PORT10110 Postcolonial Portuguese World

Academic Year 2024/2025

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the history, cultures, and societies of the Portuguese-speaking world, commonly referred to as the Lusophone world. Through an interdisciplinary approach and post-colonial framework, this module will develop students’ understanding of the historical, social, political, and cultural dynamics that have shaped these diverse regions.
From the urban beats of Lisbon to the vibrant rhythms of Brazil, from the volcanic and tranquil landscapes of Cape Verde to the historical narratives of Mozambique and Angola, this module will provide an understanding of the complexities and nuances of the Portuguese-speaking world. Throughout the module, students will engage critically with primary and secondary sources, including cultural artifacts, music, and scholarly articles, to examine how historical legacies such as colonization, slavery, and independence movements continue to influence contemporary realities. By the end of the module, students will gain insights into the diversity and dynamism of Lusophone cultures and societies, as well as the ongoing challenges and opportunities they face in the contemporary global landscape.
This modules is designed for non-specialists, so students do not need to be familiar with Portuguese language or with Lusophone countries before taking this module.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Learning outcomes:
1. To develop an introductory knowledge of the legacies of Portuguese colonialism and their impact on the societies and cultures of the Portuguese-speaking world
2. To develop a nuanced understanding of the processes of decolonization and nation-building in the post-colonial era
3. To analyse the diverse cultural heritage of the Portuguese-speaking world, including music, literature, art, and cuisine, and how these cultural expressions reflect both local specificities and broader transnational connections.
4. To consolidate the cross-cultural, interdisciplinary skills of the students, equipping them with valuable insights into global dynamics of culture, society, and politics.
5. To develop critical thinking skills, and gain insights into postcolonial theory

Indicative Module Content:

Indicative Module content:
1. Historical Context: the impact of Portuguese colonization on the social, cultural, and economic landscapes of Lusophone countries, including the consideration of such issues as luso-tropicalism, "creolization," and colonialism.
2. Language and Linguistic diversity: the role of Portuguese as a colonial language and its significance across the Lusophone world; Language policies and linguistic diversities; Creole languages and its significance.
3. Gender, Race, and Intersectionality: the multifaceted identities within Lusophone societies, including race, ethnicity, gender, and class, and their intersections with post-colonial dynamics; feminist movements, and activism.
4. Political structures and governance: key political movements, transitions, and the quest for political stability and social progress.
5. Cultural expressions: literature, visual arts, music, and cuisine as reflections of Lusophone cultural heritage and agents of social change.
6. Globalization and Diaspora: impacts of globalization, migration, and diaspora on Lusophone communities worldwide.
7. Challenges and opportunities: economic development and social progress; environmental sustainability

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

36
Autonomous Student Learning

50
Lectures

24
Total

110
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module blends several different teaching and learning approaches such as lectures, class discussions, problem-based learning and debates, online learning resources, readings, and multimedia presentations. Active participation in classes is required and students are expected to fully engage with the course material and tasks. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Group Work Assignment: Group oral presentation related to one of the topics and material of the module. n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

40
Assignment(Including Essay): Essay: 750-1000 word essay relating to one of the units studied n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

60

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.