2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

MODL5081M Subtitling for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing and Audio Description

15 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Dr Sara Ramos Pinto
Email: S.RamosPinto@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Co-requisites

MODL5001M	Methods and Approaches in Translation Studies
MODL5210M	Introduction to Computer-Assisted Translation
MODL5245M	Localisation and Project Management
MODL5255M	Subtitling: Theory And Practice

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module teaches the essential knowledge and practical skills to become a professional in the field of media accessibility in general and particularly in those of audio description (AD) for blind and partially-sighted people and subtitling for the deaf and the hard of hearing (SDH). Students will learn how to use professional software to produce professional SDH and AD for for both the TV and platforms, using professional guidelines and workflows. Through a series of practical hands-on classes, you will focus on translating real-life audiovisual texts (documentaries, series, and cartoons) to comply with time and space limitations specific to SDH and AD. The different activities will cover different contexts, including television and web-based platforms (OTT). Relying on conventions and guidelines used in the media accessibility industry, you will practice in real-life scenarios and with professional software to create SDH and AD files. You will also critically evaluate the adequacy of your work and that of your peers.

Objectives

The overall purpose of this module is to provide students with specific knowledge and professional skills to make audiovisual content accessible for people with a sensory disability (SDH and AD). In particular, students will gain both theoretical and practical expertise in SDH and AD (professions and market), and be trained to implement the necessary subtitling and description strategies depending on the target audience (adults, children), text types (documentary, series, cartoon), and media (TV, OTT). Students will use professional software, and be able to critically analyse the context in which SDH and AD are required. Training will be based on existing literature and best practices.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
LO1. develop hands-on skills in SDH and AD for the TV and platforms using dedicated professional software;
LO2. work with the most common SDH and AD principles and conventions;
LO3. identify needs and abilities of the target deaf and hard-of-hearing (for SDH) and blind and partially-sighted (for AD) audiences when it comes to accessing audiovisual content;
LO4. turn acoustic content (dialogues, sounds and music) into written content for the deaf and hard of hearing;
LO5. turn visual content (images, actions, body language, camera movements) into verbal narration for blind and partially-sighted audiences;
LO6. have an advanced understanding of fictional and non-fictional texts and relevant translation strategies.

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
SO1. Academic: reflection and critical thinking to understand the nature of a product prior to translation; core media access (MA) literature; time and source management; information searching.
SO2. Digital: proficiency in using software to produce SDH and AD files; problem solving skills when facing technical challenges; collaboration with project manager and colleagues.
SO3. Work-Ready: using software and understanding workflows; creativity in problem solving; commercial awareness and decision making.
SO4. Technical: understanding SDH and AD modes; using software to produce SDH and AD files; applying professional strategies; knowing guidelines.
SO5. Sustainability: collaboration with other stakeholders, ethical skills in identifying potential challenges.
SO6. Enterprise: making decision in ambiguous work-related situations.

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
Lecture	2	2.00	4.00
Practical	8	2.00	16.00
Independent online learning hours			70.00
Private study hours			60.00
Total Contact hours			20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

As the module is practice- and skills-based, a week-by-week/class-by-class formative appraisal will be made by the tutors about the progress made. In particular students will receive personalised feedback about two files in their A language (an AD file and an SDH file) and reference files about 4 files in English (2 AD and 2 SDH files), as well as answers to specific questions asked in class. Finally, a student file will be collectively corrected during each class.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Monolingual subtitles and audiodescription file with a 2,000-word commentary	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

The subtitles file will be produced in class during a timed test of 5 hours at the end of the SDH training classes. The AD file and the commentary will follow the standard procedure for coursework.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 16/08/2024

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