Culture and Society in Brazil, Portugal and Portuguese-speaking Africa (Spring)
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| MLAC1111 | Modern Languages and Cultures | 1 | 10 | Spring UK |
- Code
- MLAC1111
- School
- Modern Languages and Cultures
- Level
- 1
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
The Portuguese-speaking world is made up of people on four different continents; Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, and there are eight countries in which Portuguese remains the official language. The spread of the language is a representation of the reach of the Portuguese Empire at its height as well as a reflection of the legacy of Lusophone cultures. This module provides students with the opportunity to learn about the diversity of cultural practices and social relations in the different parts of the world where Portuguese is spoken. The module covers the major social and cultural practices from modern Lusophone societies, including aspects of popular culture such as football and soap operas, but also cultural and artistic currents in literature and film. Questions of social relations and identity are also examined through a consideration of religious practice and religious expression, as well as themes of conflict, crisis and revolution through formations of political identity and political mobilisation.
Target Students
Only available for Modern Languages and Business (R9N1) and Mobility students. Not available to students who are taking MLAC1104 or MLAC1108.
Classes
- One 2-hour seminar each week for 12 weeks
Module is one semester of MLAC1104 and for registration of MLB (R9N1) and mobility students only. NOT TO BE TIMETABLED.
Assessment
- 100% Coursework 1: 1 x 1500 word essay
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
This module aims to provide students with a knowledge of modern cultural currents in the Portuguese-speakingworlds; an awareness of the main social and political contexts in which these cultures emerged and operated in Lusophone societies; an understanding of the complexities and challenges facing present-day Lusophone societies and cultures; research and essay-writing skills.Learning Outcomes
1. Knowledge and understanding. Students will
- (A2) acquire an in-depth awareness of the cultural, historical and political contexts appropriate to Lusophone cultures addressed,
- (A3) develop an appreciation of the relationship between their own cultural, historical and social backgrounds and those of those aspects of the Lusophone worlds to which they are exposed;
- (A4) handle with assurance a range of critical and analytical stratagems and tools in their approach to these areas.
2. Intellectual Skills Students are given the tools with which to
- (B1) engage in informed discussion of historical material, archive texts and/or other cultural/sociological documentation from Lusophone culture;
- (B2) demonstrate a critical awareness of the historical and socio-political contexts of Lusophone culture;
- (B4) deploy effectively a range of critical stratagems and approaches in their analytical work.
3. Professional/practical skills The training offered in this module allows students to
- (C3) undertake relevant research and construct a reasoned argument on a topic/issue in English either orally or in writing.
4. Transferable/key skills Students are provided with the training to be able to demonstrate
- (D3) the ability to construct and defend a coherent and well-researched argument in English;
- (D4) appropriate preparation skills in relation to written documents, oral presentation, illustrations and handouts and the delivery of oral presentations;
- (D5) sufficient cross-cultural understanding to be able to negotiate effectively between cultures, particularly Hispanic cultures and their own culture of origin;
- (D6) general research skills;
- (D7) time-management, prioritising and general organisational skills.