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Lecturer(s)
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Correia Amado Laurel António, Lic.
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Course content
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1. What is Portugal? What existed in the territory of current Portugal before the foundation of the state and the nation; what civilizations and peoples had crossed its territory; what caused and influenced the creation of the independent kingdom in the XII century; what came first, the nation or the state; the consolidation of the independence. 2. The beginning of the great enterprise; the second dynasty "Avis-Lancaster" and its golden generation; why the sea and not the continent; the first exploits, Ceuta 1415; the first discoveries, the Atlantic islands; the exploration of the coasts of West Africa; the debunking of medieval myths; a state sponsored and well organized enterprise. 3. Portugal becomes a world power; turning the Cape of Good Hope; the sea route to India is discovered; Vasco da Gama and the warrior/diplomat viceroys; control over the Indian Ocean, policy of strategic fortresses and naval fleets; expansion into the Far East. 4. Portugal, the face of Christianity in Africa, Asia and South America; the forces behind the empire, the lower nobility, the church and the bourgeoisie; diplomacy and warfare with new civilizations; expanding the Christian faith, taking the fight to the Ottoman Empire; the influence of the Portuguese in Siam, Indochina, Ceylon, Malacca and Timor; reaching Japan. 5. The Golden Age reaches its zenith; spies and secret missions, the cases of Ethiopia and the Americas; the Moroccan quagmire and Alcácer-Quibir; the ever present Spanish danger and new competition from Holland, France and England; the end of the second dynasty and the beginning of the 60 year union with the Spanish Habsburgs. 6. The return of the empire; the 1580-1640 failed Habsburg union; the Portuguese War of Restoration, possibly the real first world war; Brazil becomes the number one overseas possession; retreat, expansion and consolidation of the empire throughout the XVII and XVIII centuries; the great earthquake of 1755 and the Marquis of Pombal. 7. Age of revolution; the three Napoleonic invasions; the establishment of the Portuguese court and royal family in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil becomes the center of the empire; the unique case of Brazil's imperial independence; civil war in Portugal; Liberalism is established in Portugal; the uneasy XIX century; late industrial revolution. 8. Triumph and failure 1885-1926; the consequences of the Conference of Berlin of 1884-85; the pacification campaigns of Portuguese Africa; the failure of Liberalism; the assassination of the king and royal prince; the Republican revolution of 1910 and the end of the monarchy; the disastrous First Republic; participation in the First World War; dire straits and anarchy, Portugal hits the bottom; the rise of a new order. 9. The New State; the "Estado Novo" regime and the figure of Oliveira Salazar; fundaments and comparisons of the Portuguese authoritarian regime; the financial miracle; consequences of the Spanish Civil War and the Second World War; Portuguese neutrality in the war; NATO. 10. The twilight of empires; the international situation that lead to the overall process of African and Asian independences; the situation of the still worldwide Portuguese empire; Macau and China; Goa and the Portuguese State of India and the new Indian State; Timor and Indonesia; internal and external opposition to the Salazar regime; the annus horribilis of 1961; the first African loss, the fortress of Ajudá. 11. The last African wars; the beginning of armed conflict in Angola - 1961, Guinea - 1963 and Mozambique - 1964; reasons and consequences for each theater of war; the Portuguese way of war; international alliances and enemies; the Marcelo Caetano government; the 25th of April coup d'état and revolution. 12. The end of an era; the revolutionary process in Portugal and in the overseas territories; the independences of Cape Verde, S?o Tomé and Príncipe, Portuguese Guinea, Angola, Mozambique and Timor. 13. Conclusions
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Learning activities and teaching methods
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Monologic (reading, lecture, briefing)
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Learning outcomes
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The objective of this course is to allow the students to have an introductory approach to the wider topic of Portuguese history and culture. Due to time constraints, one semester, this was the most adequate solution found to provide university level students with a first but still comprehensive contact of the centuries long history of Portugal. Hopefully the students, after completing the course, will have the necessary keys to continue their studies in this area and further develop their interest, either academically or personally. The course focuses on two main themes, the Age of Discovery and the New State regime, the time frames that precede and connect these two eras are also discussed but to a minor level.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the origins and development of the Portuguese state and nation from pre-Roman times to the modern era. - Explain the causes and significance of the formation of Portugal as an independent kingdom in the 12th century and the consolidation of its identity. - Analyze the motives and consequences of Portuguese maritime expansion, including exploration, trade, and empire-building from the 15th century onwards. - Assess the importance of key events such as the Conquest of Ceuta, the Voyage of Vasco da Gama to India, and the Battle of Alcácer Quibir. - Evaluate the role of individuals and groups such as Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese nobility, the Church, and merchants in shaping imperial expansion. - Analyze the structure and impact of the Portuguese Empire, including its political, economic, and cultural influence in Africa, Asia, and South America. - Compare and contrast different phases of Portuguese history, including monarchy, Iberian Union, liberal constitutionalism, republic, and authoritarian rule. - Assess the causes and consequences of major crises and turning points, including the Iberian Union, the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, and the Portuguese Republican Revolution. - Evaluate the impact of global conflicts and international relations, including the Second World War and Portugal's role in alliances such as NATO. - Analyze the causes, course, and consequences of decolonization, including the colonial wars in Africa and the Carnation Revolution. - Examine continuity and change in Portuguese society, economy, and political systems across different historical periods. - Analyze and evaluate historical sources, identifying perspectives, biases, and context in primary and secondary materials. - Develop and communicate historical arguments clearly and effectively in written and oral forms, using relevant evidence and appropriate terminology. - Reflect on Portugal's cultural identity and global legacy, considering the long-term impact of exploration, empire, and decolonization.
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Prerequisites
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English B1+ level minimum (Portuguese knowledge is welcome but not essential), the language of communication will be English, with occasional Czech, Portuguese or Spanish if requested.
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Assessment methods and criteria
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Written examination, Interim evaluation
Written test at the end of the semester and participation in class discussions, topics to be prepared at home beforehand in order to be ready.
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Recommended literature
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Cann, John P. Counterinsurgency in Africa: The Portuguese Way of War 1961-74. UK: Helion&Company, Solihull, 1997.
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Crowley, Roger. Conquerors, How Portugal Forged the First Global Empire. UK: Faber&Faber, London, 2015.
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Derrick, Michael. The Portugal of Salazar. USA: Franklin Classics Trade Press, New York, 1939.
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Page, Martin. The First Global Village, How Portugal Changed the World. Portugal: Casa das Letras, Lisbon, 2002.
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Saraiva, José Hermano. Portugal, A Companion History. UK: Carcanet Press, Manchester, 1997.
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