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Department of Spanish and Portuguese – Spring 2015
Portuguese 443 – “Contemporary Luso-Brazilian Culture and Civilization”
Instructor: Dr. Lauren Applegate
Contact:
lapplegate@mail.sdsu.edu; Arts and Letters 127; 619 594-4240.
Schedule:
Mondays and Wednesdays, 2:00 PM – 3:15 PM, AH 2113
Office Hours:
Mondays and Wednesdays 1:00 PM –1:50 PM, or by appointment.
I.
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
This course studies historical, cultural, sociological, ethnic, geographic, and political factors of
Brazil and Portugal [in Portuguese]. Prerequisite: Portuguese 401. It serves the degrees in
Portuguese and Luso-Brazilian Studies at SDSU by providing background knowledge of key
historical and sociological aspects of the Lusophone cultures and allowing students to familiarize
themselves with main texts that have reflected upon Portuguese, Brazilian and Luso-Brazilian
identities. Although the themes will tentatively be studied adopting a circum-Atlantic approach,
to broadly contextualize elements of the Lusophone cultures, the course is structured in three
sections. The first one focuses on Portugal and the Portuguese colonial empire; the second one
addresses specifically Brazil; the final two weeks of the course will be reserved to studying the
novella Estive em Lisboa e Lembrei de Você, by Brazilian author Luiz Ruffato, which allows for
a discussion of the main topics studies throughout the course. Although some readings are in
English, all other coursework will be conducted in Portuguese.
By the end of the course students will be able to:
1. Identify key periods, facts and figures of the Portuguese and Brazilian histories;
2. Associate cultural aspects of Portugal and Brazil with their respective historical
contexts;
3. Identify affinities and differences between the Portuguese and Brazilian societies;
4. Recognize the main concepts and theses in classic studies on the Lusophone world;
5. Integrate their knowledge of the cultural topics studied in the analysis of artistic and
literary productions of the countries;
6. Verbally argue during class discussion from multiple perspectives about issues that
arise in the texts that have personal and global relevance.
7. Listen to other students during class discussion well enough to demonstrate the ability
to approach complex problems and ask complex questions drawing upon knowledge
of the humanities by:
a. Verbally summarizing other speakers’ viewpoints
b. Seeking clarification from the original speaker
c. Incorporating clarifications in a revised verbal summary
d. Presenting a query or comment that develops the discussion
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Grade breakdown:
Homework – 10%
Weekly news – 5%
Participation – 10%
2 Presentations – 10%
2 exams – 40%
Final paper (5 pages) –
25%
Grading Scale
94 – 100
A
90 – 93
A87 – 89
B+
84 – 86
B
80 – 83
B-
77 – 79
74 – 76
70 – 73
67 – 69
64 – 66
60 – 63
0 – 59
C+
C
CD+
D
DF
II. COURSE MATERIALS
You are required to acquire for this course three books and a reader. The following required
books are available at Aztec Bookstore:
1. José Hermano Saraiva. Portugal – A Companion History. Manchester: Carcanet, 1997.
Print. (The bookstore was not able to order this; the instructor will provide alternative).
2. Skidmore. Thomas E. Brazil – Five Centuries of Change. New York: Oxford U. P., 2010.
Print.
3. Luiz Ruffato. Estive em Lisboa e Lembrei de Você. São Paulo: Companhia das Letras,
2009. Print.
4. Course Key program access
A reader (available on Blackboard > Course documents) provides a number of texts that
take up Luso-Brazilian culture and identity from different approaches, namely press chronicles,
essays, and philosophical and sociological accounts. It includes articles or sections of books
listed in the bibliography at the end of this syllabus.
III. COURSE REQUIREMENTS, ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING
1. Homework (readings and comprehension questions):
Students will read in advance for each class the articles or chapters indicated in the calendar.
Students will answer a set of interpretation questions posted in advance on Blackboard, at the
discretion of the instructor, so as to prepare for class discussions. You must submit your
homework answers to Blackboard>Assignments by the beginning of the class period. These
answers will be used in class discussions, so please bring the homework to the class as well. No
late homework accepted.
2. Exams and Papers:
There will be two in-class exams and one final paper to be completed in Portuguese. The exams
will be largely based on the topics of discussion, and you should prepare yourself by completing
all readings and homework, and engaging in class debates. The paper will be dedicated to the
study of the novella by Brazilian author Luiz Ruffato, adopting critical perspectives that stem
from the previous study of topics of culture and civilization. The instructor will provide detailed
guidelines about the format and evaluation of the papers.
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3. Participation: Your participation grade reflects a number of items, such as volunteering
answers, answering all questions when called on, cooperating in group and pair work, preparing
all readings in advance, and arriving on time to class. Participation additionally includes being an
active listener, such that you can verbally summarize other students’ expressed viewpoints and
ask pertinent questions that add to the discussion. You should prepare yourself before coming to
class, bring the text for the day to class, and be willing to read from it if asked to do so or in
order to support a point you are making (always go to the text!).
4. Individual Presentations: Each student will give two 15-minute presentations in Portuguese
on a topic related to contemporary Portuguese or Brazilian Culture. You must prepare a visual
presentation to present to the class. Each student is expected to speak spontaneously (i.e., not
