Professor: Ferreira Course format: Language Number of respondents: 19 Total Enrollment: 24 Class Composition: Froshs: 5 Sophs: 7 Jrs: 3 Srs: 7 Concs: 1 Non-Concs: 14 Don't Know: 2

Instructor Average: 1.57 Course Average: 1.61

'Writing and Speaking Portuguese' is the second semester Portugese language course, designed to be taken after 'Intensive Portugese' in the fall semester. As such, its prerequisite is 'Intensive Portugese.' Because this class is designed to expose students to a constant stream of Portugese, so that they can improve their speaking, writing, listening, and reading skills, it meets every day of the week. Students reported that 'Intensive Portugese' was proper preparation for this course.

Professor Ferreira was adored by her students. She most well liked for her endearing personality. Alternatively described as friendly, awesome, funny, and sensitive, students enjoyed having class with her. Survey respondents reported that she was understanding of students comprehension of the subject material and was flexible in accomidating their different learning paces. In addition, she was praised for her use of a wide variety of media, such as novels, movies, and TV shows, to get the students interested in Portugese and help teach them the basics of the language. She was also commended for making herself available for extra help whenever students struggled with the material. Because the class met so early in the morning, she made an extra effort to be lively and entertaining, which was met with approval from her students.

This course required a lot of effort from students. Not only was it necessary for them to get up very early in the morning, but the class also met every day of the week and attendence was mandatory. Most people spent between four and eight hours outside of class every week. There were weekly reading assignments, 10 compositions, each of which had to be corrected, two midterm examinations, four examinations on the reading materials, and final presentations on a subject dealing with Portugese culture. Respondents felt that although there was a lot of work, it was necessary to gain a full understanding of the material.

Despite the early hour at which this class met and the large amount of work necessary to keep current, most students were happy to have taken the course, and reported that they learned a lot from it. Moreover, Professor Ferreira received wonderful reviews from her students. If you have any interest in learning Portugese and have the prerequisite knowledge, this class is sure to please you.

View PB/0019 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.