Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2008-2009 (archived)

Module LANG40430: INTERPRETING DISSERTATION

Department: Language Centre

LANG40430: INTERPRETING DISSERTATION

Type Open Level 4 Credits 30 Availability Available in 2008/09 Module Cap None.

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • This module aims to allow students to examine, through a dissertation, a particular aspect of current theory to do with BSL and its use in various situations. This could include the space inhabited by interpreters, and/or other Deaf or hearing professionals, linguistic or sociolinguistic aspects of BSL, and cultural features of the Deaf community. Students' research will be informed (but not limited by) current theory and practice that seeks to identify and situate Deaf culture, and the complex place of the professionals who work within or alongside it. Conducting innovative research within the Deaf community will inform students' awareness of and skills in BSL and English, and provide first hand experience of Deaf culture.
  • This is the last module of four in the programme, and applies the specialised knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course to a research project related to a particular aspect of BSL, Deaf culture or the Deaf Community.

Content

  • This module aims to allow students to examine, through a dissertation, a particular aspect of current theory to do with BSL and its use in various situations. This could include the space inhabited by interpreters, and/or other Deaf or hearing professionals, linguistic or sociolinguistic aspects of BSL, and cultural features of the Deaf community. Students' research will be informed (but not limited by) current theory and practice that seeks to identify and situate Deaf culture, and the complex place of the professionals who work within or alongside it. Conducting innovative research within the Deaf community will inform students' awareness of and skills in BSL and English, and provide first hand experience of Deaf culture.This is the last module of four in the programme, and applies the specialised knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course to a research project related to a particular aspects of BSL, Deaf culture or the Deaf Community.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Undertake innovative research (quantitative and/or qualitative) on a particular aspect of BSL and its use in different contexts
  • Critically review past and current theory pertaining to their chosen area of study
  • Demonstrate advanced cultural awareness and knowledge about the Deaf community in the context of doing research
  • Apply specialised interpersonal skills and communication skills in BSL and English to their fieldwork
  • Demonstrate the ability to present their research to their collegues and teachers in BSL.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Students will be able to demonstrate cultural awareness and knowledge about the Deaf community in the context of doing research
Key Skills:
  • Develop research skills, inculding interviews, surveys, questionnaires
  • Apply interpersonal skills and communication skills in both BSL and English to their fieldwork

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Small-class teaching: Improved skills in BSL and English (through input), all subject specific knowledge.
  • Tutorial Support: Guidance on research topics and methodology.
  • Students will be provided with classes outlining issues to do with researching within the Deaf community, an overview of past and current research, and different research methods being used by researchers today. They will be provided with 8 hours of teaching on research techniques and research project writing at a postgraduate level. In tutorials and seminars they will be guided on appropriate research methods to employ, and given feedback on their progress with their projects. Classes will be in BSL and English as appropriate, thus enhancing students' language learning.
  • Formative assessment will consist of submission of a research proposal. Feedback will be given to tutors. If students wish, they may also approach a Deaf organization or group of Deaf people and present their project to them.
  • Summative assessment will be in two forms: the completed dissertation to the class in BSL (20 minutes). The assessment for this module is designed to test students' ability to undertake research within the Deaf community, which requires a high level of skills in BSL communication and cultural awareness, while also testing students' competence in applying research methods and/or signing skills.
  • BSL does not have a written form, and students may make use of video technology to carry out and present their research.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 3 Once every 2 months approx 2.50 hours 7.5 ■
Tutorials 4 Once every 2 months 30 mins 2 ■
Seminars 3 Once every 2 months approx 1 hour 3 ■
Other - 'phone/e-mail consultations 2 As needed 30 mins 1 ■
Preparation and Reading 286.50
Total 300

Summative Assessment

Component: Dissertation Component Weighting: 80%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Dissertation 6000 words or 60 minutes of recorded, signed BSL 100%
Component: Presentation of Dissertation Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Presentation in BSL of dissertation 20 minutes 100%

Formative Assessment:

Formative assessments: research proposal will be collected by tutors and feedback given

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University