Audio description - Media Accessibility Module 3200-M1-AUD-D
The aim of the course is to introduce students to a special technique of describing films for people with visual impairments: audio description (AD).
The course will begin with an overview of audio description. AD is an audio account of the visual and aural content important to understand audiovisual material. It is inserted within existing pauses in dialogue.
In the course we will discuss the fundamentals of AD, its target groups, AD standards in various countries, and last but not least, at the infamous bone of contention in AD: objectivity vs. subjectivity of description. The course will make use of a number of film clips, exemplifying major challenges faced by audio describers and the choices they have to make when working with this largely constrained medium. Among such challenges are content selection, film language, description of characters, emotions, settings, and actions. Other topics include the translation of AD scripts, audio introduction, audio subtitling, text-to-speech AD, AD in education, AD in museums and art galleries.
The participants will get hands-on experience in drafting AD scripts on examples of clips from feature films.
Number of hours involved:
- classes: 30 hours
- preparation for classes: 20 hours
- final assignment preparation: 10 hours
Total: 60 hours
Type of course
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Learning outcomes
KNOWLEDGE:
After completing the course, the student is familiar with the rules of creating audio description in Poland and in the world and understands the needs of AD target groups as regards audiovisual translation. The student knows what AD is, as well as audio subtitling and audio introduction.
SKILLS
Student can write AD scripts to both Polish and foreign films as well as to educational materials and works of art. Student can write an audio introduction.
SOCIAL COMPETENCES:
The student understands the needs of AD target groups regarding AD, i.e. the blind and the partially sighted. The student is also sensitive to the needs of visually-impaired viewers with regard to audiovisual translation.
Assessment criteria
50% continuous assessment
- 20% Knowledge quizzes on Moodle based on readings
- 30% Timely submission of AD assignments by uploading them to Moodle (6 assignments each worth 5 points)
50% final assignment
- Audio describe a 5-10 minute fragment of a film/programme of your choice
- an AD script with time codes and cues for the voice talent (Word file printed out)
- 2-3 page description of your AD, including the information on the challenges and the solutions adopted (Word file printed out)
Grading:
60% - 67% 3
68% - 75% 3+
76% - 83% 4
84% - 90% 4+
91% - 97% 5
98-100% 5!
Two absences are allowed, including sick leave. Students with more than two absences are required to consult the tutor asking for make-up material. Missing more than 50% of the class may constitute the basis for failing the class in view of the Study Regulations.
Bibliography
ADLab guidelines: http://www.adlabproject.eu/Docs/adlab%20book/index.html
Agnieszka Chmiel & Iwona Mazur (2014) “Audiodeskrypcja”. https://repozytorium.amu.edu.pl/bitstream/10593/12861/1/Audiodeskrypcja_Chmiel_Mazur_2014.pdf Poznań: Wydział Anglistyki UAM.
Jankowska, A. (2018). Patrząc w przeszłość, patrząc w przyszłość – 10 lat audiodeskrypcji filmowej w Polsce. Między Oryginałem a Przekładem, 24(40), 139-158. doi:10.12797/MOaP.24.2018.40.08
Künstler, I., U. Butkiewicz, R. Więckowski (2012) „Audiodeskrypcja – zasady tworzenia”. Dokument opracowany przez Fundację Kultury bez Barier dostępny na stronie internetowej: http://kulturabezbarier.org/container/Publikacja/Audiodeskrypcja%20-%20zasady%20tworzenia.pdf.
Ofcom (2000) ITC guidance on standards for audio description. http://www.ofcom.org.uk/static/archive/itc/itc_publications/codes_guidance/audio_description/Index.asp.html
Pablo Romero-Fresco & Louise Fryer “Could audio described films benefit from audio introductions”?
Remael, A., Vercauteren G. (2007) “Audio describing the exposition phase of films. Teaching students what to choose”. Trans. Revista De Traductología, 11, 73-93.
Robert Więckowski “Zobaczyć muzeum”
Stanowisko KRRiTV w sprawie AD (PL)
Szarkowska, A., Jankowska, A. (2015) Audio describing foreign films. Journal of Specialised Translation 23, 243-269. http://jostrans.org/issue23/art_szarkowska.pdf
Szarkowska, Agnieszka (2011) „Text-to-speech audio description: towards wider availability of AD”. Journal of Specialised Translation 15, 142-163. http://www.jostrans.org/issue15/art_szarkowska.pdf
Vercauteren, G. (2007) „Towards a European guideline for audio description.” Jorge Díaz Cintas, Pilar Orero & Aline Remael (eds.) Media for All. Subtitling for the Deaf, Audio Description and Sign Language. Amsterdam and New York: Rodopi, 139-149.
Walczak, A., & Rubaj, M. (2014). Audiodeskrypcja na lekcji historii, biologii i fizyki w klasie uczniów z dysfunkcją wzroku. Przekladaniec, 28, 63-79. doi:10.4467/16891864PC.14.005.1712
Walczak, A., & Fryer, L. (2017). Creative description: The impact of audio description style on presence in visually impaired audiences. British Journal of Visual Impairment, 35(1), 6-17. doi:10.1177/0264619616661603
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: