Online course

This is an online course. 

Course description

This course is designed for absolute beginners; no prior knowledge of Portuguese is required. From the very first lesson, we will communicate in Portuguese as much as possible, so that participants learn to use the language in a natural and interactive way.

During the course, you will learn, amongst other things:

• how to introduce yourself and others, and how to greet people;
• how to ask for and provide personal details;
• how to talk about nationality, languages, occupation and education;
• how to give information about family members and personal relationships;
• how to describe where you live and talk about your home and local area;
• how to talk about daily routines, leisure time and hobbies;
• making arrangements and talking about days, months, seasons, time and dates;
• doing the shopping, asking about prices and comparing products;
• ordering food and drink in a café or restaurant;
• giving simple directions and asking for or explaining the way;
• talking about modes of transport and travelling;
• talking about the weather and making plans for the future;
• describing character traits and physical appearance;
• expressing preferences, wishes and opinions;
• having simple conversations about past experiences, present situations and plans for the future;
• familiarising oneself with aspects of Portuguese and Brazilian culture and the Portuguese-speaking world.

During the course, the four language skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing – are developed systematically. The emphasis is on practical communication, so that participants can use Portuguese from the outset in everyday situations, whilst travelling, at work and in social contexts.

 

Teaching method

The online lessons are interactive and communicative in nature. We use an online meeting room where participants actively take part in conversations, exercises and collaborative tasks in small groups.

In addition to the course book, we use authentic teaching materials, such as YouTube videos, songs, short audio clips and other digital resources. In this way, participants are introduced to the Portuguese language and culture from the very start in realistic and up-to-date contexts.

All language skills are covered during the lessons: speaking, listening, reading and writing. The emphasis is on developing practical communication skills that can be applied immediately in everyday situations.

 

Learning objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• understand and use familiar everyday expressions and simple sentences;
• introduce themselves and exchange simple personal information;
• ask and answer questions on everyday topics;
• take part in simple conversations, provided the other person speaks slowly and clearly and is willing to help.

The course corresponds to level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

 

Digital learning environment

The course makes use of the digital learning environment Brightspace. Within this learning environment you will find the homework and additional learning materials. Course participants are expected to prepare the lessons at home. (approximately two hours per lesson)

 

Assessment and certificate

The course is concluded with a test. Participants who have attended 80% of the lessons and who have successfully completed the test are awarded a certificate. If you will be absent for more lessons, please contact your teacher or talencentrum@hum.leidenuniv.nl.

Course material

• Português a Valer 1 – Livro do Aluno
  ISBN: 978-989-752-738-8
• Português a Valer 1 – Caderno de Exercícios com Testes
  ISBN: 978-989-752-739-5      

The course material is not included in the course price. Course participants are required to purchase course materials themselves.

Target group and admission requirements

The course is intended for adults with a higher education, including both Leiden University students and staff members and other interested parties with no relation to the University.

The course is open to persons aged 17 and older who have completed a secondary school education.

You can participate in this course if you have followed our Italian 1 course. Potential participants who do not fulfil these entry requirements have to complete an entry test to determine whether their level is sufficient. This test is a computer test. It can either be taken at the Language Centre or downloaded and taken home.

Knowledge of the Portuguese language is not required for enrolment in this course. It is a beginners course.

Other information

• The maximum number of participants for an online course is 16 and for a classroom course is 18.
• The course load is 56 hours. On request a Course load declaration form can be issued. The student should enquire with their department whether course participation can be converted into credits.
• The holiday periods can be found in the Academic Language Centre's academic calendar.
• If classes are cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, they will be added on to the end of the course. Please take into account courses may end later than scheduled.
• The course level is indicated with the help of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.