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PORT20210

Academic Year 2025/2026

Portuguese Today (PORT20210)

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

Curricular information is subject to change.

This language module aims to strengthen students’ oral and aural proficiency in Portuguese while deepening their understanding of Portuguese society and its cultural, social, and political contexts. Through critical engagement with a wide range of written and audiovisual materials, students will enhance their ability to interpret, analyse, and discuss contemporary issues in Portuguese. The module also addresses practical aspects of daily life in Portugal, making it particularly valuable for students preparing for a year abroad as part of their degree programme.
This module is aimed at students who have completed the first and second-year language modules (Portuguese language Ia, Ib, and IIa) or have reached or approached the equivalent standard of Portuguese (CEFR level B1). Students should not take this module if they do not have the required standard. If in doubt, they should contact the module coordinator.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

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

- Participate confidently in discussions on contemporary Portuguese cultural, social, and political topics, showing intercultural sensitivity.
- Understand and analyse spoken and audiovisual materials on relevant societal and business-related themes.
- Use a broad and accurate vocabulary to express viewpoints and respond to diverse perspectives in oral exchanges.
- Deliver coherent oral presentations and provide constructive feedback on peers' work.
- Apply effective self-study strategies and reflect on linguistic and intercultural development through authentic materials.

Indicative Module Content:

Topics covered will likely touch upon the following broader issues:
- Contemporary Portuguese society
- Social and political affairs
- Popular culture
- Academic life in Portugal

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Seminar (or Webinar)

12
Specified Learning Activities

40
Autonomous Student Learning

50
Total

114

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Interactive lectures and student-led seminars. This module requires students to take active participation in all the learning activities associated with the module, both in class and outside the class. Some work in class will be done in pairs or groups. Class activities are often based on materials (written texts and audio-visual materials) that students have to prepare before the classes. During the trimester students will work on a final project in groups that will be presented to the class.

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
Participation in Learning Activities: Contributions to in-class discussions, debates and presentations Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11 Graded No
20
 No
Practical Skills Assessment: Make a podcast/videocast in Portuguese Week 12 Graded No
20
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Individual presentation Week 6 Graded No
20
 No
Viva Voce: 15m Oral Exam Week 14 Graded No
40
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
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.

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.

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

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Seminar Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32 Fri 12:00 - 12:50
Spring Seminar Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32 Mon 15:00 - 15:50
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