ML4180: Histories and Cultures of the Portuguese-Speaking World: National and Transnational
School | School of Modern Languages |
Department Code | MLANG |
Module Code | ML4180 |
External Subject Code | 101141 |
Number of Credits | 10 |
Level | L4 |
Language of Delivery | English |
Module Leader | Dr Tonia Wind |
Semester | Autumn Semester |
Academic Year | 2022/3 |
Outline Description of Module
The module will introduce students to a study of national cultures and societies and how they connect with transnational contexts beyond national borders. Learning activities in the first semester will focus on the national contexts of the chosen languages of study and chart the emergence of these nations either through a historical overview, or a survey of key foundational moments. These will be followed by webinars that introduce students to the study of Modern Languages and a consideration of how the local intersects with the global. Seminars will focus on the acquisition of critical and analytical skills through discussions of a range of ‘texts’ which complement the lectures (primary and secondary source materials ranging from articles, statistics and graphs to visual materials including still images and public memorials, maps, propaganda materials and documentaries ).
On completion of the module a student should be able to
- Discuss selected aspects of culture and society across the Portuguese-speaking world in relation to the evolution of nations where Portuguese is an official language in a broad transnational context.
- Apply methods of textual and visual analysis to the materials studied
- Formulate a coherent, evidence-based argument drawing on relevant secondary literature.
- Identify, find evaluate and accurately reference reputable sources of information.
How the module will be delivered
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.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Academic and subject specific skills:
- Be able to articulate a strong sense of evolution of cultures at a national level
- Begin to conceptualise how the national fits with the transnational
- Develop strong inter-cultural awareness
- Develop methodological skills through text-based analysis
- Develop critical thinking and analytical skills
- Develop and demonstrate competency in information literacy
Employability skills
- Be able to produce writing and interpretation which fits the needs of the reader/listener, within and beyond the academic context
- Be able to use ICT effectively
- Group project work
How the module will be assessed
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
Information Literacy Assignemnt: assesses LO 4
Creative Project: assesses LOs 1, 2, 3
THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:
In the event of failing the module, the student will be able to re-sit a synoptic re-assessment for 100% of the module
Assessment Breakdown
Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
---|---|---|---|
Written Assessment | 10 | Information Literacy Assignment | N/A |
Project | 90 | Creative Project | N/A |
Syllabus content
At the school wide transnational levels, students will explore the following topics
- What is the transnational?
- What does it mean to be a modern languages student?
- How to move between the global and the local
- The concept of the nation
- National identity, nation building and concepts of belonging
- Contemporary debates in European and non-European cultures and societies
- Regional and (de)colonial identities within the nation
- Multilingualism, language identities and globalisation
In classes specific to the Portuguese programme student will explore:
Early Portuguese colonialism and colonial expansion
The ‘discovery’ of Brazil
Slavery and Abolition
Monarchies and republics
Eurocentrism and the mapping of Africa
Dictatorships and democracy
The struggles for independence in Portuguese-speaking Africa
Diasporas in and of the Portuguese-speaking world
What does Lusophone mean?