2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

MODL5006M Introduction to Screen Translation

15 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Dr Carlo Eugeni
Email: c.eugeni@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Co-requisites

MODL5026M

Methods and Approaches in Translation Studies

This module is mutually exclusive with

MODL5081M	Subtitling for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing and Audio De
MODL5255M	Subtitling: Theory And Practice

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module aims to introduce students with a background in translation methods and approaches to the principles and practice of translating audiovisual products. Placing screen translation in the context of other modes of translating and interpreting, the module covers the semiotics of film discourse, the various audiovisual translation modes and genres. It also deals with the linguistic, cultural, cognitive and technical constraints that apply to the creation of monolingual subtitles (template files and subtitles for the deaf and the hard-of-hearing), voice over files, and audiodescription files for the blind. Relying on conventions and guidelines used in the media industry, this module will provide students with real-life scenarios and materials and enable them to develop a practical understanding of the necessary skills needed to compete in the audiovisual translation market. Students will also have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with digital subtitling software while undertaking practical exercises with selected film clips (a documentary, a series, and a cartoon). The working language will be English and the videos to subtitle will be in English.

Objectives

The learning activities of this module are designed to let you acquire the above-mentioned knowledge and skills. On completion of the module, you will be familiar with the relevant audiovisual translation literature, and be able to describe the specific nature of audiovisual genres, or the way in which sound, image and subtitles work together. Also, you will be aware of the linguistic and cultural issues involved in the translation for the TV and platforms, and of the technical and editorial challenges involved in the production of template files and subtitles for the deaf and the hard of hearing. Finally, you will acquire specific subtitling skills (e.g. text compression, text distribution, timing), understand and apply the conventions of good subtitling practice and common guidelines, and be able to use professional digital subtitling software.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

1) identify the genre, purpose, and audience of an audiovisual product;

2) demonstrate an advanced understanding of fictional and non-fictional texts and relevant translation strategies;

3) know how to follow the relevant conventions and guidelines;

4) turn an audiovisual product into subtitles based on its composition;

5) know how to turn an audiovisual product into AD and VO.

Skills Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

6. Academic: reflection and critical thinking to understand the nature of a product prior to translation; knowledge of core audiovisual (AVT) translation literature; understanding of time and source management skills; capacity to search relevant data to inform professional audiovisual translation modes.

7. Digital: proficiency in using software to produce subtitles, voice over, and audiodescription files; capacity to solve problems when facing technical challenges; collaboration with project manager and colleagues.

8. Work-Ready: using most common software in the industry and understanding subtitling, voice over, and audiodescription workflows; creativity in solving problems related to the nature of an audiovisual product; awareness of the audiovisual translation market and capacity to make informed decisions depending on context.

9. Technical: understanding the main AVT modes (subtitling, voice over, audiodescription); using most common software to produce subtitling, voice over, and audiodescription files; understanding and applying most common professional strategies; knowing most common guidelines.

10. Sustainability: collaboration with other stakeholders (project managers, client, technician, colleagues), ethical skills in identifying potential challenges, related to the nature of the audiovisual product to subtitle, the deadlines required, the collaboration with other stakeholders.

11. Enterprise: making decision in ambiguous work-related situations like strict deadlines, low pay, low quality of the file to translate, or lack of specific knowledge.

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lectures	6	1.00	6.00
Practicals	14	1.00	14.00
Independent online learning hours			90.00
Private study hours			40.00
Total Contact hours			20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Weekly monitoring and assistance by the lecturer during classes (practical and discussion). Students will also be required to assess the work of other classmates both in class and at home.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Practical	Monolingual subtitles with a 1,500-word commentary	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 03/09/2024

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