This module is designed to enable students to develop the transferable skills of translating from and into the Portuguese language efficiently; interpreting formal and informal texts between Portuguese and English; presenting, in writing, an extended, logical argument, summarising other points of view, assessing and evaluating evidence and reaching personal conclusions and syntheses; demonstrating competence in other writing skills, and operating and presenting arguments effectively in the target language through the use of monologue, dialogue and group discussion. This module also aims to prepare students thoroughly both linguistically and culturally for their period of study abroad. Students will be able to manipulate information from spoken and written texts in the Portuguese language.  

While part of any class is likely to involve direct teaching, the emphasis is on student participation. Students will be required to prepare materials in advance of classes and will be expected to actively take part in discussions and in-class tasks, like small group projects and presentations.

This course corresponds to a B1/B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

1. Read, understand and speak the Portuguese language to a level comparable with B1/B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). 
2. Engage confidently and with appropriate grammatical correctness and spontaneity in everyday conversation in Portuguese. 
3. Write coherent texts in a range of registers on a range of topics relating to contemporary Lusophone cultures and societies with appropriate grammatical and lexical accuracy. 
4. Extract data and ideas from a range of authentic written and/or audio/audio-visual texts. 

The module will be delivered through a range of interactive teaching sessions supplemented by online teaching and learning activities and materials – and may include, where relevant, asynchronous materials such as lecture recordings. Full details on the delivery mode of this module will be available on Learning Central at the start of the academic year – and may be, in part, determined by Welsh Government and Public Health Wales guidance.  

Independent Learning: Students will be expected to spend a significant amount of time studying and participating in individual and collaborative activities outside the live sessions. Materials will be provided on Learning Central which will help students develop their expertise as independent language learners. Students will be asked to consolidate their language learning by learning vocabulary and linguistic structures, and by reading, watching and/or listening to material in the Portuguese language. Students will also be expected to prepare and complete exercises and activities online, to complete written, listening and oral tasks and to engage with tutors and peers through discussion boards and forums. Over the course of the year students will begin to acquire a repertoire of effective language learning strategies.  

1. An understanding of the principles of learning a foreign language intensively and organise their learning with guidance with the tutor. 
2. A greater awareness of how languages (including the mother tongue) function  
3. The skills to be effective, independent and self-aware learners, including active reflection on learning processes and preferences so as to independently develop appropriate strategies and linguistic skills to ensure progression  
4. The ability to work creatively and flexibly with others as part of a team  
5. Cultural and linguistic awareness in preparation for the year abroad 
6. Skills in intercultural awareness, understanding and competence, including a critical understanding of other cultures and practice other than one’s own  
7. Enhanced skills in effective communication, presentation and interaction – both in an online environment and face-to-face 
8. An awareness of registers (both written and conversational), accents and pronunciation 
9. Enhanced analytic skills  
10. An understanding and appreciation of key translation problems and techniques for overcoming these 
11. Enhanced digital literacy skills including the ability to engage with appropriate language learning technologies  
12. The ability to identify, assess, and make good use of appropriate reference materials (e.g. dictionaries; online resources; self-study tool)   

The method(s) of assessing the learning outcomes for this module are set out in the Assessment Table, which also contains the weightings of each assessment component.

Mapping of Assessments to Intended Learning Outcomes

Listening Comprehension: assesses LOs 1, 4

Translation & commentary: assesses LOs 1,3, 4

Oral: assesses LOs 1, 2

Reassessment

If no overall pass is attained, students will be allowed to resit by submitting a piece of coursework which will count for 100%. Marks obtained will be capped at 40%.

The course will focus on: 

An extensive variety of grammar topics to consolidate the knowledge acquired at level 4 including but not limited to: 

• Indicative and Subjunctive (simple and perfect tenses) 
• Coordinate and Subordinate clauses 
• Pronouns  
• Prepositions 
• Connectors 

Discussion and debate of current affairs in Lusophone countries across South America, Europe, Asia and Africa and other topics in preparation for the Year Abroad (university life and work in Portuguese-speaking countries).  

Translation from and into English texts focusing on various topics related to the Lusophone world.