Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

This module is open to any student at Newcastle University

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.

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 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.

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.

General Notes

N/A