Presentation

This seminar is intended for third year students who have studied in a Portuguese-speaking country and/ or have previously attended an Italian course. The first objective of this seminar 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.

The themes are presented in the form of presentations/debates, which may take different forms: summary, commentary, press review, role-playing, etc.

Various types of materials (texts, press articles, audio-visual documents, iconographic documents …) related to current events are used.

Recommended Prerequisite(s)

Level +/- B2

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

Bibliography

• Portuguese newspapers : Diário de Notícias, Público  ou brésiliens : O Globo, Folha de São Paulo
• TV show : O mecanismo
• Précis de langue portugaise de M. Cantel, édition Vuibert

Educational formula

This method seminar is not a language class in the classical sense.  Classes are based on the preparation and active participation of students. The objective is to develop the students’ understanding of fundamentals and methodology skills in both oral and written communication.  Thus, linguistic learning is always combined with thematic work based on comparative analysis.  During the sessions, the emphasis is on oral communication. Preparation prior to the class is mandatory. Efforts to address possible deficiencies are part of students’ individual work.