Diploma Programme in Sign Language Studies for the Deaf

Objectives

The objectives of this Programme are:

  1. To raise the linguistic awareness on sign languages for you and talented deaf adults
  2. To equip young and talented deaf adults’ general abilities to analyze sign languages linguistically
  3. To raise educational opportunities for young and talented deaf adults

Programme Structure

The Programme is a full-time ten months programme, consisting of five modules.

The five modules and their outlines are listed as follows:

  • Module 1 – Exploring Sign Language Grammar: Phonology
    • This course introduces fundamental concepts on the grammar of a language from a phonological perspective. Concepts including phonemes, syllables, tones, features will be explained and examined in both the context of spoken and signed languages. The modality differences between spoken and signed languages will be discussed in order to stimulate students to think of the possible consequences on sign language phonology.
  • Module 2 – Exploring Sign Language Grammar: Morphology
    • This course introduces fundamental concepts on the grammar of a language from a morphological perspective. Concepts including words, morphemes, morphological processes will be explained and examined in both the context of spoken and signed languages. The modality differences between spoken and signed languages will be discussed in order to stimulate students to think of the possible consequences on sign language morphology.
  • Module 3 – Exploring Sign Language Grammar: Syntax
    • This course introduces fundamental concepts in syntax. Concepts including constituents, phrases, syntactic process will be explained and examined in both the context of spoken and signed languages. The modality differences between spoken and signed languages will be discussed in order to stimulate students to think of the possible consequences on sign language syntax.
  • Module 4 – Sign Language Research Projects
    • In this course, the students will be introduced different types of methodologies for conducting sign language research. They will learn how to set up experiments and design materials to elicit natural sign language data. Techniques in transcribing and analyzing sign language data will be discussed. As a form of assessment, the students will need to apply the knowledge and skills they learn from this course in designing individual sign language research projects.
  • Module 5 – Introduction to Sign Language Teaching
    • This course introduces general concepts on methods and approaches to language teaching. Pedagogical issues evolved from the general concept of communicative language learning will be emphasized in the context of teaching sign language to students with and without the use of spoken/written language. Students are encouraged to explore and evaluate strategies of sign language teaching.