AUDIOVISUAL TRANSLATION - 2021/2

Module Overview

In this module students learn about the distinctive features of multimodal translation, such as subtitling, dubbing, audio description and live subtitling. The module introduces students to the main challenges in each mode of audiovisual translation across a variety of genres, such as film, documentaries and video games. As such, the module will combine tutor-led components and components with a prominent practical element.

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 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

n/a

Module content

Indicative module content:
• Typology of audiovisual translation, as a type of multimodal/intersemiotic translation, which includes, inter alia, dubbing, game localisation, live subtitling and accessible audiovisual translation, such as audio description
• Specialized approaches to the mediation of audiovisual texts, including semiotics, multimodality and social aspects of transfer across media
• Audiovisual communication analysis for AVT purposes
• Verbal and non-verbal elements in audiovisual texts
• Conventions and characteristic problems of translation/transfer in different types of audiovisual translation
• Translating spoken language and dialogue
• Translating visual images
• Technology and audiovisual translation
• Past and present trends in audiovisual translation (linguistic and cultural approaches, reception and avenues for future research)

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.
• Knowledge of the technical and stylistic characteristics of different types of AVT.
• 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.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
• A written commentary (to be submitted in the first half of the semester). This takes the form of a guided commentary task, enabling students to explore and test subject-specific knowledge and develop research skills.
ONE of the following
• A written assignment (to be submitted at the end of the module). This takes the form of an essay, enabling students to develop subject-specific knowledge in this field and to develop research skills in their chosen AVT mode.
OR
• A written commentary (to be submitted at the end of the module). This takes the form of a reflective, critical commentary task, enabling students to explore and test subject-specific knowledge and develop research skills. Students will be required to choose their own audiovisual material, prepare it for a certain context of production and discuss how linguistic/cultural challenges have been tackled.

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

Feedback
• 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

• Familiarise students with key concepts and debates in audiovisual translation studies
• Familiarise students with frameworks for analysis of audiovisual materials
• Enable students to establish links between AVT frameworks and translation strategies in audiovisual communication so that they can make informed choices when preparing a project in a relevant field.
• Familiarise students with the characteristics of AVT, including the tools and software applications used, the stylistic/technical profile of the final product and the context in which AVT occurs

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 audiovisual translation software. • Assist students in uncovering patterns of translated discourse though written assignments, writing exercises and workshop-type activities. • 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 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 communication through in-class discussion, guided study and independent study.

The learning and teaching methods include:

• Seminars will be interspersed with opportunities for group and whole class discussions


• Contact hours will be complemented wtih materials for and activities for guided study posted on SurreyLearn


• Self-study

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: TRAM498

Other information

n/a

Programmes this module appears in

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.