Portuguese Intermediate accelerated for finalists (LL399)
Summary
Level - Intermediate
Prerequisite: Prior knowledge of Portuguese.
- A2 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference)
- or a high grade in GCSE or equivalent
- or equivalent in International Baccalaureate
- or Language Centre Portuguese Beginners Accelerated
- or equivalent
Main Objectives
To consolidate and expand learners’ communicative skills in the target language, their intercultural competence, as well as their knowledge of the vocabulary, the grammar and syntax of Portuguese. Students will be exposed to authentic materials, to the several varieties of the language and will be challenged to engage with current topics in the Lusophone world by performing tasks in the target language. The balanced development of all the skills will be favoured and students’ progression and increased self-awareness with respect to the language learning process will be valued. Additionally, students will research, analyse and reflect on cultural contexts, enhancing their cultural knowledge, as well as intercultural and cross-cultural competencies.
Credits
30 CREDITS
Teaching and Learning
One weekly blended session for 21 weeks, organised as:
- Two-hour face-to-face class on campus
- One-hour online class on Teams
- Four online workshops, each lasting ninety minutes, spread across terms 1 and 2
- Some independent study will also be set
If health & safety restrictions are required, teaching may move online.
Students are reminded that 1 credit = 10 hours of study, therefore for a 30 credit module, the minimum expected amount of study is 300 hours, which averages over 10 hours per week. A substantial amount of independent study is therefore required. Students can make use of Moodle to facilitate this.
Assessment
Term 2: portfolio (15%)
Term 3: One reading/writing test (30%) + one speaking test (40%) + independent project (15%)
Main tutor
João Pedro Vicente Faustino
Course Texts
The module is taught entirely in Portuguese. Texts in Portuguese, as well as video and audio resources relating to Portugal, Brazil and other Lusophone countries form the basis of an intensive and active learning experience. Course materials will be made available to students via the existing learning platforms. In addition to these, students are advised to buy the following book:
- Gramática Ativa 2 - Segundo o novo acordo ortográfico, by Isabel Coimbra, Lidel, ISBN: 978-972-757-639-5
Course Description
The module will strengthen reading and writing skills and will also reinforce the communicative skills acquired during previous study of the Portuguese language. Students will gain further insights into the culture of Portuguese-speaking countries. The module will offer a more advanced study of language structure and syntax, and will concentrate on using the target language for discussing and analysing aspects of the Portuguese-speaking world. In addition, the course will provide opportunities for students to develop a critical understanding of cultural contexts, analytical and reflective abilities in cross-cultural settings, and autonomous learning and effective resource management.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- apply knowledge of grammar appropriate to the level
- understand and produce the main ideas of complex text on concrete and abstract topics
- understand extended speech in a variety of contexts, and the gist of most current affairs programmes and films (including implied meaning)
- read articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems
- interact with fluency and spontaneity, and account for and sustain viewpoints
- write clear and detailed texts on a wide range of subjects; explain viewpoints on topical issues
- critically analyse and reflect on cultural contexts, demonstrating enhanced intercultural and cross-cultural competencies
-
conduct and present independent research into Lusophone cultures and societies
-
self-monitor and self-regulate their own learning and manage resources
By the end of the course, students should be able to perform many tasks at level B2 Independent user (vantage) of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference).
Syllabus
Communicative Skills
This module will allow students to consolidate and refine their linguistic competence in Portuguese. Attention will be paid to the development of skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) in realistic contexts. The organization of tasks with different ranges of complexity, which bring into play authentic materials, will favour meaningful uses of the language. This module will allow students to develop strategies for self-directed and autonomous learning, as well as an understanding of diverse cultural contexts and the ability to engage with and communicate on them thoughtfully and respectfully.
Topics
This module will cover topics such as: Biographies; Health and lifestyles; Services; Entertainment; New and old technologies: communication and relationships; Migrations: opportunities and challenges; Generations; The environment; Lusofonia: geography, culture and linguistic variation.
Grammar
Some of the grammatical points which we will focus on:
- Tenses of the indicative mode: Pretérito Perfeito Composto; Pretérito Mais-Que-Perfeito Composto;
- Tenses of the subjunctive mode: Pretérito Imperfeito; Perfeito Composto; Pretérito Mais-Que-Perfeito; Futuro Perfeito;
- If clauses;
- Past participle;
- Passive voice;
- Reported speech;
- Personal and impersonal infinitive;
- Direct and indirect object pronouns.
Subject-specific and transferable skills
- Strategies for understanding gist and specific information
- Strategies to communicate effectively both in writing and orally in Portuguese
- Intercultural Awareness, Professionalism, Digital Literacy, Teamwork, Problem-solving, Critical Thinking
Can count towards the Warwick Award
