Aims

In consonance with the overall aims of the degrees offered in the SML, this module will:

Focus on further developing the students’ written communicative and oral /aural competence in the foreign language gained in POR2010 (or equivalent) (including fluency, grammatical and lexical accuracy and range; register and pronunciation).
Facilitate student's ability to establish and maintain effective social and working relations with speakers of the foreign language in written and spoken media.

Teaching in weekly language classes will focus on communication and on the formal structures of the language. All four skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking are fully integrated in the language classes and will be assessed.

Outline Of Syllabus

Training in grammar, vocabulary and communicative competence through use of class textbooks and other materials. Further practice on summary and composition, listening and oral presentations. Focus on literary texts by contemporary Lusophone writers (short stories, short novels).

THIS COURSE WILL BE TAUGHT AND ASSESSED IN PORTUGUESE.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

1. Teaching in the language seminars will focus on oral communication skills (speaking and listening) while reading and writing skills are mainly developed in the preparation of and the associated work after the language seminar. The recorded lecture materials will focus on key study skills and the formal structures of the language.

2. Independent learning and learner autonomy are further developed through the means of online grammar videos and related activities, synchronous drop-in surgery, pair and group work and self-study at home via the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Canvas and the Language Resource Centre. Particular initiative is expected from students at this level, e.g. course participants will be asked to contribute their own materials to the classes and activities and be very pro-active in their language study.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The Written Examination at the end of Semester 1 will enable students to produce a 400 to 450-word written piece of work. It will test the students’ ability to write (or type) a well-structured text in the target language based on the comprehension and analysis of written source material [Students may be allowed to type their own answers if the spell check / grammar check has been disabled].