Module Catalogue 2024/25

POR2001 : Cultures and Societies of the Portuguese-Speaking World

POR2001 : Cultures and Societies of the Portuguese-Speaking World

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Fernando Beleza Pinto
  • Lecturer: Dr Conceicao Pereira, Ms Loiana Leal Pavlichenko
  • Owning School: Modern Languages
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

This module is open to any student at Newcastle University

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

In consonance with the overall aim of the degree offered in the School of Modern Languages, the general aim of this module is to introduce students to the cultures and societies of Brazil, Portugal, and Lusophone Africa, as well as to key contemporary debates that allow for a complex understanding of the Portuguese-speaking world.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module provides an introduction to the cultural production and societies of the Portuguese-speaking world. Students will learn about the cultures and societies of Brazil, Portugal, and Portuguese-speaking Africa through modern and contemporary film, music, literature, and the visual arts. This module will also introduce students to key current debates relating to the Portuguese-speaking world, as well as to some of its most relevant cultural figures.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

- Recognize important cultural, historical, ideological, ethnic, socio-political, and geographical factors that contribute to shape contemporary Lusophone cultures.

- Identify and recall a number of key cultural debates within and about the Portuguese-speaking world.

- Show evidence of familiarity with key cultural developments in several countries of the Portuguese-speaking world from the early-twentieth century onwards.

- Manifest awareness of their own (political, historical, geographical, social) position in relation to the course content and dominant images about the Portuguese-speaking world.

Intended Skill Outcomes

- Taking notes effectively from lecture recordings and seminars.
- The close reading of literary and non-literary texts.
- Thinking critically about issues related to culture, power, and society.
- Group work.
- Familiarity with the University and online research resources.
- Presenting arguments in a convincing form.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Structured Guided LearningLecture materials51:005:00Lecture materials and related activities.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture121:0012:00Lectures (PiP)
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching141:0014:00Seminars (PiP).
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery21:002:00Drop-in/surgery on formative and summative assessment (PiP or synchronous online).
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1167:00167:00N/A
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures and lecture materials (recordings, readings, commentary, etc.) will allow definition of the scope of the syllabus, an introduction to a body of knowledge, and modelling of the analysis required. The elements of blended learning that are included in the teaching activities showed to be very effective in the past, as they allow students time to reflect in their own time. Seminars will provide the students with the opportunity to discuss key texts and topics individually and in groups, and develop their independent thinking, critical analysis and debate. These sessions will develop students’ ability to apply concepts, debate, think comparatively, and produce arguments. All knowledge outcomes are addressed by the mix of lectures, lecture materials, and seminars. The module is taught in English and assessed in English.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Essay1M702500 words in English.
Written exercise1M301000 words in English.
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Essay1MA detailed essay plan in English (optional).
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The module will be assessed in English. The mid-semester written exercise will require students to engage with key notions covered in the module and will test students’ understanding of modern and contemporary cultural developments in the Portuguese-speaking world. The final essay at the end of the semester will give students the opportunity to explore critically a topic studied in the module and to develop their research skills. It will also help students to develop analytical, critical, and organisational skills, as they will be asked to engage with argumentative thinking. The formative essay plan will prepare students to write their final essay. Students will be given general and individual feedback on the essay plans.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue

This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.

You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.

Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.