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PORT30040

Academic Year 2026/2027

Portuguese Language IIIa (PORT30040)

Subject:
Portuguese
College:
Arts & Humanities
School:
Languages, Cultures & Linguis
Level:
3 (Degree)
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 is designed for students who already have a near proficient level of Portuguese and are looking to improve and develop their communication skills, being able to express themselves about different subjects fluently and effectively.
The module develops communicative language skills and communication strategies, consolidating skills equivalent to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and progressing towards C1.

This module builds on, perfects and expands the skills acquired in the previous language module (Portuguese IIb: PORT20050), aiming in particular at further enhancing students' competence in writing in Portuguese, their comprehension of ever more complex written and spoken Portuguese utterances, their ability to communicate accurately and effectively in written and spoken Portuguese on a wide range of topics, as well as their mastery of more complexe grammatical stuctures of the Portuguese language.
It is based on proficient communicative activities, such as reception, production and interaction and advocates an action/oriented approach to language teaching and learning.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
1) Demonstrate competence in the use of a wide range of complex structures of the Portuguese language.
2) Develop comprehension skills in listening and reading, with particular emphasis placed on proficient skills necessary for effective oral and written communication.
3) Communicate confidently, proficiently and naturally in a wide range of situations, both orally and in writing.
4) Read, comprehend, question and summarise a wide range of medium-length written and aural documents in different registers on a variety of topics.
5) Participate actively in Portuguese conversations, discussions, and debates (on the topics of the module) carried out at near normal speed.

Indicative Module Content:

This module provides a systematic approach to acquiring proficient grammar structures in a communicative context and in accordance with the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Main grammar: At this level, students are expected to demonstrate near-native competence in the use of all proficient grammatical structures. However, there may be revision and consolidation of some grammatical structures as required.

Main topics: This module deals with various aspects of Portuguese-speaking world societal issues:
- Sustainability, environmentalism and renewable energy
- Poverty and exclusion
- Tourism, gentrification, habitation
- Education and sport
- Gastronomy of the Portuguese-speaking world

The topics will be explored through written materials and audio and audio-visual sources (reception) that will be complemented with activities requiring production, such as written, oral, and online interaction.
Further details about the content and specified learning materials will be available on Brightspace at the appropriate times during the module.

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. Competent

Critical Thinking

 The ability to question norms, practices and opinions; to reflect on one’s own values, perceptions and actions. Competent

Systems Thinking

 The ability to recognize and understand relationships; to analyse complex systems; to think of how systems are embedded within different domains and different scales; and to deal with uncertainty. Competent

Strategic

 The ability to collectively develop and implement innovative actions that further sustainability at the local level and further afield. Advanced Beginner

Integrated Problem Solving

 The overarching ability to apply different problem-solving frameworks to complex sustainability problems and develop viable, inclusive and equitable solution options that promote sustainable development, integrating the competencies in this list. Competent

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. Competent

Normative

 The ability to understand and reflect on the norms and values that underlie one’s actions; and to negotiate values, principles, goals, and targets, in a context of conflicts of interest and trade-offs, uncertain knowledge and contradictions. Advanced Beginner

Anticipatory

 The ability to understand and evaluate multiple scenarios for the future – possible, probable and desirable; to create one’s own visions for the future; to apply the precautionary principle; to assess the consequences of actions; and to deal with risks and changes. Advanced Beginner

Digital Literacy and Judgement

 The ability to access, evaluate, create and communicate information in digital environments; to engage critically, ethically and responsibly with digital technologies and digital information; to understand their opportunities, limitations, risks and impact on individual’s digital identities; and to exercise informed judgement in digital participation and decision-making. Competent

AI Literacy & Agency

 The ability to understand, critically evaluate and responsibly engage with artificial intelligence; to recognise how AI systems are shaped by human values; to assess their ethical, social and environmental implications; and to exercise human judgement, agency and accountability in AI-related contexts. Advanced Beginner

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. Competent

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Small Group

24
Specified Learning Activities

40
Autonomous Student Learning

50
Total

114

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
In this module the key teaching and learning approaches are based on interactive language development tasks, such as pair/group work/class debates, and include the study of longer texts to analyse, contrast and question topical ideas with listening and reading exercises and oral development work.

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 related to the course; completing 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: Generative AI may be used for certain purposes only under the guidance of your module coordinator/tutor and within academic integrity guidelines.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

Students taking this module will normally have already taken PORT20050.
Students are welcome to contact the Module Coordinator to discuss language levels.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
PORT20040 - Portuguese Language IIa, PORT20050 - Portuguese Language IIb


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): Two/hour written exam: piece of writing (70%); grammar exercise (30%) End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
50
 No
Participation in Learning Activities: Up to 4 formative tasks per trimester, of which the best 3 count addressing grammar, writing, reading and listening comprehension, vocabulary. Week 4, Week 5, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
25
 No
Viva Voce: 15-minute oral exam. NOTE: This oral exam will take place in Week 13, immediately after the end of the teaching semester. Week 12 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.

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