Portuguese Language Stage 5

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• use language creatively and precisely for a range of purposes and audiences
• organise and present ideas within the framework of a structured and reasoned argument
• use and present material in the target and home languages in written and oral forms in a clear and effective manner
• communicate, present, interact in a more flexible, creative and effective way
• use successfully intercultural competence

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• extract and synthesise key information from written and spoken sources
• reflect critically and make judgements in the light of evidence and argument
• engage in analytical and evaluative thinking and continue to develop problem-solving skills
• be proficient in and know how to learn a foreign language; you will know this is a key skill in its own right
• engage with and interpret layers of meaning within texts and other cultural products
• translate more idiomatically into English
• learn to mediate between both languages in both speaking and writing

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• work autonomously, manifested in self-direction, self-discipline and time management
• take accurate and effective notes and summarise material
• become more self-reliant, use more your own initiative, show more your adaptability and flexibility
• research effectively, and handle appropriately bibliographic information
• write and think under pressure and meet deadlines

This Stage is topic-based, with topics relating to the specialist interests of the students and/or the culture of the target language, dealing with issues of contemporary relevance. There will be an introduction to non- standard varieties of the language. Material is derived from authentic print and audio-visual media.

Development of language proficiency is based on the most suitable grammar book available. Open-access material will be available in the relevant resources area. Inadequacies in your linguistic proficiency will begin to be addressed through discussion with the tutor, who will refer you to self-access material relevant to your particular needs available in the relevant resources area and help you to develop an individual learning programme.

The combination of direct teaching, opportunities for participation, and support for resource-based independent study are specifically designed to ensure that you can achieve communicative competence as outlined in the learning outcomes above.

Classes

Although part of any class session is likely to involve direct teaching, the emphasis is on student participation and you will be expected to take part actively in discussion and in tasks like small group and pair work, role play, and individual or group presentations. As much of the class as possible will be taught in the target language.

Independent Learning

You will be expected to spend time studying outside the class, and we provide guidance, facilities and materials to help you develop your expertise as an independent language learner. As you progress through the Stages you will learn to understand, monitor and improve your own learning style; you will also acquire some expertise as a researcher and develop the kind of key skills which are valued by employers.

You are encouraged to use the Learning Commons area at the Avenue Campus and the Hartley Library on the main campus in the University where relevant. These facilities include on-line and computer-based resources, films on DVD, current newspapers and magazines (soft and hard copies), books (fiction and non fiction), grammatical resources, dictionaries and other self- access materials. Some of the resources are available on short loan.

For this Stage, you will be asked to consolidate your class work, to read, watch or listen to material in the target language, to prepare exercises and activities for the class, to write assignments, undertake projects and continue to develop your repertoire of effective language learning strategies.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Written assignment

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: Written feedback provided. Oral feedback from the teacher on any aspects of your performance in this module in optional one-to-one meetings during office hours or by appointment
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.