2026/27 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SPPO1230 Beginners Portuguese A1

20 Credits Class Size: 25

Module manager: Sofia Martinho
Email: s.martinho@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2026/27

Mutually Exclusive

LANG1150 Portuguese beginners (A1)
LANG1151 Portuguese post-beginners: language and identity (A2)
SPPO1214

Module replaces

SPPO1080 Portuguese for beginners 1A

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module enables students with little or no prior knowledge of Portuguese to develop their language skills up to A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It focusses on achieving basic skills in all four areas (listening, speaking, reading and writing) and developing confidence and a degree of accuracy in basic communication in a limited range of situations. This module is designed for students studying Portuguese as part of their degree.

Objectives

This module is designed for students who study Portuguese as part of their degree and students who wish to develop their language skills intensively in the first two years of their degree (for example in preparation for a year abroad in a Portuguese -speaking country).

This module aims to:

- introduce students to the language and develop their ability to communicate at beginners' level,
- develop a basic understanding of everyday vocabulary and expressions and a basic grasp of the relevant grammar for that level, as well as an understanding of the rules of pronunciation,
- train students to apply these skills in basic written and spoken communication,
- develop students’ interest in the cultures where the language is spoken

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:

1. Understand familiar words, phrases, and short texts in spoken form on everyday topics
2. Use basic vocabulary and grammatical structures to produce simple written messages
3. Participate in short, predictable conversations and exchanges on familiar topics, with support where necessary
4. Recognise key social norms and communication practices relevant to the target language
5. Apply basic learning strategies and use appropriate digital tools to support independent study

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Language Class 10 1 10
Language Class 10 2 20
Practicals 10 2 20
Private study hours 150
Total Contact hours 50
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Regular progress will be monitored through students’ engagement with formative activities set on Minerva or through a textbook ahead of each class. Students will receive formative feedback throughout the module to consolidate their learning, prepare for assessments, and encourage autonomous language development.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Coursework Video plus in-class Q&A 40
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 40

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated.

Exams
Exam type Exam duration % of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) (S1) 2.0 Hrs Mins 60
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) 60

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list

Last updated: 30/04/2026

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team