Students

TRAN823 – Audiovisual Translation

2016 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Lecturer, convenor
Jan-Louis Kruger
janlouis.kruger@mq.edu.au
Contact via 0298501467
C5A 506
By appointment
Margaret Wood
margaret.wood@mq.edu.au
Margaret Wood
margaret.wood@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MTransInter or MTransInterMAppLing or MTransInterMIntRel or PGDipTransInter or MTransIntStudies
Corequisites Corequisites
TRAN820
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit introduces students to the field of audio-visual translation, with the main focus on subtitling for different types of media, the semantics of audio-visual language transfer and recent developments in other modes such as audio description. Students will acquire basic subtitling skills as well as a theoretical knowledge of the field of audio-visual accessibility.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts, terms and principles in audiovisual translation, with an emphasis on subtitling.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of audiovisual translation products in enhancing accessibility in Australia and globally.
  • Select and apply appropriate AVT tools and techniques to produce acceptable subtitled audiovisual material.
  • Use the appropriate hardware, software and aids to produce acceptable AVT products while also reflecting on matters of accessibility at a theoretical level, and self-assess solutions.

General Assessment Information

4. UNIT ASSESSMENT

4a. Assessment At A Glance

Assessment Name

Weight

Due Date

Film analysis

 

10%

25 March

Practical subtitling 1

20%

1 April

Practical subtitling 2

20%

29 April

Project

50%

14 June

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Semiotic analysis 10% Week 3
Practical subtitling 1 20% Week 5
Practical subtitling 2 20% Week 7
Exam project 50% 12 June

Semiotic analysis

Due: Week 3
Weighting: 10%

Film analysis: Díaz-Cintas & Remael 3.6.1 (2007:65)

Watch the opening scene of The snows of Kilimanjaro – link on iLearn

1) Summarize, in about 10 lines, what happens in the scene (location, characters, action)

2) Identify which channel supplies which information. Is there any overlap?

3) Discuss the narrative function of the music on the one hand, the close-ups, medium shots, long shots and editing (or cuts between shots) on the other.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts, terms and principles in audiovisual translation, with an emphasis on subtitling.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of audiovisual translation products in enhancing accessibility in Australia and globally.

Practical subtitling 1

Due: Week 5
Weighting: 20%

Produce same-language English subtitles for any 5 minutes of the video clip provided in class.  Subtitle as though you are subtitling for an audience who does not understand the source language (i.e. do not subtitle sound effects). The emphasis in this first practical assignment is on the following technical elements:

1) Correct cuing (subtitles appear when the dialogue begins) (40%)

2) Subtitle duration (subtitles are on screen long enough to allow reading) according to the following guidelines: (40%)

  1. 1 word = 1s
  2. 2-3 words = 2s
  3. full line=2.5s
  4. 1 line, 1 word = 2.8s
  5. 1.5 lines = 3s
  6. 2 lines =4-6s 

3) Language (correct transcription and spelling (20%)

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Select and apply appropriate AVT tools and techniques to produce acceptable subtitled audiovisual material.
  • Use the appropriate hardware, software and aids to produce acceptable AVT products while also reflecting on matters of accessibility at a theoretical level, and self-assess solutions.

Practical subtitling 2

Due: Week 7
Weighting: 20%

1. Subtitle any 5 to 10 minutes of the second clip. (90%)

The marking grid provided in iLearn will be used for this assessment.

2. Write notes on at least 5 problems you encountered in creating the subtitles.  These could relate to cultural aspects, semiotics, linguistic aspects or technical aspects. (10%)

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Select and apply appropriate AVT tools and techniques to produce acceptable subtitled audiovisual material.
  • Use the appropriate hardware, software and aids to produce acceptable AVT products while also reflecting on matters of accessibility at a theoretical level, and self-assess solutions.

Exam project

Due: 12 June
Weighting: 50%

Part 1: Intralingual subtitles (English to English) 60%

  • Submit file in SubStation Alpha format with your surname, student number, film in the filename (e.g. KRUGER 1234567 Buffy). The subtitles will be assessed according to the guidelines on the evaluation grid.

Part 2: Analysis (20%)

  • Write an analysis of the video you chose. The analysis should be between 1000 and 1500 words (about 2.5 to 4 pages) and should contain the following sections:

    a) Synopsis and semiotic analysis (5%)

    b) Analysis with a view to subtitling (5%)

    c) Specific examples (5%)

    d) Examples from second mode (5%)

    Submit file in Word format with your surname, student number, Analysis in the filename (e.g. KRUGER 1234567 Analysis)

Part 3: Second mode (20%)

Choose any one of the following three options:

3.1 SDH

Submit file in SubStation Alpha format with your surname, student number, film and SDH in the filename (e.g. KRUGER 1234567 Buffy SDH)

3.2 Interlingual (translation subtitles)

Submit file in Word format with your surname, student number, film and language in the filename (e.g. KRUGER 1234567 Buffy Korean)

3.3 AD

Submit file in SubStation Alpha format with your surname, student number, film and AD in the filename (e.g. KRUGER 1234567 Buffy AD).

