Presentation

The course provides deeper insight into the political systems of Portuguese-speaking countries and helps  the students gain a better understanding of contemporary societies and of  the issues at stake in the main political debates in those countries (current political, economic, social and cultural affairs). Various types of materials (texts, audio-visual documents, iconographic documents, statistics…) are used as medium for developing five types of skills: written comprehension and expression, oral comprehension and expression, and interaction. The first objective is to help student gain a good level of comprehension of the contemporary written and spoken language (the ability to identify different points of view, to capture the structure of an argument and to distinguish between different speech registers). The second objective is to help them  develop good  written and oral communication skills in order to be able to: present a topical theme, synthesize a debate, express and develop an informed personal point of view.

Recommended Prerequisite(s)

A good command of the basic linguistic components – Level +/- B2: verb conjugation in all tenses and moods, noun-adjective and subject-verb agreements, syntax, linking words

Bibliography

• Précis de grammaire portugaise, Cantel, édition Vuibert
• Os costumes em Portugal Mónica, Maria Filomena, Instituto de ciências sociais -- Lisbonne
• Périodiques portugais ou brésiliens : Diário de Notícias, Público, O Globo, Folha de São Paulo
• Série en V.O. : O mecanismo

Educational formula

The method seminars in “Portuguese as a foreign language” are not language classes in the classical sense.  Classes are based on the active participation of students and focus on general cultural questions relative to the countries of the languages studied. The themes are generally presented in the form of presentations/debates, which may take different forms: summary, commentary, press review, role-playing...  Linguistic learning is always combined with thematic work. During the sessions, the emphasis is on oral communication. Preparation prior to the class is mandatory. Efforts to address possible grammatical deficiencies are part of students’ individual work.