Portuguese Program

Please note: Per university policy, "The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements. These publications may be found at http://www.virginia.edu/registrar/."

The Portuguese program functions primarily as a service to other programs, including Spanish, Latin American Studies, the Latin American program in the department of Government and Foreign Affairs, Anthropology, and others. It offers three semesters of intensive language instruction, focused on Brazilian Portuguese, and a course on Brazilian culture given in English.

Students interested in beginning Portuguese at the University should have considerable prior experience with Spanish or French. There is a minor in Portuguese, but students interested in the minor are strongly encouraged to spend a semester studying abroad in Brazil or in Portugal.

Undergraduate Program

The Undergraduate Program in Portuguese offers beginning, intermediate and advanced language courses (PORT 1110, 2120, 3010). These courses emphasize speaking, understanding, reading and writing of Portuguese, especially as used in Brazil.

The requirements for the minor in Portuguese consist of eighteen credits beyond PORT 2120. Students interested in the minor are strongly encouraged to spend a semester studying abroad in Brazil or in Portugal. The Portuguese Minor Advisor is Professor Eli Carter in 441 New Cabell Hall.

Please keep the following in mind: 

1. You must have a declared major before declaring a minor.

2. Credits applied toward the Portuguese minor may NOT also count toward completion of a major.

3. Courses taken on a CR/NC basis may not be included in the minor program.

The courses counting toward the Portuguese minor include:

POTR 4270 – The Civilization of Brazil

Introduces the development of Brazilian culture from 1500 to the present. This course is taught in English and does not fulfill the language requirement.

PORT 3010 – Advanced Grammar, Conversation and Composition

Prerequisite: PORT 2120 or by permission. Studies advanced grammar through analysis of texts; includes extensive practice in composition and topical conversation.

PORT 3559 – New Course: PORT

This course provides the opportunity to offer new topics within the subject of Portuguese.

PORT 4559 – New Course: PORT

This course provides the opportunity to offer new topics within the subject of Portuguese.

PORT 4020 – Readings in Literature in Portuguese

Prerequisite: PORT 2120 or by permission. Studies readings from the chief periods of Brazilian and Portuguese literature.

PORT 4410 – Brazilian Literature

Studies leading figures and movements from Colonial times to 1900.

PORT 4420 – Brazilian Literature

Studies leading figures and movements from 1900 to present.

PORT 4610, 4620 – Studies in Luso-Brazilian Language and Literature

Prerequisite: one course at the 3000 level or higher, or instructor permission. Studies topics in Portuguese or Brazilian literature or in Portuguese linguistics according to the interests and preparation of the student.

PORT 4920 – Independent Study

Luso-Brazilian Culture Independent Study - Instructor Permission Required

To begin the process of declaring a Portuguese Minor contact Linda Newman at lgn3e@virginia.edu

Additional Information

For more information about the Portuguese Minor, please contact Professor Eli Carter.