BSL Post Beginner 1 (MLT220)

• University credits: 10
• University levels: 1-4
• Pre-requisite: British Sign Language Beginner 2 or equivalent learning experience at CEFR level A1
• Co-requisite: N/A.
• Availability: Students, members of staff, members of the public
• Teaching period: Autumn semester (see timetables & course dates)
• Contact times: 2 hours per week (one session per week) over 11 weeks, starting in Week 1 of the semester.
• Group size: Maximum of 15
• Language Co-ordinator: Anna Ferrarese
• Module Leader: Adam Summerscales
• Pathway: MLT229

Assuming successful completion of BSL Beginner 2 or equivalent learning experience at level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), this unit aims to build on the foundations in British Sign Language (BSL) acquired from the previous levels of study and to consolidate the understanding of the culture of the Deaf community. On successful completion of the course students will have achieved CEF (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) Level A1+. 

Learners will consolidate the basic skills and confidence in producing sign language using manual and facial gestures in relation to a number of simple social or professional contexts. The course expands on the introduction to Deaf awareness and culture developed at earlier levels of study. 

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 A1+  of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

Be able to participate in basic but more varied conversations;

Develop their understanding of the BSL language system and their own language acquisition in more depth;

Have a sufficient understanding of syntax to the extent that they can participate spontaneously in routine communication;

Demonstrate their basic understanding of Deaf culture via an introduction to Deafhood.

Set Textbook:

TBC

This module can be validated as part of the following schemes:

• Undergraduate degree
• MLTC Confirmation of Attendance or Completion
• Higher Education Achievement Record/MySkills
• Doctoral Development Programme and Research Training Programme

Assessment:

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

Feedback: In addition to on-going individual and collective feedback during class-activities, learners will receive individual written feedback on the three pieces of assessment above.

BSL Timetable