SoTL Research Project Spotlight: Closed Captioning and Comedy

Humber’s Office of Research & Innovation (ORI) encourages and fosters an environment in which both seasoned and emerging researchers can research the impact of teaching and/or learning practices through the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning (SoTL).

In this SPARK issue, we are pleased to be shining the spotlight on Closed Captioning and Comedy, a SoTL research project by Professor Andrew Clark, Faculty of Media & Creative Arts.

Project Description

Closed captions (CC) and subtitles for the Deaf and hard of hearing (SDH) are normally applied after a comedic film or television show has been finished. Unfortunately, when CC and SDH are used in this way, they can wreak havoc upon the comedy. Punchlines are telegraphed. The timing and delivery are “stepped on,” and while the CC and SDH succeed in making the material understandable, they can dampen the comedy. In essence, there are two versions of the comedy—a finished version and a second version with CC and SDH. This research investigates methods to be used to incorporate CC, and SDH can be used in the creative and comedic process, so that accessibility becomes a pillar in the creative elements—writing, performance and production.

Project Outcome

Research results will be used to discover and develop best practices in the comedy industry and to help teach students how to incorporate accessibility and closed captioning into their creative process.