British Sign Language & Deaf Culture 1A (T5002)
British Sign Language and Deaf Culture 1A
Module T5002
Module details for 2025/26.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 3 (sub-degree)
Module Outline
This first-stage module of the 60-credit pathway offers an introduction to British Sign Language (BSL) and Deaf Culture for students with little or no prior knowledge of the target language (TL).The module aims to introduce the basic visual/manual form of BSL and to allow the student to discover:
- how to use hands and eyes to form and understand basic signs and sentences, in basic situations
- what is a sign, and what is not a sign
- commonly used phrases, questions and imperatives used in conversation, across a range of basic topics (e.g. weather, holidays, shopping)
- the cultural rules for interaction with Deaf people
- an introduction to a selection of perspectives on BSL as a language.
Classes will consist of a variety of activities, include regular practice in pronunciation (production of signs) and listening (understanding signs), simulations, practical exercises and conversation etc., based around themes, grammatical structures and language skills, to encourage autonomous use of the TL.
Seminar activities are complemented by guided independent study, individually and in groups, and will make use of Canvas and other technologies.
This module is at A1/+ on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Equivalent Signature Level 101; 102
Full Module Description
This first-stage module of the 60-credit pathway offers an introduction to British Sign Language (BSL) and Deaf Culture for students with little or no prior knowledge of the target language (TL).The module aims to introduce the basic visual/manual form of BSL and to allow the student to discover:
- how to use hands and eyes to form and understand basic signs and sentences, in basic situations
- what is a sign, and what is not a sign
- commonly used phrases, questions and imperatives used in conversation, across a range of basic topics (e.g. weather, holidays, shopping)
- the cultural rules for interaction with Deaf people
- an introduction to a selection of perspectives on BSL as a language.
Classes will consist of a variety of activities, include regular practice in pronunciation (production of signs) and listening (understanding signs), simulations, practical exercises and conversation etc., based around themes, grammatical structures and language skills, to encourage autonomous use of the TL.
Seminar activities are complemented by guided independent study, individually and in groups, and will make use of Study Direct and other technologies.
This module is at A1-A2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Equivalent Signature Level 101; 102
Module learning outcomes
Recognise and identify the main points of clear basic BSL within a variety of basic situations.
Use BSL in basic situations, within a set range of formal/informal contexts.
Use a basic range of vocabulary and the fundamental language structures of BSL.
Identify and provide an appropriate response in selected cultural settings and contexts.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 100.00% | |
| Coursework components. Equal weighting for all components. | ||
| Report | T1 Week 8 (5 minutes) | |
| Practical Assessment | T1 Week 11 | |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Class | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
| Autumn Semester | Seminar | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Mr Benoit Guilbaud
Assess convenor
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Mr John Walker
Assess convenor, Convenor
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Dr Inma Ridao Carlini
Assess convenor
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