BA German and Portuguese / Course details

This course unit is designed as an introduction to the Portuguese Language. It aims to provide students with intensive teaching in the basics of Portuguese grammar and syntax. Strong emphasis is placed on both spoken and written language. It also aims to develop the students’ basic writing, oral and comprehension skills in the Portuguese language, through a range of written, communicative and practical exercises. The course aims to develop the students’ basic writing, oral and comprehension skills in the Portuguese language, through a range of written, communicative and practical exercises. 

Only open to level 1 Portuguese students.

It aims: 

• to provide students with materials leading to the acquisition of a solid understanding of Portuguese grammar and syntax; 

• to enable students to communicate adequately in Portuguese through a range of written, oral, and comprehension exercises; 

• to enrich the understanding of the language through the study of oral and written texts of different speech genres. 

• Passive and active knowledge of basic grammatical structures of the Portuguese language. 

• An awareness of and responsiveness to the nature and extent of cultural diversity in the Lusophone world. 

• The ability to understand and produce texts of different speech genres, through the use of knowledge of grammar, vocabulary and basic cultural awareness.  

• The ability to develop powers of analysis and use them to solve problems. 

• The ability of working independently on a portfolio. 

• Decision making  

• An ability to communicate in written and oral Portuguese. 

• The ability to manage time and work to deadlines. 

• The ability to participate in pair and team work. 

• Creativity  

• Communication and presentation skills, both oral and written through presentations and teamwork.  

• Self-management and study skills, including learning how to learn through self-reflection activities and self-evaluation.  

• Self-confidence. 

• Role adaptability.  

• Computer literacy. 

Written Examination (Semester 1) - 25%

Oral Examination (Semester 2) - 25%

Written Examination (Semester 2) - 50%

Formative Coursework Tasks

Students will regularly receive individual written feedback on completed and marked assignments and oral presentations plus face-to-face discussion if desired. Besides, the tutor will provide in-class comments on homework, presentations and other exercises. 

Additionally, global feedback (delivered orally in class/posted to Blackboard/as a handout) on frequent errors or omissions will be provided to the whole class to indicate problem areas and allow questions and discussion.  

Finally, the collaborative group work and pair work used in these classes to practise presented language also facilitates peer feedback. 

Summative feedback on Semester 1 examination will be given in the form of the mark given and/or a general description on how the group of students performed in the exam. 

Set Text:¿ 
Anna M. Klobucka, et al., Ponto de Encontro. Portuguese as a World Language (London: Prentice Hall, 2007) 
Language handouts to be provided in class.¿ 
 
Recommended Texts: 

Amélia Hutchinson and Janet Lloyd, Portuguese: an Essential Grammar (London: Routledge, 1996).  
R.C. Willis, Essential Course in Portuguese (Any edition)  

Dictionaries: Collins, Oxford or Novo Michaelis 

Students will be expected to engage in regular independent language learning, and we provide guidance to help you develop your expertise as an independent language learner.  You are encouraged to use the facilities in the Language Centre, which include on-line material, grammar and reference books, language laboratories, self-access materials and satellite TV. 

The Independent language learning, undertaken by all students, will form the basis for the oral examination at the end of the second semester. Additionally there will be one individual meeting per semester with a language tutor to monitor the progress of the portfolio and get personalized feedback.