Form C4
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor
2. Course
Title
Management and Languages
Similarity and Diversity in European Sign Languages
5ECTS
/10SCQF
Prof Jens Hessmann, Magdeburg-Stendal
University of Applied Sciences (Germany);
Contact person at HWU: Dr Svenja Wurm
1. Course
Code
5. School
C41SD
3. SCQF
Level
7. Delivery:
Location &
Semester
Edin
SBC
Orkney
Dubai
IDL
Collaborative Partner
Approved Learning Partner
Sem 1
Sem….
Sem………..
Sem…..
Sem….
Name Magdeburg-Stendal University of
Name …………………………………Sem………..
6. Course
Co-ordinator
11
4. Credits
Applied Sciences (Germany) and Humak
University of Applied Sciences (Finland)
Sem 1
8. Pre-requisites
-
9. Linked Courses
(specify if synoptic)
10. Excluded Courses
11. Replacement Courses
Code:
-
12. Degrees for which
this is a core course
MSc in Sign Language Interpreting (EUMASLI)
Date Of Replacement:
13. The course may be
14. Available as an Elective?
Yes
No
UG only
PG only
UG & PG
delivered to:
15. Aims
This course will introduce students to the national sign languages of the three partner countries, i.e. Finnish Sign Language (FinSL), German Sign Language (DGS), and
British Sign Language (BSL). As a rule, at least two or three of these sign languages will be new to the students who will already have proficiency in one signed language,
which may or may not be one of the partner countries. Basic lexical knowledge and communication skills will be acquired in practical language encounters. Accompanying
seminars will impart descriptive key concepts of sign linguistics and lead students to reflect upon similarities and differences between the three sign languages. By the end
of the course:
– Students will have developed knowledge and skills for basic communication in, as a rule, two or three new sign languages.
– Students will know key concepts for the description of sign languages.
– Students will be aware of significant similarities and differences between the three sign languages.
– Students will have increased their language awareness by noting similarities and differences between different European sign languages.
– Students will have broadened their basis for learning International Sign by acquiring basic features of the signed languages of the partner countries.
16. Syllabus
The content of the course is two-fold, focusing on (1) acquiring basic knowledge of the three signed languages and (2) provision of critical understanding of a range of
linguistic theories, principles and concepts of relevance to signed languages.
Each blockseminar in Semester 1 will provide an introductory course in one of the three sign languages. Students already familiar with one of the sign languages may serve
as language tutors or models. A more theoretically oriented linguistics part will be covered in addition, introducing key sign linguistics concepts and theories and thereby
laying the theoretical foundation of further aspects related to linguistics. In order to prepare for this, students will read key texts that deal with relevant concepts and issues
in the linguistic description of sign languages. The blockseminar sessions will then focus on linguistic issues, discussing and applying key concepts of sign language
phonology, morphology and syntax. Individual student work will involve the application of linguistic concepts to a previously unknown sign language.
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Form C4
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor
Contents will cover aspects such as:
– Basic vocabulary and grammar in FinSL
– Basic vocabulary and grammar in DGS
– Basic vocabulary and grammar in BSL
– Sign language phonology
– Sign language morphology
– Sign language syntax
– Linguistic similarities and differences between FinSL, DGS, and BSL
17. Learning Outcomes (HWU Core Skills: Employability and Professional Career Readiness)
Subject Mastery




Demonstrate a critical awareness of current issues in the area of sign linguistics.
Demonstrate a critical understanding of selected theories, principles and concepts in the area of sign linguistics.
Use knowledge of and basic skills in communication in, as a rule, two or three new sign languages.
Demonstrate critical awareness of significant similarities and differences between the three sign languages.

Apply critical analysis, evaluation and
synthesis to issues which are informed by
developments at the forefront of linguistics.
Critically review and consolidate knowledge
in the area of sign linguistics
Extend signing skills by acquiring basic
features of new signed languages.
Personal Abilities





Communicate, using appropriate methods,
to a range of audiences including signed,
spoken and written communication.
Communicate with peers, more senior
colleagues and specialists, using signed,
spoken and written communication.
Use an appropriate range of software to
support and enhance work.
18. Assessment Methods
Method


Take responsibility for own work.
Take responsibility for a significant range of
resources.
19. Re-assessment Methods
Duration of Exam
Weighting (%)
Synoptic courses?
Method
Duration of Exam
(if applicable)
Coursework & Continuous
assessment
20. Date and Version
Date of Proposal
October 2012
NA
Diet(s)
(if applicable)
100%
Date of Approval by
School Committee
NA
Resubmission of
coursework
Date of
Implementation
September 2013
NA
NA
Version
Number
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