PORT1001 Introduction to The Portuguese-Speaking World

The module serves as an introduction to the historical development of Portugal, Brazil and Portuguese-speaking Africa. It begins with Portugal, exploring the formation of the nation, its development into a maritime power, and the establishment of its empire. Salient features of nineteenth and twentieth century history will be discussed, culminating with the Revolution of April 25th 1974, which will be used as a means to connect a number of different themes: the transition from dictatorship to democracy in Portugal; the end of empire and the continuing sense of belonging to a Portuguese-speaking world. Major aspects and issues of Portuguese cultural identity will be considered as we review the nation’s historical development. Also examined will be the important role played by Portuguese emigration in the twentieth century and the establishment of Portuguese diasporas in different parts of the world. The second half of the module turns to Portuguese-speaking Africa and Brazil. The history of Angola and Mozambique will be outlined in order to understand the conflicts that have affected both nations in recent decades. We will also examine how the political struggles of both have been debated in film and poetry from the two countries. In the case of Brazil, particular emphasis will be given to current social and political issues, and the role played by such cultural activities as carnival, soccer and popular music. Different perceptions of Brazilian national identity that have emerged in the module of the twentieth century will be considered.

Special Features

The lectures and videos will provide you with basic information on the topics and issues covered, which you will be required to expand through your own reading and research. The seminars will allow you to hear different views of those topics and to develop your own ideas and arguments. The assignments will require you to analyse the questions, gathering the necessary information through independent research and developing your own argument. Feedback given in class and on the essays submitted will reinforce the acquisition of the planned learning outcomes.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include • Lectures, supplemented by video material • Seminars based on group discussion Learning activities include • Developing ideas in response to questions raised in lectures and videos • Building an argument in response to questions set for assessed essays • Independent study Innovative or special features of this module • The central role of videos to promote investigation and discussion of topics

Resources & Reading list

P. Chabal. ‘The End of Empire in Lusophone Africa: Portugal and the Anticolonial Wars, 1960-1974. 

C.R. Boxer. The Portuguese Seaborne Empire, 1415-1825. 

J.M. Anderson. The History of Portugal. 

D.Birmingham. A Concise History o f Portugal. 

B. Fausto. A Concise history of Brazil. 

J. Rocha,. Brazil in Focus. 

J.H. Saraiva. Portugal: A Companion History. 

O.T. Almeida (1994). ‘Portugal and the Concern with National Identity. Bulletin of Hispanic Studies. ,71 .

R. Levine. The History of Brazil. 

A. Klimt ‘European Space: Portuguese Migrants. Notions of Home and Belonging. Diaspora. ,9 .

J. Vincent. Culture and Customs of Brazil. 

P. Chabal. A History of Post-Colonial Lusophone Africa. 

C. MacLachan. A History of Modern Brazil: the Past against the Future. 

R. Levine and J.J. Crocitti. The Brazil Reader. 

T.Meade. A Brief History of Brazil. 

T. Gallagher. Portugal: A Twentieth-Century Interpretation. 

Assessment Strategy

Assessments designed to provide informal, on-module feedback • Seminar discussions • Individual feedback

Summative

Referral

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External