Module:

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

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Module Title
Module Code	(ITS: SI101)
Faculty		School
NFQ level		Credit Rating

Description

Students will develop their foundational understanding of Irish Sign Language (ISL), its history, culture and community. They will be introduced to the linguistic structure of Irish Sign Language covering the following: 1. language, 2. linguistics, 3. modality in universal and specific properties. The course will cover, among other topics: how ISL is evolving; ISL lexicon; ISL phonology and ISL pragmatics. The module will be delivered through a combination of theoretical lectures and practical workshops.

Learning Outcomes

1. Introduce the concept of language, linguistics and modality as they relate to ISL.
2. Explain the universal and specific linguistic properties in ISL.
3. Demonstrate a foundational understanding of ISL as an evolving language, including its history, culture and community, from the historical context to the present.
4. Explain in simple terms how ISL lexicon is created and how it evolves.
5. Describe the phonology of ISL
6. Demonstrate ISL receptive and productive skills at CEFR level B1

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Assignment Completion	20	No Description
Independent Study	18.5	No Description
Total Workload: 62.5

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Students will complete an individual interactive video analysis in which they demonstrate their understanding of the linguistics of ISL.	50%	Week 12
Presentation	Students will complete a story-telling presentation in ISL, demonstrating their productive skills in ISL.	50%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

ISL and Teaching of ISL
- Introduce the concept of Language, Linguistics and modality in Universal and Specific Properties in ISL. - Introduce Formal ISL such as what is ISL and its difference to other sign languages such as Signed English & Lámh. The Influences on Development of ISL - Historical & Educational Perspective (including gender-signs and pre-oralism education) and its Legal Status - using UNCRPD & ISL Act 2017 - Five different types of ISL Lexicon Signs (Vocabulary) Home Signs, 2. New Signs, 3. Established Signs, 4. Deictic Signs, 5. Lexicalised-Fingerspelling Signs - "Spectrum of Visual-Based Signs Four Degrees of Iconicity in ISL Signs - 1. Transparent, 2. Translucent, 3. Opaque and 4. Obscure - Introduction to Phonology: using Five Parameters in ISL - HOLME Non-manual Features (NMF) 1. Grammatical NMF 2. Affective NMF - Phonology: ISL Handshapes (77 handshapes), Minimal Pairs Also looking at the usage of fingerspelling in ISL - Three Types of Fingerspelling 1. Traditional 2. Nuanced 3. Lexicalised. - Pragmatic: Role-shifting: Constructed Dialogue and Constructed Action - ISL Storytelling - Identifying key elements: characters, plot setting, and themes; Free and Literal Translation. Discussing the cultural nuances and linguistics consideration in translation

Indicative Reading List

Books:

O'Baoill and Matthews: 2000, The Irish deaf community. v. 2, Structure of Irish sign language,
Pfau, R., Steinbach, M., and Woll, B.: 2012, Sign Language: An International Handbook,
Valli and Lucas: 2000, Linguistics of American Sign language: An Introduction.,
Leeson, Lorraine and Saeed, John I.: 2012, Irish Sign Language: A Cognitive Linguistic Approach., Edinburgh University Press,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: Website, Irish Deaf Society, ISL Linguistics Videos,