ML4186: Histories and Cultures of the Portuguese-Speaking World: National and Transnational

School Portuguese
Department Code MLANG
Module Code ML4186
External Subject Code 101141
Number of Credits 20
Level L4
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Tonia Wind
Semester Double 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. The second semester develops this by identifying how languages, cultures and societies both operate on a national level and interconnect according to historical, geographic, economic, political, spatial and cultural conditions. After further webinars outlining this, learning activities will reflect on how these common themes play out on a national level referencing, for example, the emergence of symbols and traditions designed to foster a sense of national belonging. 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

  1. 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. 
  2. Apply methods of textual and visual analysis to the materials studied
  3. Formulate a coherent, evidence-based argument drawing on relevant secondary literature.
  4. 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:

Assignment 1 assesses ILO 4

Assignment 2 assesses ILOs 2, 4

Assignment 3 assesses ILOs 1, 2, 3, 4

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

You may be required to resit one or more of the assessments in this module if you fail the module. The Examination Board will advise you which assessments you need to resit during the August resit period. Resit assessments that are not supported by extenuating circumstances will be capped at the pass mark applicable to your programme.

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 10 Information Literacy Assignment N/A
Written Assessment 40 Creative Project N/A
Written Assessment 50 Essay (2,000 Words) 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?

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