Media, film, theatre: Audiovisual translation and accessibility 2510-f2ENG1S-MFT-ATA

Course outline (subject to modifications):
Course introduction
1) course overview; basic characteristics of modes of audiovisual translation; the notion of accessibility
2) recent developments in audiovisual translation and media accessibility
Voice-over translation
3) basic principles and common problems (length, lead-in/out, delivery comments, pronunciation, pauses, script format)
4) in-class practice; group homework
5) special considerations (diversifying characters, crowded scenes, overlapping dialogue, tongue twisters, irony and emotional nuance, multilingualism and non-standard language, on-screen text, music and auditory cues)
Audio description
6) basic principles and common problems (audience profile, general aim, timing, brevity and clarity)
7) in-class practice; group homework
8) special considerations (descriptive / narrative / cinematic style; multiple speakers, cinematography, on-sceeen text, censorship)
Subtitling
9) basic principles and common problems (reduction, line breaking, basic punctuation conventions)
10) in-class practice; group homework
11) special considerations (forced subtitles, on-screen text, song lyrics, multilingualism, off-screen speakers)
SDH
12) basic principles and common problems (the use of colours, character IDs, sound descriptions)
13) in-class practice; group homework
14) special considerations (integrated captions, music, non-standard accents and language varieties)
End of semester projects
15) discussion of end-of-semester projects (written film analyses)

Total student workload

Contact hours with teacher: 35 - participation in classes - 30 hrs - individual feedback - 5 hrs Self-study hours: 40 - working on the written film analysis - 15 hrs - working on the translation project - 15 hrs - researching and creating the presentation - 10 hrs Total: 75 hrs (3 ECTS)

Learning outcomes - knowledge

The student: W1: knows major developments in the fields of audiovisual translation or media accessibility (K_W06) W2: has in-depth, systematized knowledge of selected aspects of audiovisual studies and media accessibility (K_W09) W3: understands the values and legal frameworks behind media accessibility and the links between accessibility and audiovisual translation (K_W10) W4: has an in-depth knowledge of the terminology used in audiovisual translation (K_W11)

Learning outcomes - skills

The student: U1: In audiovisual materials, identifies scenes and aspects posing challenges for particular modes of translation or accessibility, analyses the scenes and presents the challenges in view of the whole audiovisual text. (K_U01) U2: uses online sources and materials to research recent practices in audiovisual translation or media accessibility and present them in English (K_U04) U3: illustrates the reasons for and means of life-long learning with reference to audiovisual translation and media accessibility (K_U10) U4: is able to critically analyze and interpret audiovisual texts, using a purposefully selected method of analysis, success criteria, and specialist terminology related to audiovisual translation and media accessibility (K_U13)

Learning outcomes - social competencies

K1: Is ready to give and take criticism on student presentations and the sources they are based on. (K_K01) K2: Appreciates the role of media accessibility and collaborates on preparing accessible translations of audiovisual texts. (K_K03)

Observation/demonstration teaching methods

- display

Expository teaching methods

- informative (conventional) lecture
- problem-based lecture

Exploratory teaching methods

- brainstorming
- case study
- practical
- observation
- project work

Course coordinators

Dorota Guttfeld

Assessment criteria

A written work presenting a selected audiovisual text in terms of translation and accessibility challenges, in which the student:
- correctly uses specialized terminology to discuss audiovisual translation challenges. (W2)
- critically analyzes and interprets a selected audiovisual text, using specialized terminology, laying out a method of analysis and success criteria for its audiovisual translation. (U4)
- in the selected material, identifies scenes and aspects posing challenges for particular modes of translation or accessibility, analyses the scenes and presents the challenges in view of the whole audiovisual text. (W3)
(50% of the overall score)

Posts on a Moodle forum concerning recent developments in audiovisual translation or media accessibility, in which the student:
- discusses recent research or technological developments (e.g. the impact of generative AI tools) on audiovisual translation or media accessibility (W1)
- uses online sources to illustrate the selected issue (U2)
- demonstrates the need to keep up to date when researching or working in audiovisual translation and media accessibility (U3)
(20% of the overall score)

Engaging in in-class work and discussion (20%):
- collaborating on creating audiovisual translations (including audio description or subtitles for the D/deaf and hard of hearing) (K2)
- giving and taking costructive criticism on student audiovisual translations (K1)
(30% of the overall score)

Practical placement

n/a

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 2510-f2ENG1S-MFT-ATA in USOSweb