2025/26 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SPPO2412 Culture and Society in the Portuguese-Speaking World

20 Credits Class Size: 10

Module manager: Sem 1: Peter Haysom; Sem 2 Ines Dias
Email: p.haysom@leeds.ac.uk; i.cordeirodias@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2025/26

Module replaces

SPPO2415

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module will examine key aspects of the cultures of Portugal, Brazil and the PALOPs, including post-colonial relations between Portuguese-speaking countries, the place of popular religion in society, and race and identity in the Lusophone world. Examples of cultural production that will be analysed include films (fiction and documentary) and popular music and music videos. Secondary readings will be drawn from the areas of cultural studies, history, sociology and cultural anthropology.

Objectives

The aim of this module is to deepen students' knowledge of a number of key aspects relating to cultural identity in Brazil, Portugal and Portuguese-speaking Africa. It aims to prepare students to undertake cultural analysis on Lusophone topics independently. It also seeks to encourage students to consider the role of culture in contemporary society and the usefulness of analysing cultural artefacts in order to gain a greater understanding of how contemporary societies are organised and how they function.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

1. Evaluate the relationship between key aspects of cultural production and socio-historical circumstances in the context of the Portuguese-speaking world
2. Analyse written and audio-visual material, including material in Portuguese

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

3. Develop well-structured and evidence-based arguments that are informed by relevant scholarly debates.
4. Communicate clearly and effectively.

Syllabus

Syllabus and content units may vary slightly from one academic year to another, depending on staff availability and subject-specific specialisms.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Supervision 1 1 1
Lecture 20 1 20
Seminar 2 1 2
Private study hours 177
Total Contact hours 23
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Module staff will offer extended one-to-one office hours, to discuss your ideas for the Group Oral Presentation and Essay. They will complete formative assessments in advance of the appointment, and they will be given oral feedback during the session.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Coursework Group Oral Presentation 30
Coursework Essay 70
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Resit for Group Oral Presentation will be instead Individual Oral Presentation Resit in the same format as the original submission for Essay Assignment

Reading List

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 09/05/2025

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