Geography of Portugal B2+

Recommended Prerequisites

N/a

Teaching Methods

Classes will primarily be expository; the topics will be presented with the support of graphic elements (images, cartograms, charts) which will be projected and analyzed. Taking into account students' language proficiency, inicial classes will be devoted to the presentation of a set of fundamental concepts aiming to provide a better understanding of the issues addressed.

Learning Outcomes

This course addresses the physical aspects of the Portuguese territory, and its aim is to provide students with knowledge enabling them to:

– Understand regional differences in terms of land relief;

– Identify the differences in climatic conditions between the Atlantic archipelagos and mainland Portugal;

– Explain spatial and annual variability in precipitation and temperature based on the role of different climatic factors;

– Identify the indicators that confirm the volcanic origin of the Atlantic archipelagos;

– Understand the role of geographic factors in landscape diversity.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

The location and limits of the Portuguese territory

Introduction to the dominant geographic aspects of the Portuguese territory: climate, land relief and landscape types

The influence of orographic conditions in climatic diversity, land use and landscape north of the Douro River

Beiras region: asymmetries between coast and inland

The influence of topography and water availability in the traditional activities of Estremadura and Ribatejo

Climate, landscape and forest south of the Tagus: Alentejo and Algarve

The features of climate and landscape in the Atlantic archipelagos.

Head Lecturer(s)

Cátia Margarida Santos Leal

Assessment Methods

Final Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

Brito, Raquel Soeiro de (1997), Portugal. Perfil Geográfico. Lisboa: Editorial Estampa.

Ribeiro, Orlando (1980), Portugal, o Mediterrâneo e o Atlântico. Lisboa: Livraria Sá da Costa Editora.