British Sign Language and Deaf Culture 1A (T5002)

15 credits, Level 4

Autumn teaching

This first-stage module introduces British Sign Language (BSL) and deaf culture for students with little or no prior knowledge of the target language. You'll:

• learn to use hands and eyes to form and understand basic signs and sentences in everyday situations
• identify what constitutes a sign and what doesn't
• use common phrases, questions, and imperatives in conversations on topics such as weather, holidays, and shopping
• explore cultural rules for interacting with deaf people
• gain an introduction to perspectives on BSL as a language.

Classes include practice in producing and understanding signs, simulations, practical exercises, and conversations, focusing on themes, grammar and language skills. Activities are complemented by independent and group study, supported by Canvas and other technologies.

 

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 46 hours of contact time and about 104 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2025/26. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.