History of Portugal B2

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

Different teaching methods will be used in this course, including lectures, group work and short research tasks, which are intended to enable students not only to acquire knowledge, but especially to be placed in contact with the Portuguese language and culture.

Learning Outcomes

This course aims to enable students to understand the process of historical development of Portugal from the creation of the Portuguese kingdom until the Pombaline period. Students are also expected to deepen their understanding of Portuguese culture and identity and their evolution throughout time.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Introduction

Civilizations and cultures present in the Portuguese territory throughout time.

2. From the formation of the nation to the 1383-1385 Crisis (12th-15th centuries).

2.1. From political independence to the establishment of national borders.

2.2. Major political, economic and social characteristics of medieval Portugal.

2.3. The crisis of 1383-1385. Social and political changes.

2.4. The new Avis dynasty.

3. Portuguese expansion (15th-17th centuries).

3.1. Conditions and factors for the launch of expansion.

3.2. The routes of expansion (Africa, Brazil and the Orient).

3.3. Economic, social and political transformations enabled by expansion.

4. Portugal in the Early Modern Era (17th-18th centuries).

4.1 From the Dynastic Union with Spain (1580) to the Restoration of Independence (1640).

4.2. The Absolutism of Portuguese monarchs (18th century). The example of the reign of D. João V.

4.3. Changes in the reign of D. José I. From the 1755 earthquake to the Pombaline reforms.

Head Lecturer(s)

Maria Teresa Nobre Veloso

Assessment Methods

Assessement
Exam: 90%; other assignments (paper presentations, class participation, group work) to be defined at the beginning of the semester.: 100.0%

Bibliography

A bibliografia selecionada e adequada ao nível de língua dos/as estudantes será disponibilizada ao longo do semestre, assim como outros materiais de apoio.

Selected readings appropriate to the language skills of students, as well as other supporting materials, will be made available throughout the semester.