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts, terms and principles in audiovisual translation, with an emphasis on subtitling.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of audiovisual translation products in enhancing accessibility in Australia and globally.
  • Select and apply appropriate AVT tools and techniques to produce acceptable subtitled audiovisual material.
  • Use the appropriate hardware, software and aids to produce acceptable AVT products while also reflecting on matters of accessibility at a theoretical level, and self-assess solutions.

Delivery and Resources

Online Resources

There is a range of other resources available to Macquarie students, including:

  • electronic access to a variety of book chapters and journal articles at http://www.lib.mq.edu.au/reserve/
  • electronic access to journals at http://www.lib.mq.edu.au/journalfinder/
  • electronic document delivery for journal articles and book chapters not available locally at http://www.lib.mq.edu.au/docsup/

See the following URL for more information:

http://www.ling.mq.edu.au/support/postresources.htm 

Unit Schedule

 

Week

Content

Reading

Practical

Class 1

4 March

 

Introduction to AVT

·         Introduction to subtitling (Chapter 1 in AVT: Subtitling)

Getting to know Aegisub

Class 2

11 March

 

Subtitling principles

·         Software

·         Guidelines

 

Do 2 minutes of video clip provided in class.

Class 3

18 March

Semiotics and subtitling

·         The semiotics of subtitling (Chapter 3 in AVT: Subtitling)

 

Formal assessment 1:

Analyse AV text with the aid of semiotics 

Due 25 March

Class 4

25 March

Subtitling standards
  • Technical considerations (Chapter 4 in AVT: Subtitling)
  • Punctuation and other conventions (Chapter 5 in AVT: Subtitling)
  • Guidelines/house styles

Formal assessment 2:

5 minutes of subtitles on video clip provided in class

Due 1 April

Class 5 

1 April

AVT and translation theory
  • Nornes (1999)
  • Fazooni (2006)
  • Ramière (2006)

Finalise clips for Assessment 2

Class 6

8 April

Linguistics and subtitling
  • The linguistics of subtitling (Chapter 6 in AVT: Subtitling)
  • Translation issues (Chapter 7 in AVT: Subtitling)

Formal assessment 3:

Subtitle 5 to 10 minutes of second clip

Due 29 April

Autumn recess

 

Class 7

29 April

 

Practical session on year project

Practicum subtitles

Plan year project

Choose film and bring to class

 

Class 8

6 May

Narrative theory: Subtitling 
  • Bordwell (1985)
  • Gibson (2001)
  • Deleyto (1991)
  • Gaudreault and Jost (2003)

 

Work on year project

Class 9

13 May

Narrative theory:

Audio description

·      

 

  • Gibbons (2004)
  • Kruger (2010)

Work on year project

Class 10

20 May

SDH 

 

·       Theoretical and practical principles

·       Accessibility

Work on year project

Class 11

27 May

SDH

·       Checking

·       Research

Work on year project

Class 12

3 June

Exam project feedback session

 

 

10 June

Exam project feedback session

 

Due 12 June

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/

Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html​

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of audiovisual translation products in enhancing accessibility in Australia and globally.
  • Select and apply appropriate AVT tools and techniques to produce acceptable subtitled audiovisual material.
  • Use the appropriate hardware, software and aids to produce acceptable AVT products while also reflecting on matters of accessibility at a theoretical level, and self-assess solutions.

Assessment tasks

  • Semiotic analysis
  • Practical subtitling 1
  • Practical subtitling 2
  • Exam project

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts, terms and principles in audiovisual translation, with an emphasis on subtitling.
  • Select and apply appropriate AVT tools and techniques to produce acceptable subtitled audiovisual material.
  • Use the appropriate hardware, software and aids to produce acceptable AVT products while also reflecting on matters of accessibility at a theoretical level, and self-assess solutions.

Assessment tasks

  • Semiotic analysis
  • Practical subtitling 1
  • Practical subtitling 2
  • Exam project

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts, terms and principles in audiovisual translation, with an emphasis on subtitling.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of audiovisual translation products in enhancing accessibility in Australia and globally.
  • Select and apply appropriate AVT tools and techniques to produce acceptable subtitled audiovisual material.

Assessment tasks

  • Semiotic analysis
  • Practical subtitling 1
  • Practical subtitling 2
  • Exam project

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Select and apply appropriate AVT tools and techniques to produce acceptable subtitled audiovisual material.
  • Use the appropriate hardware, software and aids to produce acceptable AVT products while also reflecting on matters of accessibility at a theoretical level, and self-assess solutions.

Assessment tasks

  • Practical subtitling 1
  • Practical subtitling 2
  • Exam project

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts, terms and principles in audiovisual translation, with an emphasis on subtitling.

Assessment tasks

  • Semiotic analysis
  • Exam project

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of audiovisual translation products in enhancing accessibility in Australia and globally.

Assessment tasks

  • Semiotic analysis
  • Exam project