BSc Biomedical Sciences with International Study

Year of entry: 2027

Course unit details:
LEAP BSL Part 1 Semester 2 (A1.1)

Course unit fact file
Unit code ULBS50002
Credit rating 10
Unit level Level 2
Teaching period(s) Semester 2
Offered by ULC LEAP
Available as a free choice unit? Yes

Overview

This course is for learners who have no previous knowledge of British Sign Language. It aims to give students a basic knowledge of signs so that they are able to participate in simple everyday communicative situations.

Learners will be able to demonstrate a limited range of signs and basic phrases around familiar social or work situations. For the Productive units, learners are required to deliver a short presentation in BSL. For the Receptive units, learners are required to understand and extract specific details from a short presentation given to them in BSL. For the Conversational units, learners are required to participate in a simple dialogue to exchange equal amounts of information in BSL.

The course may be of particular value for students seeking a career in health or education, or for those who have contact with deaf people through work, friends, or family. It may also be of intrinsic interest to linguists. The course does not lead to a formal vocational qualification; however, this course is equivalent to an entry level three in British Sign Language. 

Aims

FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION, INCLUDING 'HOW TO APPLY', SEE
http://www.ulc.manchester.ac.uk/languages/leap/

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will:

  • be able to understand and converse in short, simple sentence communication in BSL.
  • be able to communicate using BSL in simple, routine situations.
  • demonstrate an ability to use a basic BSL vocabulary and grammar.
  • be aware of current issues related to the deaf community.

By the end of the course, students should be able to communicate at a level equivalent to Level A1.1 of the Common European Framework. 

Teaching and learning methods

Seminars, two hours per week. 24 contact hours including assessment  

This course is only offered (face-to-face) on Campus.  

In the event that changes to our delivery method are necessary, all students will be informed at the earliest opportunity.  

Transferable skills and personal qualities

  • Working in pairs or small groups
  • Awareness of the deaf culture and deaf history
  • Communicative awareness with deaf people who communicate using BSL 

Assessment methods

  • 1 Signed Productive Assessment 30% (Week 6)  
  • 2 Written Productive Assessments 30% (Weeks 8 & 9)  
  • 1 Conversation / Dialogue assessment 40% (Week 12)

Feedback methods

Feedback will include a combination of informal ongoing feedback resulting from class-based learning activities and formal written feedback given following summative assessments. 

Recommended reading

  • The Linguistics of British Sign Language: An Introduction. Rachel Sutton-Spence and Bencie Woll. Cambridge University Press. ISBN: 978-0521637183
  • Let's Sign Dictionary: Everyday BSL for Learners [2nd Edition] Paperback – 1 Jun. 2009 ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1905913109 

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Assessment practical exam 2
Seminars 22

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Justyna Drobnik-Rogers Unit coordinator

Additional notes

Information
FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION, INCLUDING 'HOW TO APPLY', SEE
http://www.ulc.manchester.ac.uk/languages/leap/

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