Portuguese Language and Literature
Overview
Programs in Portuguese language and literature teach people the spoken and written traditions of Portugal and Brazil.Programs in Portuguese language and literature teach people how Portuguese words began and the language developed. Students study dialects, stories, myths, and writings. They also learn to apply the knowledge to business and technology.
Portuguese language and literature programs include topics such as:
- Reading, writing, and speaking Portuguese
- Portuguese culture and society
- History
- Literature and poetry
- Folklore and film
- Translation techniques
- Dialects
- Linguistics
Students study other Portuguese-speaking countries, including Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, and East Timor.
Concentrations
In Portuguese language and literature programs, students may be able to specialize in:
- Conversation
- Interpreting
- Literature
- Teaching
Schools
A few colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in Portuguese language and literature. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
A few universities offer graduate degrees in Portuguese language and literature. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Contemporary World Issues
- European History
- Humanities
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
- Political Science
- Second Language
- World Area Studies
- World Geography
- World History
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores. In addition, you must be able to demonstrate that you can speak, read, write, and understand Portuguese at an advanced level.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Academic writing sample
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Applied Phonetics
- Civilization and Cultural History
- Conversation and Composition
- Linguistics
- Literary Studies
- Literature, Folklore, and Film
- Reading Skills
- Translation
- Study in the Portuguese language or its dialects (beginning, intermediate, advanced)
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate programs in Portuguese language and literature typically require:
- Required courses
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
Students who major in Portuguese language and literature may be required or encouraged to spend some time living, working, and studying abroad. Most programs coordinate semester abroad or work internships. In most cases, you can participate in these after you have completed at least two years of language study.
Many programs combine the study of Portuguese language and literature with Spanish. Often, Portuguese is offered as a minor or concentration. In addition, a few programs combine the study of South American literature and cultural studies with the study of Portuguese language and literature.
Colleges that do not have complete programs in Portuguese language and literature may offer elective courses as part of a major in interdisciplinary studies or liberal arts.
Schools
King-Snohomish Area
University of Washington - Seattle
- Spanish and Portuguese Studies--Hispanic Studies