Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To provide students with the following:

I. The ability to communicate at introductory level, as culturally appropriate
II. An awareness of the nature of the visual-gestural language and language learning
III. An interest in the Deaf community where the language is used and the BSL users, both Deaf and hearing
people

This is the first part of a BSL Beginners course designed with no previous experience of sign language. It is
intended for absolute beginners and covers two visual skills - receptive and productive skills. At the end of
the module, the students will have gained an awareness of the basics of the language and culture. They will
understand and use some familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.

The qualification is suitable for those who:
• want to learn basic language skills to communicate simple conversations with Deaf People
• want to learn new language skills as part of a programme of study
• want to progress to more advanced study and/or employment using BSL in the future
• are studying for personal development
• are parents, family, friends or colleagues of Deaf people

Outline Of Syllabus

These are the Communication, Grammar and Culture that will be covered in this module.

Communication: Lexicons; Receptive and Productive skills:
• Greetings and introducing yourself
• Ask for name
• Introduce yourself using 3-letter fingerspelling names
• Yes/No Questions and a two Wh-Questions
• Question and answer using 3-letter fingerspelling names
• Identify if one is Deaf or hearing using Affirmation & Negations NMF
• Express where you live and study
• Show the directions or places where you live and study
• Places and some things around the building
• Likes & Dislikes using appropriate NMF
• Identify local place names and a few regional and national places
• Colours and shapes
• Describe man and woman’s faces and clothes as culturally appropriate

Grammar
• Asking question forms in present tense
• Asking questions and answering using appropriate Non-Manual Features
• Fingerspelling patterns (3-letter names)
• Use of referents
• Affirmation and negation signs
• Topic Comment and Syntax
• Topographical locations
• Descriptive classifiers with appropriate NMF
• Tabulation locations

The content of this module follows that of the Signature Level 1 Award in British Sign Language.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of module, students will have the opportunity to acquire:

• A body of lexicons sufficient to allow the learner to communicate, understanding and producing signs with
confidence at a basic user level.
• An understanding of key traditional and cultural grammatical concepts and sufficient grasp of the language
functions to be able to interact with confidence and some flexibility at the level described above and some
knowledge of the basic metalanguage.
• Sufficient familiarity with exponents of a functional and notional syllabus to allow the learner to
communicate its language needs simply and clearly at basic user level.
• Some knowledge of the culture of the Deaf BSL community and the Deaf world

Intended Skill Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Communicate basic needs and opinions simply and clearly in receptive and productive BSL with some
regard to appropriateness of register.
• Understand the gist of simple authentic receptive and productive signing and have sufficient linguistic tools
to be able to use this information for its own purposes.
• Deal with situations which occur predictably whilst meeting some members of the Deaf community where
BSL is used.
• Discuss or create more descriptions about people or places nearby.
• Work as a team member to solve a problem.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

1. Teaching in the language seminars will focus on communication skills incorporating appropriate
cultural skills. Grammar will be taught systematically to enable students to produce and manipulate
the language. Use of the target language will be made as much as possible to develop receptive
skills. All two skills: observing and producing signs are fully integrated in the language seminars and
associated work and preparation, and will be tested equally.

2. Independent learning and learner autonomy are further developed through online guided tasks, pair and group work, assessment preparation and completion, and self-study at home, via the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and in the Language Resource Centre. Particular initiative is expected from students, e.g. course participants will be asked to contribute their own materials to the classes and activities.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The portfolio will help students assess their progress and identify their strengths and areas for
improvement. It will test student’s ability to communicate effectively and as culturally appropriate,
identify relevant information and produce structured communication skills in the target language.

General Notes

The BSL competence standards include requirements for candidates to have sufficient sight, manual dexterity, facial and body movements to produce and receive BSL. Students will need to meet these requirements to be eligible to take this module.