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PORT10020

Academic Year 2025/2026

Portuguese Language Ia (PORT10020)

Subject:
Portuguese
College:
Arts & Humanities
School:
Languages, Cultures & Linguis
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Ana Vera
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module offers an introductory journey into the Portuguese language – one of the world’s fastest-growing languages, spoken by over 260 million people all over the world – and the rich, diverse cultures of Portuguese-speaking countries. Designed for students with no prior knowledge or only minimal familiarity with the language, it provides the foundational skills and understanding necessary to establish basic communication. Learners who achieve a grade of B or higher will be considered to have reached the A1 level, as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

It is a core module for anyone wishing to take a degree in Portuguese at UCD, whether the BA, BHumanities, BAIML or BEducation with Gaeilge/Modern Languages degrees (also as part of MALI). It is the perfect choice for students eager to explore a new language with the possibility of pursuing it as a joint major subject. It is equally suitable as a language elective. Learners who have successfully completed Portuguese Ia will be able to progress to the next stage.

This module runs over 11 weeks of instruction, offering an accelerated learning environment designed to support rapid progress in foundational language skills. Each week includes three on-campus classes, encouraging active participation and personalised guidance. Students are expected to engage fully in all scheduled sessions. Continuous self-study complements classroom instruction and is essential for sustained development throughout the module.

Learners will develop a foundational command of the Portuguese language through integrated listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities. The module emphasises practical communication skills for everyday situations. Particular attention is given to the linguistic and cultural diversity of the Portuguese-speaking world. Students will also be introduced to the two standardised varieties of the language: European Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

• Engage in basic communication: Introduce oneself and others, ask and answer simple questions, and express preferences using familiar language and fixed expressions.
• Comprehend everyday language: Understand clear speech on familiar topics and follow basic spoken instructions, thanks to targeted listening practice.
• Read and interpret simple texts: Navigate short written materials like signs, forms, timetables, and brief descriptions relevant to daily life.
• Produce short written content: Write simple phrases and texts about personal topics, and complete forms with essential personal details.
• Apply essential grammar and vocabulary: Use simple present and past tenses, common adjectives, basic prepositions, and vocabulary related to daily routines, family, food, and leisure.

Indicative Module Content:

Key Functions:
1. Introducing, greeting, and saying goodbye
2. Describing people, places, and objects
3. Asking for and telling the time
4. Asking about and expressing location
5. Describing simple routines
6. Express likes and dislikes
7. Describing continuous actions in the present

Key grammar points:
1. Ser vs Estar
2. The simple present form of regular verbs ending in -ar,-er, and -ir
3. The present form of reflexive and irregular verbs
4. Personal and interrogative pronouns
5. Definite and indefinite articles
6. Some prepositions and prepositional phrases of time and space
7. The preterit tense of regular and key irregular verbs

Students will also learn more about the cultures associated with the language and its speakers.

This information is indicative and may undergo changes.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Small Group

33
Specified Learning Activities

36
Autonomous Student Learning

50
Total

119

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Students will explore the use of the language in a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment. The target language will be presented in a productive way, with the aim of growing familiarity and confidence.

We follow an action-oriented communicative approach. The lessons include tutor explanations, whole-class activities, and active/task-based learning enhanced with Brightspace Virtual Learning Environments, such as online tests/quizzes, individual, peer, and small-group work, role-play, responding to short texts, listening to dialogues, and watching video clips. Grammar is introduced in context.

PLEASE NOTE that this module focuses on developing linguistic competencies so attendance in classes is extremely important, and assessment will often take place during classes.
Students are expected to spend some hours per week working on the various course activities: Reading and listening to materials relating to the course; doing tasks and a variety of exercises, including grammar.
Oral interaction in class is expected and interaction through Brightspace and/or email to solve any doubts, problems, and any other issues students might have.

AI usage: Red (students must not use generative AI in any assignment for any purpose).

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): A two-hour written exam made up of core components developed to test Portuguese language skills: grammar, reading, writing and comprehension. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Graded No
50
 No
Exam (In-person): In-class written test Week 7 Graded No
25
 No
Participation in Learning Activities: Up to 3 formative tasks per trimester, of which the 2 best count: quizzes, handwritten submissions, in-class/recorded oral practice (grammar, writing, reading and listening comprehension, vocabulary) Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11 Graded No
25
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
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
• Online automated feedback
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Formative feedback individually to students on non graded assessments at the discretion of the tutor - Students will be told what they have done well and what they need to do to improve. Feedback individually to students on graded assessments - includes reminding students of what they were aiming to achieve (the learning outcomes). Feedback to the class, on activities developed in class, where appropriate - feedback given against explicit and agreed criteria for success (clear marking criteria aligned with the learning outcomes).

Students are not required to purchase any materials for this module. All essential readings are available through the university library. Supplementary resources will be provided during class sessions and/or accessible via Brightspace.

Textbook: Ponto de Encontro: Portuguese as a World Language. Pearson New International Edition - 2nd edition (both digital and physical copies are available in the library)





Name Role
Dr Pascale Baker Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Vitor Fernandes Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Ana Vera Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Seminar Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Fri 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Seminar Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 09:00 - 09:50
Autumn Seminar Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Wed 09:00 - 09:50
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