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PORT10110

Academic Year 2024/2025

Postcolonial Portuguese World (PORT10110)

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 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 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 artefacts, 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 module is designed for non-specialists, so students do not need to be familiar with Portuguese language or with Portuguese-speaking countries before taking this module.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

1. To develop an introductory knowledge of the Lusophone world, enabling you to identify the complex historical interconnectedness that exists between the countries as well as their specificity.
2. To demonstrate an understanding of the key historical and cultural moments of the Portuguese-speaking world.
3. To develop an informed understanding of key critical concepts (e.g. Colonialism, Post-colonialism, Hybridity, Lusotropicalism, Nationalism)
4. To engage with a range of cultural objects of the Portuguese-speaking world, including music, literature, and art, and analyse them in relation to their historical and cultural context.
5. To develop critical thinking skills, and to present information and arguments on a defined topic.

Indicative Module Content:

Whilst the module's content may vary, it is envisaged that the course will include some of the following topics
1. Portuguese empire and the making of the colonial order
2. Colonial Brazil and Slavery
3. Lusotropicalism and African territories under Portuguese rule
4. Language and Linguistic diversity in the postcolony: Language policies and linguistic diversities; Creole languages and its significance.
5. Revolution. decolonization and postcolonial identities
6. Cultural expressions: literature, visual arts, and music as reflections of Lusophone cultural heritage and agents of social change.
7. Diaspora: memory and migration in the Lusophone post/colonial world.
8. Postcoloniality and gender politics

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Specified Learning Activities

36
Autonomous Student Learning

50
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 Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Group Work Assignment: Group oral presentation related to one of the topics and material of the module. Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10 Graded No
40
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Essay: 1000 word essay related to one of the units studied Week 14 Graded No
60
 No

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.

Class and specified learning materials will be made available on Brightspace at the appropriate times during the module.

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 Thurs 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn Seminar Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Tues 11:00 - 11:50
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