British Sign Language Post Beginner 2 (LAS214)

• University credits: 10
• FHEQ Level: 5
• Availability: Students, members of staff, members of the public
• Frequency of class: once a week
• Group size: Maximum of 15

• Module Leader: Andy Rowe

Assuming successful completion of the corresponding Autumn semester unit for this level, i.e. Post-Beginner 1 or equivalent level study to CEFR level A1+, this unit aims to build on the foundations of British Sign Language (BSL) in the previous levels of study. On successful completion of the course students will have achieved CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) Level A2.

Students will identify and use relevant understanding, methods and skills to address problems that are well defined but require more spontaneous communication and in non- routine communicative  situations. In the context of British Sign Language learning, this means acquiring further 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.

This course may be of particular interest to students seeking a career in health or education, those interacting with deaf people through work, friends, or family, or linguists keen to explore an unfamiliar language and culture.

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

• Perform at a level equivalent to A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
• Be able to participate in longer and more varied conversations with members of the community, either in public places or at Deaf centres for a short period of time;
• Understand the BSL language system and their own language acquisition in more depth;
• Understand grammar to the extent that they can participate spontaneously in some non-routine communication;
• Understand some regional / linguistic variation in BSL;
• Further their study of Deaf culture including an introduction to Deafhood

Credited students

• Signed Productive Assignment- 40%
• Conversation and Dialogue- 40%
• Portfolio- 20%

• Not-for-credit fee-waiver students

• Mandatory assessment to be completed in order to qualify for fee-waiver.

• Not-for-credit self-funded students

• Assessment is not mandatory.