Introduction
The Portuguese and Brazilian Studies minor is interdisciplinary by nature. It enables students to analyze the diversity of the multiethnic regions that constitute the Portuguese-speaking countries (Angola, Brasil, Cabo Verde, Guiné-Bissau, Moçambique, Portugal, São Tomé e Príncipe, and Timor-Leste) and regions.
The PBST minor aims to provide students with an understanding of the cultural, linguistic, racial, gender, political, and socioeconomic forces and issues at play in the lusophone regions, with special emphasis on Brazil. The minor incorporates materials, methodologies, and cross-cultural comparisons from the fields of Anthropology, Archeology, Cinema, Cultural Studies, Economics, History, Latin American Studies, Literature, Music, and Political Science.
Recommended Courses and Requirements for Minors and Programs
The MINOR requires the successful completion of five (5) courses:
- PORT 202 (or its equivalent)
- Four other courses, typically with significant Luso-Brazilian content (a minimum of one course from Division I, and one from Division II). Courses must be decided in consultation with the minor coordinator.
NOTE: PORT 231 and PORT 242 are strongly encouraged.
Exceptions can be made by permission of the coordinator.
For the following courses to count for the PBST minor, students must conduct the main research on a Portuguese-speaking area (for some of the classes FLIC option is available):
ANTH 222: Contemporary Peoples of Latin America
ARCH/ANTH/LALC 262: South American Archaeology
ECON 236: Latin American Economies
HIST 130: Early Latin American History to 1800
HIST 131: Modern Latin American History since 1800
HIST 215: Topics in Comparative History (When appropriate)
HIST 272/AFST 310: The Atlantic Slave Trade and Africans in the Making of the Atlantic World, 1450-1850
HIST 283/LALC 283: Latin American-U.S. Relations
HIST 315: Studies in Comparative History (When appropriate)
LALC 101: Introduction to Latin American, Latino and Caribbean Studies
LALC 200: Special Topics in Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean Studies (When appropriate)
LALC 300: Special Topics in Latin American, Latinx and Caribbean Studies (When appropriate)
PORT 231: Conversation and composition
PORT 242/LALC 242: Brazilian Cultural and Social Issues
PORT 380: Topics in Luso-Brazilian and Hispanic Studies
POSC 251: Latin American Politics
POSC 290: Contemporary Brazilian Politics
SPAN 380: Topics in Luso-Brazilian and Hispanic Studies (When appropriate)
Up to three courses related to a Portuguese-speaking area taken in the context of the study-abroad program in São Paulo may count towards the minor. Courses must be pre-approved by the minor coordinator.
Additional Remarks
Study Abroad Opportunities
Dickinson's study abroad program in Brazil is in the cosmopolitan City of São Paulo, a global metropolis that is also one of the most important business and financial centers of the world. Students with a variety of interests-from art to history and from international business to environmental studies will find exciting academic opportunities in São Paulo, the hub for business, fashion, arts, and global cuisine.
Students can select among three tracks of study in Brazil allowing them to pursue varied academic interests. Two of these tracks do not require any previous knowledge in Portuguese (Spanish is strongly suggested!). These tracks are available for the fall and spring semesters. You can also combine them for a year-long academic experience. Tracks that do not require previous knowleege in Portuguese are offered in partnership with CET Brazil. The options are: Social Justice and Inequality in São Paulo and Socially Sustainable Business.