Admission requirements
This course is only available for students in the BA International Studies programme who have passed Portuguese 1 Beginners and Portuguese 2 Pre-Intermediate.
Description
This course builds on the intermediate written and oral communication skills developed over the courses of Portuguese 1 Beginners and Portuguese 2 Pre-Intermediate. Topics concerning modern lusophone societies and cultures are integrated into language learning through an interactive programme of language acquisition.
Course objectives
This course covers four key skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, to an 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 for example report writing; debating etc.
| Skill | CEFR Level |
|---|---|
| Reading | B1+ |
| Writing | A2+ |
| Listening | B1 |
| Speaking | A2+ |
Timetable
The timetable is available on the BA International Studies website.
Mode of instruction
Tutorials
Two 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 two (2) times.
Course Load
Total course load for this course is 5 EC (1 EC = 28 hours), which equals 140 hours, broken down by:
Attending classes (4 hours per week over 12 weeks): 48 hours
Preparing for classes, exams and extra activities: 86 hours
Assessment hours (exams and other assessment): 6 hours
Assessment method
Assessment & 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 an oral presentation in class will also be expected.
| Partial grade | Weighing | When |
|---|---|---|
| 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 presentation | 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 80% of the exam material (reading, writing, speaking, and listening). No resit for the tutorial (participation) is possible.
Retaking a passing grade
Please consult the Course and Examination Regulations 2018 – 2019.
Exam review
How and when an exam review takes place will be determined by the examiner. This review will be within 30 days after official publication of exam results.
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 3 (Reader). This reader will be available for free download on Blackboard.
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.
Remarks
This course uses an integrated communicative language learning method. Therefore active participation in the classroom activities is essential for successful learning outcomes.