read a text but use a basic script/notes) for about 10 minutes, and the presentation will be
followed by a question/answer period also of about 5 minutes. For this question/answer period,
the presenter should prepare 2 questions for the class. All students are expected to ask at least 4
questions of presenters during the semester.
5. Absenteeism, participation and homework: Absenteeism directly impacts your participation
and more importantly the development of knowledge that arises from class discussions. It also
may affect your homework grade, since your instructor will also not accept late homework
assignments, which are to be turned in on Blackboard>Assignments and also brought to class the
day they are due, unless you have a medical note explaining your absence. The course will make
use of the Course Key application for attendance and pop quizzes. You are investing time and
money to be in this class – don't take yourself away from it!
6. Weekly news items:
Once a week (see course calendar) each student will report on Blackboard>Discussions and to
the class on a news item to do with culture, current events (politics, economics, society), and/or
other topics that connect to the topics of the course. By 1:00pm on the day of each Monday’s
class (unless otherwise noted) you should:
1) Find a brief news article that you find interesting and create a post about it on the
discussion board on Blackboard (a short paragraph of 2-4 sentences). Include a link to the
article, news video clip, etc. and state where you found it. You may not choose a
topic/article already chosen by another person in the class. Be sure to note how the news
article reflects some aspect of Luso-Brazilian history, culture and/or civilization.
2) Read and comment briefly on one other news item that a classmate has posted on
Blackboard.
IV. GENERAL CLASS POLICIES
1. Academic Conduct and Integrity: Students are expected to follow SDSU’s code of academic
conduct. This class requires that you familiarize yourself with the section on “Cheating and
Plagiarism” in SDSU’s University Policies (http://arweb.sdsu.edu/es/catalog/201213/graduate/parts/060-070_University%20Policies.pdf; pages 66-67). The infringement of these
rules will lead to the disciplinary actions described therein. You can also get more information
about these in the website of SDSU Center for Student Right and Responsibilities
<http://studentaffairs.sdsu.edu/SRR/cheating-plagiarism.html>.
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2. Electronic Devices: All cellular phones, iPods, etc. must be turned off during class time unless
otherwise noted. Flashing cell phones, vibration mode, text messaging, etc. are not acceptable.
You are investing time and money to be in this class – please don't take your mind away from it.
3. Students with Disabilities: If you are a student with a disability and believe you will need
accommodations for this class, it is your responsibility to contact Student Disability Services
at (619) 594-6473. To avoid any delay in the receipt of your accommodations, you should
contact Student Disability Services as soon as possible. Please note that accommodations are not
retroactive, and that accommodations based upon disability cannot be provided until you have
presented your instructor with an accommodation letter from Student Disability Services. Your
cooperation is appreciated.
4. Usage and Style of Email Messages: Learning how to write polite and professional e-mail
messages in Portuguese is considered an integral part of the course. All emergency messages
written in English will of course be given full attention. Your instructor will check her e-mail
messages once every workday; hence, you can expect an answer between 24 and 48 hours after
you have sent an email (except for weekends). Take this opportunity to learn the courteous
greeting and salutation expressions in Portuguese that are adequate to the recipient of your
message, as described below:
Choose an appropriate subject heading that describes the content of your email.
Begin your message with:
“Bom dia / Boa tarde, Professora Applegate / Professora Lauren:” (neutral)
“Prezada Professor Applegate:” (formal)
“Olá, Lauren:” (very informal yet polite; make sure that your instructor is OK with an informal
tone.)*
*Note that a colon (“:”), rather than a comma, is normally used after the greeting.
In the main body of the text, summarize in Portuguese your question, concern, or information.
End your message with:
“Atentamente” (neutral, professional)
“Saudações cordiais” (neutral, professional)
“Agradeço desde já a sua melhor atenção para esta mensagem. Atentamente,” (very formal; the
first part is used if your message contained a question or a request)
“Cordialmente” (professional but friendly)
“Até breve” (friendly)
“Um abraço / Um beijo” (very friendly, only if you know the person very well).
Then write your name.
V. A FINAL REMINDER
Please take responsibility for the energy you bring to the classroom. As with any class, what you
put into it has an implication on what you get out of it. This is a class for those who are willing
to put the time, energy, effort, and most importantly a good attitude into their learning!
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CourseKey Student Engagement App:
1st Course - $25.00
Additional Courses - $5.00
REGISTRATION EMAIL INSTRUCTIONS:
This course will be using CourseKey (www.thecoursekey.com) - a higher education, classroom engagement
software that is designed to boost attendance, increase lecture interaction, and facilitate peer-2-peer learning. The
app combines features that help the professor more efficiently manage the class and allows students to connect more
effectively outside of class.
You will be able to use the iOS application or any smart device (smartphone, tablet, laptops, etc.) with a web
browser. If you do not have a smart device please contact the support team at support@thecoursekey.com so that
arrangements can be made to accommodate you.

