British Sign Language Level 2

Hands

A post-beginner level module to build on the basic skills of British Sign Language

Module details

  • Offered to 2nd Years
  • Mondays 16.00-18.00 
  • Planned delivery: On campus (South Kensington)
  • 2 term module worth 7.5 ECTS
  • Available to eligible students as part of I-Explore
  • Extra Credit or Degree Credit where your department allows
How to enrol

In this module you will be able to revise some of the BSL fundamentals and develop additional basic communication skills. More complex grammatical concepts will be introduced and you will have the opportunity to extend your range of vocabulary. You will be introduced to a wider range of topics required for everyday interaction, practise longer narratives and relate events in the past and future.

Alongside the theoretical as well as practical sides of BSL, the module will also provide you with insights into the history and culture of the British Deaf community.

To be eligible for this module you need to have previously completed the Level 1 module, or a beginner's BSL course elsewhere. 

Please note: The information on this module description is indicative. The module may undergo minor modifications before the start of next academic year. 

Information blocks

Learning outcomes

 By the end of the module, you will be able to:

  • Engage in more advanced communicative situations, applying previously learnt structures
  • Construct and follow slightly longer narratives in BSL about more abstract topics and deeper understanding of BSL linguistics
  • Recognise and apply structures learnt previously to more complex linguistic situations
  • Appreciate the history and culture of the British Deaf community, and gain deeper insights into the implications of being Deaf in a hearing world
  • Reflect on your progress and pursue further study

Indicative core content

In this module, you will cover the following:

  • Events in the past, present & future
  • Invitations & participation
  • Spare time activities
  • Everyday routine & habits
  • Conversing about things we find difficult/easy
  • Making recommendations
  • Conversing about duration of actions, actions in progress and recent actions
  • Places of interest and cultural events
  • Hopes & Expectations
  • Feelings, moods, life issues
  • Health, body & mind
  • Experiences
  • Asking for and giving permission
  • Asking for things, actions & favours
  • Describing places
  • Expressing plans, intentions and wishes
  • Giving advice
  • Conversing about different historical periods
  • Presenting debates/discussions
  • Talking about anecdotes
  • Reflect on your progress and pursue further study

Learning and teaching approach

In line with active learning methodology, in-class activities cover pair work, group work, individual tasks as well as plenary activities. Homework tasks give students the opportunity to revise and consolidate knowledge and skills.

Feedback is provided on all pieces of homework and tasks set in class to include both personal and generic feedback.

Assessment

  • Practical (80%): Conversation in BSL (approx. 12-15 minutes).
  • Coursework (15%): Multiple-choice test, on Blackboard.
  • Coursework (5%): Multiple-choice test, on Blackboard.

The module includes formative as well as summative assessment: homework tasks are set every week and feedback is provided. In addition, new content is practised and tested in class on an individual/pair and group basis. The Blackboard component for the module unit contains material for use in class, as well as self-study resources. The summative assessment consists of a practical (BSL conversation), as well as two pieces of online coursework (multiple-choice tests).

Key information

  • ECTS value: 7.5
  • Requirements: You must be prepared to attend all classes and to spend about an hour a week preparing for each session