BA Film Studies and Portuguese

This course unit consists of language tuition in spoken and written Portuguese, at post-A standard or equivalent. It places particular emphasis on grammatical accuracy and vocabulary. It will aim: (i) to provide students with a sophisticated awareness of Portuguese grammar and syntax both in theory and in practice (ii) to enable students to communicate correctly in Portuguese through a range of written, oral and comprehension exercises including prose and translation.

Portuguese 1 pre requisite (SPLA10020)

• to provide students with a sophisticated awareness of Portuguese grammar and syntax both in theory and in practice;
• to enable students to communicate adequately in Portuguese through a range of written, oral and comprehension exercises, which may include prose and translation.
• to enrich the understanding of the language through the study of oral and written texts of different speech genres.

On successful completion of the module, the students will have demonstrated:

• passive and active knowledge of a wide range of grammatical structures in the Portuguese language;
• an ability to communicate, accurately, effectively and with confidence, in oral and written Portuguese.
• a sophisticated awareness of Portuguese grammar and syntax both in theory and in practice

In addition to reviewing and consolidating grammar points from A1 and A2 of the Common European Framework, this course will cover themes and grammar points from B1-B2.

Some grammar points to be covered: 

• Personal pronouns, gender and number
• Present simple and present progressive tenses
• Past tenses (imperfect, preterit, perfect and pluperfect)
• Future
• Conditional
• Subjunctive mood (present, perfect, imperfect, pluperfect, future)
• Personal infinitive
• Passive voice
• If clauses

1 x 2 hour weekly class for integrated skills.

All students will be expected to attend all classes, to participate actively in class discussion and group activities, and to engage in regular independent language learning. The Independent language learning, undertaken by all students, will be monitored throughout the year and 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 personalised feedback.

This course uses a web-based learning environment called Blackboard as a supplement to support and manage aspects of teaching and learning. Every student should try to log into Blackboard as early as possible in the year. Students will find class materials, and extra resources to consolidate the grammar learned in class and to encourage independent learning.

• Passive and active knowledge of basic and intermediate 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

• Learning and communication skills.
• Presentation skills
• Self-management.
• Teamwork.
• Information Technology skills.
• Cultural awareness.

 

Assessment task	Length	Weighting within unit
Participation Written examination 1 (end of semester 1) Film review Oral examination (end of semester 2) Written examination (end of semester 2) Students will be expected to submit a piece of work as requested by their tutor every two/three weeks.	NA 1 hour and 30 minutes 500 words 10 minutes 2 hours	10% (5% per semester) 20% 15% 15% 40% This coursework is formative and it does not count towards the final course result. However, it is essential to do it consistently in order to gradually get the necessary preparation for the final exam.

 

 

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 texts:
R.C. Willis, Essential Course in Portuguese (London: Harrap, 1965)
Amélia Hutchinson and Janet Lloyd, Portuguese: an Essential Grammar (London: Routledge, 1996).
Collins, Oxford or Novo Michaelis dictionary.
Materials provided in class.

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.

Students will be encouraged to contribute to the Portuguese Newspaper as well as attending cultural activities such as Café Lusófono (a place to meet other students and native speakers of the language) and film screenings.