Study Portuguese and Brazilian Cultural Studies at Boston University
The study of Portuguese is your gateway to the vibrant cultures of 260 million people who make up the Lusophone world. Portuguese is the sixth most widely spoken language and the third most widely spoken European language after English and Spanish. The language ranges 4 continents and is the working and/or official language in important international organizations (the African Union, The Community of Portuguese Language Countries, European Union, Mercosul, the Organization of American States, the Organization of Ibero-American States, and the Union of South American Nations.) In addition, Brazil is the leading industrial and economic power of Latin America and numerous scientists consider it to have the greatest biological diversity in the world.
Introductory language courses develop communicative skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing while introducing you to the rich culture of the Lusophone world. The upper-level courses in Portuguese, along with our frequent departmental events aim to help students develop a more complete understanding of Latin American history, culture and literature, as well as to prepare students to communicate in a professional environment. Our Portuguese & Brazilian Cultural Studies minor offers the ability for membership in Pi Beta Sigma, Portuguese Honor Society at Boston University.
In addition, our Portuguese program offers first semester and second semester instruction in Portuguese language and culture for Spanish Speakers (LP 231/ 232), a course series that facilitates transferring the grammar, pronunciation, and conjugation skills from Spanish to Portuguese.
Dr. Célia Binaconi teaches language-level and Portuguese cultural courses, and advises the Boston University Brazilian Association.
Overview of the Program
Students must complete their study of Portuguese up through the LP 212 level before formally beginning work toward the minor. All minors must take at least 5 courses 300-level and above, as described below.
- Two language courses from LP 300 to LP 308.
- Two courses taught in Portuguese on Brazilian Literature and Culture, which may also include components of Portuguese literature (e.g., LP 350, LP 352, and LP 362).
- One additional course focusing on Brazil or another Portuguese-speaking country, which may be taught in English, Portuguese, or Spanish, offered in the Department of Romance Studies or in another department.
Resources
To Declare a Minor in Portuguese & Brazilian Cultural Studies, please click here for instructions.
Portuguese Language Administration
Nicolás Fernández-Medina
Chair of Romance Studies, Head of Portuguese, Professor of Spanish and Iberian Studies
nfm@bu.edu
Célia Bianconi
Coordinator of Portuguese Language Program, Master Lecturer in Portuguese
cbianc@bu.edu