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.
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.
Recommended Courses and Requirements for Minors and Programs
The PBST minor is intended as an interdisciplinary program that encourages students to study at least one semester in our study-abroad program in São Paulo, Brazil. With the exception of language classes, which follow a specific schedule, can be taken in different semesters.
Dickinson students have the opportunity to study in Brazil for a semester or an academic year. The program is offered in partnership with the world-renowned Universidade de São Paulo (USP) and CET.
Courses appropriate for undeclared, prospective minors:
- For students who do not speak Portuguese:
PORT 101, PORT 102, PORT 201, PORT 202, and PORT 231 - For students who already speak Spanish, French, or Italian:
PORT 200 (Portuguese for Speakers of a Romance language), PORT 202, and PORT 231 - PORT 242, Brazilian Cultural and Social Issues (taught in English)
For course descriptions and requirements for the minor, refer to the Academic Bulletin: Portuguese and Brazilian Studies.
Courses that fulfill distribution requirements
Global Diversity:
- PORT 240, Brazil in a Latin American Context (offered in São Paulo)
- PORT 242, Brazilian Cultural and Social Issues
- PORT 320/MUAC 212 Popular Musics of the Portuguese Black Atlantic
- PORT 380/HIST 272 The Atlantic Slave Trade and Africans in the Making of the Atlantic World, 1450-1850
Humanities (Division I B):
- PORT 290, Brazilian Cinema
- PORT 304, Afro-Brazilian Literature
Language:
- PORT 101, 102, and 201
Or - PORT 200 (Portuguese for Speakers of a Romance Language)
Writing in the Discipline (WID):
- PORT 304, Afro-Brazilian Literature
Suggested curricular flow for the PBST Minor
First Year:
- PORT 101 (fall) and PORT 102 (spring)
Or - PORT 200 (spring)
Entrance level for PORT 200 depends on the results of a French/Italian/Spanish placement examination or having taken 4 semesters of a Romance language or its equivalent. Contact the professor in charge of that course.
Students can enroll in classes taught in English, but, for classes outside the Portuguese department, students must orient their research in terms of a specific Portuguese-speaking area.
Native speakers or students with advanced Portuguese language proficiency from previous experience may complete the minor without PORT 202, but need to take a fifth class.
Sophomore Year:
- PORT 101 (fall) and PORT 102 (spring)
Or - PORT 201 (fall) and PORT 202
Or - PORT 200 (spring)
Or - PORT 202
- After PORT 202, take one or two additional courses (in English or Portuguese)
Junior Year:
- PORT 101 (fall) and PORT 102 (spring)
Or - PORT 201 (fall) and PORT 202
Or - PORT 200 (spring)
Or - PORT 202
- After PORT 202, take one or two additional courses (in English or Portuguese)
Or - Study one semester or the entire year in Dickinson in Brazil
(Courses at the University of São Paulo must be pre-approved by the minor coordinator)
Senior Year:
- PORT 201 (fall) and PORT 202
Or - PORT 202
- Additional courses as needed (in English or Portuguese)
Make an appointment with the minor coordinator in order to confirm requirements and to demonstrate research related to a Portuguese-speaking area for each course not listed as PORT.
Additional Remarks
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY
Students in the PBST minor, and students interested in the Portuguese-speaking world in general, can enhance their learning experience by participating in Dickinson's study abroad program in Brazil. Dickinson's Brazil program offers the best of all worlds—immersion in Brazilian culture and the Portuguese language, direct enrollment at the University of São Paulo and the support they need to navigate Brazil’s biggest city and thrive at its most prestigious university. Academic opportunities are enriched with homestays and excursions. Please visit CGSE webpage for more information.
RELATED ACTIVITIES
Portuguese and Brazilian Studies complements curriculum with engaging co-curricular activities, such as lectures and cultural programs by visiting scholars, performers and artists, film series, weekly Portuguese table conversation meet-ups (Wednesdays 6:30 to 7:30pm), and events that celebrate lusophone cultural heritage.
PORTUGUESE CLUB
Engage with activities with the Portuguese club on campus. Students create events around Brazilian holidays, such as festas juninas, carnaval, etc. The club also organizes capoeira lessons, does BBQs (churrascos), and makes brigadeiros. Everyone is welcomed to join it during Activities Fair at the beginning of each semester!
ROMANCE LANGUAGE HOUSE
Reed house has rooms dedicated to Portuguese! Students practice their Portuguese language skills with other students and with an Overseas Students Assistant from Brazil. Some fun activities include movie nights and funk dance lessons/choreography.
CAREER DIRECTIONS
Portuguese and Brazilian Studies minors develop strong critical skills with an emphasis on cultural awareness and competence, analytical thinking, cross-cultural comparisons, and social justice. Visit the PBST webpage for more information.
FULBRIGHTS TO BRAZIL
Since 2013, eight Dickinsonians, who studied Portuguese at Dickinson, have obtained prestigious Fulbright scholarships to conduct research or teach English in Brazil.
Advice: Students must declare their intention to complete the minor and discuss class selection with the minor coordinator. Contact the PBST coordinator, Professor Carolina Castellanos Gonella.
Note: Spanish and Portuguese are one department but have been filed individually and alphabetically for ease of access. Portuguese and Brazilian Studies is an independent minor.