LA1PB1: IWLP British Sign Language 1

Module code: LA1PB1

Module provider: Languages and Cultures; School of Humanities

Credits: 20

Level: Level 1 (Certificate)

When you’ll be taught: Semester 1 / 2

Module convenor: Ms Suzanne Smith, email: suzanne.smith@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded: IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE LA1PB2 OR TAKE LA1PB3 (Compulsory)

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 12 September 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module aims to provide students in any year of study 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 CEFR Level A1/A1+

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.

Our small, interactive classes are designed to equip students with communicative language skills in an engaging way.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Communicate in BSL by signing at a simple survival level
2. Understand simple signed dialogue on everyday matters from deaf people signing in filmed clips
3. Apply simple grammatical structures via making appropriate use of the BSL dictionaries
4. Demonstrate an awareness of Deaf culture and BSL language development

Module content

The module will introduce the language and develop the communicative skills required to exchange basic personal information and participate in selected areas of everyday life relevant to communicating with signing deaf people. Topics include introducing oneself, family, leisure activities and social plans, eating out, the home, the town, and holidays. Grammar and vocabulary will be explored in context in an accessible and engaging way, ensuring a solid linguistic foundation.

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

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. 

Structure

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 such as filmed clips) and, where appropriate, computer software. The module is taught as far as possible in the target language. 

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, d