This module builds upon the linguistic knowledge acquired in Level 4 of the degree and provides a solid preparation for independent study during the compulsory period of study abroad in the third year.  

This module is designed to enable you  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 Portuguese through the use of monologue, dialogue and group discussion. This module also aims to prepare you thoroughly both linguistically and culturally for your period of study abroad. You 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. You will be required to prepare materials in advance of classes and you will be expected to actively take part in discussions (face to face and/ or online) 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 Portuguese 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 Portuguese 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 and synthesise data and ideas from a range of authentic written and/or audio/audio-visual texts.
5. Translate from and into English efficiently, evidencing an enhanced capacity for dealing with linguistic problems encountered in translation

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: You 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 you develop your expertise as independent language learners. You will be asked to consolidate your language learning by learning vocabulary and linguistic structures, and by reading, watching and/or listening to material in the Portuguese language. You 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 key language skills are receptive (reading and listening), production (speaking and writing), mediation (translation between two languages) and intercultural awareness. Developing these skills involves acquiring metalinguistic and lexical competence, i.e. studying the building blocks of the language including grammatical and lexical patterns and structures. All of these skills are assessed through continuous assessment over the course of the module which reflects the progressive and accumulative nature of language learning.   

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.

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR RE-ASSESSMENT

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.

MAPPING OF ASSESSEMENTS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

Listening comprehension assesses ILO 1,4

Written exam assesses ILO 1,3,4

Translation assesses ILO 1,4,5

Grammar test assesses ILO 1,3,4

Oral exam assesses ILO 1,2,4

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.