Form C4
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor
1. Course
Code
C48SL
2. Course
Title
Sign Linguistics
3. SCQF
Level
6. Course
TBC
Co-ordinator
8
4. Credits
15
5. School
Management and Languages
7. Delivery:
Location &
Semester
Edin
SBC
Orkney
Dubai
IDL
Collaborative Partner
Approved Learning Partner
Sem 1.
Sem…….
Sem………..
Sem……..
Sem….
Name…………………….....Sem..…...
Name …………………………………Sem………..
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
Date Of Replacement:
13. The course may be
delivered to:
15. Aims
UG only
PG only
UG & PG
MA in BSL (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language
Studies)
14. Available as an Elective?
Yes
No
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To provide students with a solid foundation in the understanding of a range of linguistic aspects of sign languages
To enable students to create a solid awareness of the sociolinguistic situation of signing communities
To provide students with the basic tools and categories for further study of sign language aspects and possible applications
To develop students language awareness and to encourage reflection on their own and others’ use of language
To consolidate students’ skills to develop critical reflections of sign linguistic issues, including library research, critical reading, advanced literacy skills, problem-solving
activities and academic writing.
 To build on advanced literacy and communication skills needed for academic and professional life
16. Syllabus
The syllabus will cover some or all of the following themes:
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Phonological aspects of sign languages
Morphological aspects of sign languages
Semantic aspects of sign languages
Syntactic structures of sign languages
Pragmatic aspects of sign languages
Language acquisition in the context of Deaf communities
Sociolinguistic aspects of sign languages
Language ideologies and power in the context of sign languages
Issues of bilingualism
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Form C4
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor
17. Learning Outcomes (HWU Core Skills: Employability and Professional Career Readiness)
Subject Mastery
Personal Abilities
Understanding, Knowledge and Cognitive
Scholarship, Enquiry and Research (Research-Informed Learning)
Skills
 Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the scope, defining features, and main areas of sign linguistics.
 Demonstrate detailed knowledge in some areas of sign linguistics, including a limited range of core theories, principles and concepts, and
some limited knowledge of current issues and specialisms.
 Demonstrate ability to explain some key concepts in sign linguistics and the ability to understand and analyse some of the debates which
exist within sign linguistics and sociolinguistics
 Be able to undertake critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of key issues and concepts in the field of sign linguistics, using appropriate
academic language and concepts.
Industrial, Commercial & Professional Practice
Autonomy, Accountability & Working with Others
Communication, Numeracy & ICT
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Exercise autonomy and initiative in carrying out research activities.
Take continuing account of own and others’ roles, responsibilities and contributions in carrying out certain tasks.
Identify and use reference sources effectively
Be able to demonstrate an ability to approach problem-solving, working independently or with others
Have developed communication, presentation and advanced literacy skills
18. Assessment Methods
Method
19. Re-assessment Methods
Duration of Exam
Weighting (%)
Synoptic courses?
Method
Duration of Exam
(if applicable)
Continuous Assessment
(if applicable)
100%
none
Resubmission of
coursework
N/A
20. Date and Version
Date of Proposal
Date of Approval by
School Committee
Date of
Implementation
Version
Number
2/2
Diet(s)