- Online
- $445
In the Lower Intermediate level you continue to expand your vocabulary and start to elevate your level of language by learning more complex structures such as prepositions and object pronouns and refining the skills acquired in previous levels. You concentrate on speaking correctly and distinguishing between the past, present and future tenses. In addition, you begin to learn about nuances of Portuguese, including correct levels of language to use in various situations.
Course Outline
This is not a prescriptive list. Exact course outlines are determined by the instructor to best meet the needs of the class. This is meant to serve as a guideline and suggest what may be covered at this level. It is often necessary to repeat levels to become completely comfortable with the skills at each stage with a different teacher and style.
Course Objectives
The goal of this course is to expand students’ vocabulary and conversational skills in Portuguese. By learning more complex structures—such as prepositions, object pronouns, and verb tenses—students will refine their ability to speak accurately and confidently. Emphasis will be placed on distinguishing between past, present, and future tenses while developing oral and written comprehension and expression at a conversational level.
Communicative Objectives
- To talk about sports, hobbies, and entertainment
- To share past experiences and express opinions and preferences
- To discuss plans in both formal and informal contexts
- To ask questions and make purchases at a clothing store
- To request information and engage in conversations at an airport
- To explore Brazilian culture and share travel experiences
Linguistic Objectives
- Present, past, and future tenses (formal and informal)
- Gerund and imperative forms
- Subject and object pronouns
- Interrogative pronouns
- Prepositions, adjectives, and adverbs
- Conjunctions for constructing more complex sentences
Learning Outcomes
- Provide and request basic personal, general, and professional information
- Ask questions and make purchases in a retail setting
- Use conjunctions to give reasons and explanations
- Make plans using both formal and informal verb tenses
- Give recommendations and polite suggestions
- Communicate effectively in everyday conversations
Expected Effort
You can expect to spend about three hours per week attending live, virtual classes and completing course work on your own time. Expect double this amount during the intensive summer term.
Textbook
This course does not require the purchase of a textbook. Course materials are provided by the instructor.
Course Format
This course is offered online and/or in-person. See Available Sessions for details on the course format.
Our online conversational courses offer a virtual classroom experience where you can see and interact with your teacher and classmates over Zoom. Log in at a set time to participate in individual, pair and group work, ask questions and receive feedback from your instructor.
Outside of class time, access course materials online at your own pace for up to three weeks after the course ends.
In-person classes are offered at UBC Robson Square in downtown Vancouver.
Learn more about online learning at Extended Learning.
How am I assessed?
This is a non-credit course without letter or numerical grades. You receive verbal feedback on your conversation and grammar skills from your instructor during class. Written homework is typically corrected in class. Some lesson modules may include quizzes.
Record of completion
A record of completion will be emailed to students who participate and satisfy the course requirements within two weeks of the course end date. Course completion means 80% attendance and/or 80% completion of mandatory assignments.
Technology requirements
For all languages classes, you’ll need access to the internet, a personal email account and an up-to-date web browser.
For online classes, you will also need a video camera and a microphone on your device.
The day before your course starts, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access the course.