LA1PB1-IWLP British Sign Language 1

Module Provider: Languages and Cultures
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: LA1PB2 IWLP British Sign Language 2 and LA1PB3 IWLP British Sign Language 3
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Ms Suzanne Smith
Email: suzanne.smith@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to provide students with an introduction to British Sign Language (BSL), concentrating on its communicative use in everyday situations. It will develop the two key skills of signing (in lieu of speaking) and understanding (in lieu of listening).

This course is aimed at beginners with little or no knowledge of BSL. On successful completion of the course students will have achieved CEF (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) Level A1/A1+

This module is taught at level 4 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.  Reading University allows students from any year to take this module.

Students will identify and use relevant understanding, methods and skills to address problems that are well defined but complex and non- routine. In the context of British Sign Language learning this means acquiring knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, developing strategies for understanding and practising signing, in order to communicate within defined situations while developing tools to enable students to respond to unexpected occurrences.  Students will exercise autonomy and judgement by developing independent learning skills.  They will gain understanding of different perspectives and cultural differences in approaching a variety of situations.

Support is given and adjustments are made for students with disabilities. However, IWLP language modules are communicative in nature and students are required to work in small groups.  Also, students should be aware that spelling, grammar and sentence structure are assessed. In this respect the IWLP assessment is exempted from the University’s requirement to take specific learning difficulties into account when marking.  For languages where handwriting is assessed, computers are not allowed. For queries, contact iwlp@reading.ac.uk.

Aims:

The module aims at providing students with:

• the ability to cope in typical situations faced by non-deaf persons when meeting Deaf people either in public places or at Deaf centres for a short period of time;


• an introduction to the nature of language and language learning;

• a basic awareness of Deaf culture and BSL language development;

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the course students will be able to:

• communicate in BSL by signing at a simple survival level,


• understand simple signed dialogue on familiar, everyday matters


• obtain specific details about such matters from deaf people signing in filmed clips, etc.


• apply simple grammatical structures


• make appropriate use of the BSL dictionaries


• demonstrate an awareness of Deaf culture and BSL language development

Additional outcomes:

Students will be involved in regular group activities and role playing to develop signing skills. They will make progress through developing skills of self-study and application and will develop an awareness of and sensitivity to Deaf culture and a basic understanding of the history of sign language. 

Outline content:

Students will learn:

• to give, request and understand personal information;


• to express and understand simple opinions;


• forms of address, greeting and leave-taking;


• to make simple arrangements and transactions on a practical level. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The course provides a systematic approach to acquiring essential grammar structures in a communicative context. Teaching methods are based on interactive language development tasks, such as group work and role playing, and include the study of short signed clips, oral development work and receptive comprehension exercises. Language focus sessions and guided independent learning activities play also an important part. Learning activities are supported by a variety of digital and printed media& nbsp;such as filmed clips) and, where appropriate, computer software. The module is taught as far as possible in the target lan guage.?

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Final written exam (Writing) – 20% (2 hours).

The examination for this module will require a narrowly defined time window and is likely to be held in a dedicated exam venue.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Autumn term week 11: Multi-part Portfolio 20% 

Spring Term week 11: Multi-part Portfolio 20% 

Summer term week 2: Productive skills exam 40% (30 minutes)

Formative assessment methods:

In order to consolidate and develop their language learning, students are encouraged to complete regular tasks – in class and outside – on which?ongoing?feedback is provided.?Additional feedback, with opportunity?for?self-reflection and feedforward is provided in week 11 of the Autumn term,?through tests and other tasks to be included in the Portfolio??

Penalties for late submission:

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40% overall for UG students, 50% overall for PGT students. 

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-sit in August/September examinations period on basis of examination only (relative percentages: Productive skills and receptive skills examinations 75%, written paper 25%.)? 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books: 


2. Specialist equipment or materials: 


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 


4. Printing and binding: 


5. Computers and devices with a particular specification: 


6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 22 September 2022