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PORT10020

Academic Year 2026/2027

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. It is primarily for those who wish to begin the study of Portuguese and pursue it to degree level, but it is also suitable as a language elective. It is the perfect choice for those who want to explore a new language and with the possibility of pursuing it as a joint major subject.

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.

This module runs over 12 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. By regular practice, students will be able to introduce themselves and describe their own life and environment, make acquaintance, formulate and understand simple descriptions and narratives.

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).

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

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

• Engage in basic communication: Introduce themselves and their immediate context, providing personal details with a basic vocabulary that includes numbers, core descriptive terms, and concrete indications about people and places;
• 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.

UNESCO highlights a set of key competencies that support individuals in their development and support society in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UCD has adapted these competencies and is combining them with others to form a general framework of learning competencies. This module will help you develop the competencies below to the levels specified. 
Learning Competency Additional Information Level

Collaboration

 The ability to learn from others; to understand and respect the needs, perspectives and actions of others (empathy); to understand, relate to and be sensitive to others (empathic leadership); to deal with conflicts in a group; and to facilitate collaborative and participatory problem solving. Novice

Self-awareness

 The ability to reflect on one’s own role in the local community and (global) society; to continually evaluate and further motivate one’s actions; and to deal with one’s feelings and desires. Novice

Wellbeing

 Wellbeing is having the resources and skills to meet life's challenges, including attributes such as personal development skills, resilience, stress management, strengths, lifestyle skills, nutrition, physical activity, sleep, alcohol/substance use, academic skills, time management, goal setting, interpersonal skills, group work, communication. Novice

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Small Group

20
Conversation Class

10
Specified Learning Activities

24
Autonomous Student Learning

50
Online Learning

6
Total

110

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 students are also 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.

Engagement with the Virtual Learning Environment to solve any doubts or issues.

Note on AI: The use of AI tools (e.g. Gemini, Copilot) is not permitted in this module. Students are expected to engage directly with module materials and activities without the use of AI tools. Also, you must not use AI at any point during the assessments. You must demonstrate your core knowledge and language skills.

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): Two-hour written end-of-trimester exam paper End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
50
 No
Exam (In-person): In-class written test Week 7 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
30
 No
Participation in Learning Activities: Up to 4 formative in-class and/or homework tasks per trimester, of which the 3 best count, covering grammar, writing, reading and listening comprehension, vocabulary. Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
20
 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.

Recommended 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 Jeanne Riou 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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