App Store Link: CourseKey – Student iOS App
You can visit the CourseKey Youtube channel for the Student Quick Start Guide which outlines how you will
register for a student account, as well as providing a brief overview to get you registered for the class. The first day
of class we will go over the integration of the software and how attendance and participation will be graded.
Please follow these instructions to create your account and register for the course through the application. If
you require assistance you can find the CourseKey support team from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm PST, M-F in the
Zahn Innovation Center (EBA-419).
Step 1: Create Account
To sign up use the following link to create your account: https://portal.thecoursekey.com/signup

You will then be able to create an account, entering your first and last name.

Enter your email that you can access (you will receive a confirmation link).

Enter a secure password that you will remember and re-enter it.

Select your campus/school and then enter SCHOOL ISSUED ID – This is your REDID
 Click on the link to read the terms of service and privacy policy and after reading click the box.

Click “SIGN UP” and you will receive an email shortly after with a verification link.
o If you don't receive an email, check your spam or junk folders and make sure to add
CourseKey to your inbox.

Click on the verification link in the email and then click “VALIDATE” to activate your CourseKey
account.
Step 2: Register for the Course
To register for the event simply log in at: https://portal.thecoursekey.com/login

Once logged in, click “Add a Course” and type “ck179ww” and you will see the class.
o You can also search for the professor name and class through the search option.

