LfA - BSL - Stage 1 - Beginner - Group B - First Instalment

A part-time evening Accredited British Sign Language Course - 20 credit points (SCQF Level 7)

Group B: Wednesday 18:00-20:00

Note:  In addition, for each group, there will be five Saturday sessions of 2-3 hours each (dates tbc).

Total of course fee: £425

First instalment of course fee: £225

(Second instalment due in November: £200)

Course Description

Welcome to LfA British Sign Language (BSL) Stage 1!

The aim of this module, which is taught in collaboration with Dundee Deaf Links, is to enable you to ‘survive’ using British Sign Language in a range of basic everyday situations, and to increase your awareness of language and cultural differences. Furthermore, the goal is to present you with the opportunity to increase your linguistic competence and confidence in BSL.

 

What will you learn?

This module is designed to teach you to communicate with Deaf people in BSL on a range of topics that involve simple, everyday language use. You will gain basic skills and confidence in the production and reception of BSL. It will cover three units in which you will learn how to:

• understand and use a limited range of simple words and sentences in BSL
• take part in simple, everyday conversations in BSL
• give and follow simple directions or instructions in BSL
• give and follow simple, familiar statements or descriptions in BSL

 

By the end of the module, you will be able to show both productive and receptive skills and understand a range of topics. You will be able to demonstrate that you can use a limited range of signs and handle simple exchanges with BSL users.

 

What are some examples of the topics?

The topics of this module will include describing people, animals, and objects; giving and receiving information about people; locations; directions; using numbers; describing interests and activities in the home; describing day-to-day activities of oneself and others; food and drink; travel and holidays. Please note, that these topics are not entirely preset and vary depending on the students’ and tutor’s needs and preferences.

 

What is the language level of this module? 

This LfA BSL Stage 1 is matched against the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) and is ranked at SCQF Level 7. This is equivalent to the student effort required for attending the first year at university. The specification has been designed using the UK Occupational Language Standards 2010 at Level 1.

 

Who can enrol in this module?

Members of the public, for example, teachers wanting to upgrade their employability and add BSL to their skills profile, existing University of Dundee (UoD) students, and UoD staff members, are all invited to join this LfA module and start learning BSL for personal or professional reasons in a supportive adult environment. Learners do not need to have any pre-existing BSL knowledge and skills to enrol.

 

Is this stage suitable for me?

This stage is suitable for beginners wishing to learn BSL from scratch or those who have had only brief encounters with the language and want to start afresh in their language-learning journey.

 

How long is this module? 

This is a year-long module, taking place over two semesters (13/12 weeks per semester, 25 weeks in total). The class meets weekly for two teaching hours. There will also be five 2-3-hour Saturday workshops (dates to be confirmed with the students). In addition to that, students are recommended to invest 5-6 hours of studying per week in their own time.

 

Do classes take place online?

No, classes are face-to-face and take place on campus (usually in the Dalhousie Building).

 

What will the lessons be like?

Lessons will be taught by a Dundee Deaf Links tutor whose first language is BSL. Unlike other languages, BSL is purely visual with no written form. This means that the classroom will be laid out in a horseshoe shape so that everyone can see the tutor and the tutor can see all the students. This is important so that your tutor can see you are producing the signs, with the correct hand shape, placement, body language, and facial expression. There will also be practice learning within the class in pairs and small groups to improve confidence, production, and receptive skills with fellow students.

 

Is there homework to be done?

Yes, you are expected to practice what you have learned at home, or you can meet up with fellow students to practice. There are lots of free online BSL content you can watch to practice your production and receptive skills, such as BSL Zone. Additional BSL homework resources can be purchased by the student if they wish from the Signature Learning Hub website.

 

Will there be a textbook? 

No, as BSL is a visual language, there is no textbook. However, if learners wish to purchase additional resources themselves, these are widely available through a range of retailers and online outlets.

  

What about assessments?

This module is assessed via three 1:1 assessments with your BSL tutor, which will be carried out from the mid-point of semester 2:

• Unit 1: Receptive Skills Assessment
• Unit 2: Two-part role-play with teacher-assessor
• Unit 3: A Pre-arranged conversation with the teacher-assessor demonstrating productive and receptive skills

 

Is this an accredited module with a certificate?

Yes, students who successfully pass the assessments are awarded the University of Dundee Modern Languages Certificate and earn 20 credit points at SCQF Level 7.

Although not recommended, students may choose not to take part in assessments but are then only entitled to a Certificate of Attendance and 0 credit points, provided they have attended a minimum of 80% of the classes. There are no extra charges for the assessments or the certificates.

 

How do I sign up?

Simply click on ‘Book Course’ below and follow the instructions on the screen! We look forward to working with you!

 

Wait, I have a question! 

No problem! We are a dedicated and passionate language department at the University of Dundee and like to get to know our learners well, paying close attention to individual needs. If there are any concerns or further questions, please feel free to get in touch! 

 

For general and administrative questions:

LfA Administration Support – [email protected] 

LfA Coordinator: Maren Dralle – [email protected] 

 

For language-specific questions about module content and curriculum:

Course Tutor: Elaine Duncan

Please email any questions to Alana Harper – [email protected]