AUDIOVISUAL TRANSLATION I - 2021/2

Module Overview

In this module students will learn about the distinctive features of audiovisual translation, with a special focus on subtitling. The module introduces students to the basic issues when subtitling a variety of audiovisual genres; it covers the major challenges subtitling entails as well as its overall relationship to translation.

Module provider

School of Literature and Languages

Module Leader

ASIMAKOULAS Dimitris (Lit & Langs)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None.

Module content

Indicative content includes:

• typology of audiovisual translation;


• historical development of audiovisual translation;


• Verbal and non-verbal elements in audiovisual texts;


• Particularities of film communication;


• Film analysis for AVT purposes and the pragmatics of subtitling;


• Subtitling mechanics, technical considerations (time and space) and formatting;


• The role of significant linguistic features such as expressive meaning, linguistic variety, cultural specificities;


• the use of master files ('templates');


• Technology and audiovisual translation;


• AVT industry in the digital age.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate

• Knowledge and understanding of audiovisual transfer


• Ability to analyse, interpret and create translated audiovisual discourse


• Ability to select and synthesise information in a principled, lucid and scholarly manner


• Subject-specific knowledge of multimedia translation

• 1 written assignment of 1200 words (to be submitted after week 7). Takes the form of a reflective written assignment, enabling students to develop subject-specific knowledge in this field and to develop research skills; students will be provided with the material to analyse from an audiovisual translation perspective


• 1 oral presentation (at the end of the module). Takes the form of a formal presentation, based on audiovisual translation tasks enabling students to explore and test subject-specific knowledge and develop research skills; students will be required to choose their own audiovisual material and discuss how linguistic challenges have been tackled in the target version

• Formative assessment will focus on student participation and class discussions throughout the module


• Students will be provided with detailed written feedback following coursework assignments


• Verbal feedback will also occur in class and individual appointments if required

Module aims

• The module will help students to develop an understanding of the characteristics of audiovisual materials in the context of interlingual subtitling. It will provide a framework for analysing audiovisual materials and making informed choices of appropriate audiovisual translation strategies.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

• Enable students to develop their multimodal analysis skills, through attending classes and by engaging with practical exercises


• Introduce students to the functionality and operation of subtitling software


• Assist students in uncovering patterns of translated discourse though written assignments, writing exercises and presentations


• Encourage student participation and learner autonomy, through small group exercises/discussion and reading outside contact hours


• Equip students with the research and writing skills and with the ability to assess the relevance of translated discourse features to translation practice, through reading, presenting findings in group work as well as in the assignments


• Enable students to acquire explicit knowledge of the creative potential of translation in audiovisual programmes through in-class discussion and individual study

• Two contact hours per week over Semester 1


• Classes will include lectures


• Students are expected to read extensively outside classes in order to follow lectures


• Constraints and possibilities of audiovisual discourse will be discussed and students will be encouraged to participate actively, drawing on their knowledge of different locales, professional and technological norms in order to identify and illustrate phenomena and principles related to audiovisual translation

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: TRAM429

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2021/2 academic year.