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Beginners Portuguese (PORT0001)

Key information

Faculty
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Teaching department
School of European Languages, Culture and Society
Credit value
30
Restrictions
Available to Affiliates subject to space.
Timetable

Alternative credit options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

Taken over two terms, this is an intensive ab initio course designed for students who have had little or no exposure to Portuguese. It aims to take you from basic to pre-intermediate level, matching the linguistic ability of level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), with some aspects of B1 also being explored. The General Language class is designed to help you practise and gradually build up confidence in spoken and written Portuguese. Both the European and Brazilian varieties are explored. The intensive grammar classes establish the foundations for the reading and translation of more advanced texts. The translation classes equip you with the relevant competences to tackle translations of literary and non-fiction texts from Portuguese into English. They will also help you work towards accurate translations from English into Portuguese. Over the two terms, you will learn about some key Lusophone writers, artists, contemporary and historical personalities, watch carefully selected video materials, and familiarise yourself with some of the key media outlets of the Lusophone world. Culture is a key component of PORT language modules at 911±¬ÁÏÍø and, throughout your degree, you will be introduced to the rich musical traditions of Portugal, Brazil and Lusophone Africa. Samba, Bossa Nova, Funk, Choro, Tropicália, Fado, Morna, Funaná: music aids memory in foreign language learning and is an excellent way to improve your listening and pronunciation skills.

By the end of the module, you will be able to communicate fluently in a wide range of everyday situations, hold conversations on routine topics, write and translate simple texts into Portuguese, and read and translate more advanced Portuguese texts into English. You will be acquainted with key aspects of Lusophone cultures across the globe and be able to establish connections between the language classes and the literary and intellectual worlds explored in the PORT* content modules. We will encourage you to work over the summer to ensure that you start Year 2 with confidence.

Preparatory Reading

Your tutor will make use of a combination of online resources, grammars, textbooks, and other materials. You are asked to bring the following books to class. Whilst the library has copies for reference or short loan, purchasing these materials is strongly recommended for use in class and at home:

  • Anna Klobucka et al, Ponto de Encontro: Portuguese as a World Language, second edition, Pearson Education Limited, 2013. ISBN-13: 978-1292022482,
  • Carla Oliveira e Luísa Coelho, Gramática Aplicada. Português para Estrangeiros. Níveis A1, A2, B1, Texto Editores, 2016. ISBN-13: 9789724734705.

Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year

Intended teaching term: Terms 1 and 2 ÌýÌýÌý Undergraduate (FHEQ Level 4)

Teaching and assessment

Mode of study
In person
Methods of assessment
40% Exam
40% Coursework
20% Viva or oral presentation
Mark scheme
Numeric Marks

Other information

Number of students on module in previous year
16
Module leader
Dr Ana Claudia Suriani Da Silva
Who to contact for more information
a.surianidasilva@ucl.ac.uk

Last updated

This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.

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