subtitling problems;
- identify problems when required to create your own monolingual or interlingual subtitles for clips ;
- critique and evaluate subtitles produced by yourself or others;
- extract the essence of aural texts and compress them in writing;
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- explain and justify your choices both in writing and orally;
- produce work to deadlines;
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the cultural and linguistic issues that need to be considered when subtitling (taboo words, register, dialects, humour etc);
- the different types of audiovisual translation and how different subtitles are needed for different users;
- the stylistic conventions and technical constraints of subtitling ;
- how a professional subtitling package works
Syllabus
This module provides an overview of the different types of audiovisual translation and teaches you how to use a professional subtitling package. Towards the start of the module, you will begin to familiarise yourself with the subtitling software by initially creating monolingual subtitles (i.e. creating subtitles in English of clips in English). This will allow you to learn about the technical constraints of subtitles and help you to develop confidence and speed in dealing with them. You will then move on to creating subtitles for clips in other languages (interlingual subtitles). The module will also include a consideration of some of the linguistic and cultural issues in subtitling, such as dealing with humour, register, dialect and taboo language which will allow you to identify problems and develop strategies for undertaking your own interlingual subtitles.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching and learning methods will include tutor-led presentations and demonstrations to introduce you to the different forms of audiovisual translation and the main spatial, temporal and technical issues and constraints involved in creating subtitles. Tutor-led demonstrations will also show you how to use the software. Whole class and small group work will centre on the evaluation and critique of subtitles produced by others and the discussion of strategies for creating new subtitles. As well as using the subtitling software in class, you will expected to work with the software independently to develop your skills and to prepare subtitles of clips for in-class discussion. You will also be required to view subtitled clips in preparation for class discussion and to undertake academic reading relating to subtitling issues.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Seminar | 24 |
| Assessment tasks | 50 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 20 |
| Wider reading or practice | 30 |
| Completion of assessment task | 26 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Diaz Cintas, Jorge and Aline Remael (2021). Subtitling Concepts and Practices. London and New York: Routledge.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
There are three elements to assessment. The engagement element encourages you to complete regular practical subtitling exercises during the independent study hours throughout the module and rewards you according to the number of exercises that you submit. The end of module practical interlingual subtitling assignment assesses both your practical skills and your ability to work between languages to short deadlines. The related essay, in which you consider the issues raised by the subtitling assignment, assesses your ability to identify problems, consider solutions and justify your choices drawing on research and academic reading.Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Attendance and engagement | 10% |
| Practical subtitling assignment | 50% |
| Essay | 40% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 50% |
| Practical subtitling assignment | 50% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Practical subtitling assignment | 50% |
| Attendance and engagement | 10% |
| Essay | 40% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External