Admission requirements
This course is only available for students in the BA International Studies programme who have passed Portuguese 1 Beginners.
Description
This course builds on the communication skills developed in Portuguese 1 Beginners, developing further the ability of expressing past events, experiences, wishes etc. Moreover, whilst developing language skills, the course aims at familiarizing students further with elements of the culture of lusophone countries through the use of varied materials.
Course objectives
This course covers four key skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, to a pre-intermediate level. Course-book and other additional, including authentic materials will be used in the development of communication skills through practical written and oral exercises (individual and group-based). The course will expand students' knowledge of grammar, vocabulary and awareness of register. Students will develop key skills, such as presentation skills in Portuguese, team work, working to deadlines. These are integrated into language-specific, practical application of language skills in a variety of contexts, such as CV and covering letter writing.
| Skill | CEFR Level |
|---|---|
| Reading | B1 |
| Writing | A2 |
| Listening | A2+ |
| Speaking | A2 |
Timetable
The timetable is available on the BA International Studies website.
Mode of instruction
Tutorials
Three two-hour tutorials every week, with the exception of the midterm exam week. Attending all tutorial sessions is compulsory. If you are unable to attend a session, please inform your tutor in advance, providing a valid reason for your absence. Being absent will result in a lowering of the participation grade with 0.5 for every absence after the first five (5) times.
Course Load
Total course load for this course is 10 EC (1 EC = 28 hours), which equals 280 hours, broken down by:
| Component | Estimated time |
|---|---|
| Attending classes | 72 hours |
| Assessment hours (exams) | 6 hours |
| Preparing for classes, exams and extra activities | 202 hours |
Assessment method
Assessment and Weighing
Exams include grammar exercises (e.g., fill-the-gap, short answer, etc.), reading comprehension, listening comprehension, open questions, and short essays. Oral assessment consists of a question/answer session. Quizzes and assignments are weekly tasks. Each student will be expected to prepare a solo presentation on one of the course’s topics. A group assignment, which includes both written and spoken parts will also be expected.
| Partial grade | Weighing | Time of examination |
|---|---|---|
| Exam 1 (1-2 hours) | 15% | week 3 |
| Exam 2 - Midterm (1-2 hours) | 15% | week 6 |
| Exam 3 - Final (1-2 hours) | 15% | week 12 |
| Oral Exam (7-15 minutes) | 15% | week 12 |
| Quizzes + Assignments | 20% total | weekly |
| Solo presentation | 10% | tbd |
| Group assignment | 10% | tbd |
End Grade
To successfully complete the course, please take note that the End Grade of the course is established by determining the weighted average of the in-class oral and listening performance, and written exams.
The End Grade needs to be a 6.0 or higher to pass the course.
Resit
If the End Grade is insufficient (lower than a 6.0), there is a possibility of retaking the full 70% of the exam material (exams, quizzes, Midterm Exam and Final Exam). No resit for the tutorial (participation and homework) is possible.
Exam review and feedback
How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.
Blackboard
Blackboard will be used for this course. Students are requested to enroll on Blackboard, but only after correct enrolment in uSis.
Reading list
Vailati, Tecia E., Apostila 1 (Reader). This reader will be available for free download on Blackboard.
Isabel Coimbra and Olga M. Coimbra, Gramática Ativa 1. (Porto: Lidel).
There are two versions of this book: the European Portuguese (also applicable to African Portuguese) and the Brazilian Portuguese. Choose the one related to your area of studies.
Registration
Enrolment through uSis for Tutorials is mandatory.
Students will be enrolled for Exams by the Administration Office, as long as they have a valid Tutorial enrolment.
Registration Studeren à la carte and Contractonderwijs
Not applicable.
Contact
When contacting lecturers or tutors, please include your full name, student number, and tutorial group number.
Please use your University email-address (uMail) when communicating with any person or department within Leiden University.
Student Affairs Office for BA International Studies
Remarks
This course uses an integrated communicative language learning method. Therefore active participation in the classroom activities is essential for successful learning outcomes.