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. You will answer acquire the skills for identifying and discussing significant cultural and issues relating to the medium.
Linked modules
The only modification requested is the removal of LANG6018 as a pre-requisite for the module. Experience of teaching the module has shown that this pre-requisite is not required for students to complete LANG6019 successfully. The removal of the pre-requisite will make the module available to more students.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- produce work to deadlines;
- explain and justify your choices in writing ;
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the stylistic conventions and technical constraints of subtitling ;
- how a professional subtitling package works
- different theoretical approaches to subtitling
- 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;
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- extract the essence of aural texts and compress them in writing;
- produce effective interlingual subtitles
- use a professional subtitling package;
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- critique and evaluate subtitles produced by others;
- identify problems when required to create your intralingual or interlingual subtitles for clips ;
- evaluate and choose appropriate strategies for dealing with subtitling problems;
- identify problematic audiovisual media for subtitling and engage with theoretical debates relating to how such media might be handled
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 you 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 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 46 |
| Completion of assessment task | 20 |
| Wider reading or practice | 60 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
WinCaps Subtitling Software. The School of Humanities currently has 28 licences for the software.
Textbooks
Jorge Diaz Cintas and Aline Remael (2021). Subtitling Concepts and Practices. London: Routledge.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
You will undertake a mid-module ‘Timed Technical Assignment’ which assesses how you are progressing using the subtitling software. At the end of the module you undertake a practical subtitling assignment of a challenging clip with a related essay, in which you consider the issues raised by the subtitling assignment and in which you 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 |
|---|---|
| Practical subtitling assignment | 40% |
| Essay | 50% |
| Timed technical assignment | 10% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Resubmit assessments | 100% |
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 |
|---|---|
| Timed technical assignment | 10% |
| Essay | 50% |
| Practical subtitling assignment | 40% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External