Portuguese & Brazilian Cultural Studies

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, Portuguese program offers first semester and second semester of Portuguese language and culture for Spanish Speakers (LP 231/ 232), a course that facilitates transferring the grammar, pronunciation, and conjugation skills over from Spanish to Portuguese.

Dr. Célia Binaconi teaches language-level and Portuguese cultural courses, and advises the Boston University Brazilian Association. Professor Francisco Quinteiro Pires teaches courses on Luso-Brazilian literature and culture.

Overview of the Program

All minors must take at least 6 courses 300-level and above. Out of these 6 courses, minors must fulfill each of the four distributional requirements outlined in the poster below.

Portuguese Minor Guide