Click “Yes” to add the class and you are now ready to participate in the lecture.
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!!! Save the Date !!!
SDSU – Point Loma, 11 to 13 March 2016 (Friday to Sunday).
Friday (SDSU)
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Scholarly conference panels on Portuguese language, Luso-Brazilian culture, literature,
Luso-American heritage and globalization, study abroad.
7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Reception at the Cabrillo National Monument.
Saturday
9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Workshop on teaching methodology (SDSU).
Workshops on history of Luso-American communities, Azorean history; Gastronomy;
Study Abroad; community leadership (Point Loma).
1:45 p.m.
Tour of “Little Portugal” (Point Loma).
6 pm
Conference Banquet – Portuguese Hall / UPSES (Point Loma): Keynote addresses,
comedy and live music.
Sunday
12:00 pm
Tuna Man’s Memorial Ceremony (Shelter island).
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VI. DETAILED CALENDAR OF READINGS AND ASSIGNMENTS
The literary and non-literary texts are available in the course reader.
Important Announcement: The California Faculty Association is in the midst of a difficult
contract dispute with management. It is possible that the faculty union will call a strike or other
work stoppage this term. I will inform the class as soon as possible of any disruption to our class
meeting schedule.
The following schedule is subject to change.
Semana
CONTEÚDOS E TAREFAS
Segunda-feira
CONTEÚDOS E TAREFAS
Quarta-feira
Introdução ao curso
Notícias
Portugal – A Companion History
[PACH], pp. 1-30
Notícias
PACH, pp. 57-106
PACH, pp. 31-56
Semana 4
(não fazemos notícias hoje)
Assistir: Capitães de Abril (April
Captains) – Trazer perguntas sobre o
filme à aula
Semana 5
Notícias
“Psicanálise Mítica do Destino de
Portugal”. Eduardo Lourenço
Notícias
Assistir: A gaiola dourada
Trazer as perguntas sobre o filme à
aula
Notícias
“Incomplete Modernity or Typically
Modern?...” Michael Baum, Miguel
Glatzer
Notícias
Five Centuries… Capítulos. 1 a 2
Assistir: Capitães de Abril (April
Captains)
Discussão. Entregar as respostas às
perguntas antes da meia-noite em
Blackboard.
“Adrianos”, Onésimo Almeida
Semana 1
Semana 2
Semana 3
Semana 6
Semana 7
Semana 8
PACH, pp. 107-120
Assistir: A gaiola dourada
Discussão. Entregar as respostas às
perguntas antes da meia-noite.
MIDTERM #1
Five Centuries… Capítulo 3
“Dar um Jeitinho”. Paulo Mendes
Campos
Semana 9
Noticias
Five Centuries… Capítulos 4 a 5
“Casa-Grande e Senzala”. Gilberto
Freyre
Semana
10
Noticias
Five Centuries… Capítulos 6 a 7
“O Homem Cordial”. Sérgio Buarque de
Holanda
Férias da Férias da Primavera
Primavera
Férias da Primavera
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Semana
CONTEÚDOS E TAREFAS
Segunda-feira
Noticias
Assistir O Ano em que os Meus Pais
Saíram de Férias – Trazer perguntas
sobre o filme à aula
CONTEÚDOS E TAREFAS
Quarta-feira
Assistir O Ano em que os Meus Pais
Saíram de Férias Discussão. Entregar
as respostas às perguntas antes da meianoite.
Semana
12
Noticias
Five Centuries… Ch. 8 a 9 (seleções)
“Introduction: In the Universe of
Beauty”. Alexander Edmonds
“Emenda Constitucional n.o 72/2013 –
Primeiras Impressões” [Regulamentação
do trabalho doméstico]. Andréa Presas
Rocha Assistir Domésticas – Trazer
perguntas sobre o filme à aula
(Blackboard)
Semana
13
(não fazemos notícias hoje)
Assistir Domésticas Discussão.
Entregar as respostas às perguntas
antes da meia-noite.
MIDTERM #2
Semana
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Noticias
Luiz Ruffato. Estive em Lisboa e
Lembrei de Você. 1-37
Noticias
Luiz Ruffato. Estive em Lisboa e
Lembrei de Você. 67- fim
Luiz Ruffato. Estive em Lisboa e
Lembrei de Você. 39-67
Semana
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Semana
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Discussão sobre os trabalhos finais.
Conclusão do semestre
Entrega do trabalho final até segunda-feira, 9 de maio, 10:00 a.m., via
Blackboard>Assignments (Turnitin).