PhD funding opportunity

[Ulrike Zeshan]

UNIVERSITYOF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
 
INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR SIGN LANGUAGES AND DEAF STUDIES (iSLanDS)
 
Reference No RS/08/54
 
ARNOUX PART-TIME PHD BURSARY: Literacy acquisition through sign language in a distance learning environment 
 
Applications are invited for a part-time MPhil/PhD tuition fee bursary in the International Centre for Sign Languages and Deaf Studies (iSLanDS). The iSLanDS Centre is a unique hub for the study of sign languages and deaf communities around the world, with the majority of our work focusing on developing countries. Virtually all our staff and students are Deaf sign language users, and they come from countries such as Turkey, India, Lebanon, Israel, and Uganda. 
The bursary is tenable for up to 6 years (subject to satisfactory progress) with an expected commencement date of 1 October 2009.  The bursary will cover the cost of tuition fees at UK/EU rates plus project consumables. International applicants may apply but will be required to pay the difference between UK/EU and International fees. 
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We welcome applications to undertake the following project:
 
Literacy acquisition through sign language in a distance learning environment 
 
This project studies the literacy acquisition of deaf sign language users, using a bilingual approach where English literacy is taught through sign language. Several field sites with developing learner communities are available to this project in South Asia and Africa. We will conduct a large-scale study with a multiply diverse student population, where we investigate the progress of learners accessing distance and online learning materials, peer tutoring and specialised training at the various field sites.
 
Research questions for this project are:
-          What are the characteristics of the learner varieties of English in the target group?
-          What is the kind and extent of linguistic interference from sign language structures on written English output in these learners?
-          What is the best balance between online/distance learning and face-to-face interaction in situations with severe shortages of trained teachers?
-          What are the technological limits in developing countries for online and distance learning involving video-based materials?
-          What relevant variables determine learning experiences and outcomes in these learning situations?
 
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Applicants should have the following profile:
-          Interest in the research topic, strong communication skills including sign language skills, and the ability to work independently and to meet deadlines.
-          EITHER: An upper second class or first class honours degree or an MA in a relevant discipline, or equivalent portfolio of evidence
-          OR: For candidates without these qualifications, academic ability to complete a research preparatory coursebetween October and December 2009, which must be passed successfully in order to progress to the MPhil/PhD programme in January 2010. Applicants will be individually assessed.
 
For a complete list of essential and desirable criteria, see details on this web page (scroll down to project number RS0854):
http://www.uclan.ac.uk/information/research/research_degrees/studentships.php#Arnoux_Part-time_PhD_Bursary_Scheme 
 
For further information about the iSLanDS Centre, please see http://www.uclan.ac.uk/islands 
 
Informal enquiries about the project may be directed to Prof. Ulrike Zeshan tel:+44 (0)1772 891304, fax +44 (0)1772 894933, SMS +44 (0)7772487941, or email uzeshan at uclan.ac.uk ).
 
Requests for an application pack (quoting the project reference number RS/08/54) should be directed to the Graduate Research Office. Tel +44 (0)1772 894287 or e-mail researchdegrees at uclan.ac.uk
 
 
Closing date: Monday 6 July 2009
 
 
 
 
 
Prof. Ulrike Zeshan
Director, International Centre for Sign Languages and Deaf Studies
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Livesey House, LH212
University of Central Lancashire
Preston PR12HE, UK
uzeshan at uclan.ac.uk 
Ph. +44-1772-893104
Fax +44-1772-894933
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