The Department of Romance Studies offers students the possibility to take courses in the languages, literatures, and cultures of the Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) world, in particular those of Brazil.
Minor Requirements
Courses in Portuguese language and in Brazilian, Portuguese, and other Lusophone literatures and cultures count towards a minor in Spanish, Latin American Studies, or Portuguese and Brazilian Studies.
Minor in Portuguese and Brazilian Studies:
In order to complete a minor in Portuguese and Brazilian Studies, students must take at least five courses (with each course taken for a minimum of 3 credits) by selecting courses from the Portuguese and Brazilian Studies Minor Course List (see below) or in consultation with the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Among these courses, the core course PORT 2800 – Perspectives on Brazil and one course at the advanced level (3000 and above) are required. A minimum grade of B- will be required for courses to count toward the minor. Courses not on the list may be approved by petition only. Courses on Latin America or other topics with a Brazilian, Portuguese, or Lusophone African component may be counted toward the credit requirement upon consultation with the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Language competence must be demonstrated by successfully completing PORT 2020 or its equivalent. Language instruction below the 2010 level may not be counted toward the credit requirement. Please note that courses taken as part of a study abroad program in Brazil or Portugal (maximum two courses) may count towards meeting the above requirements.
Course List:
Core Course
PORT 2800 – Perspectives on Brazil: Offered every fall semester through the Romance Studies Department, this course focuses on research in various disciplines related to Brazil, taking into account recent cultural, political, economic, and social trends. Themes include cinema, music, literature, race class and gender, and twentieth-century Brazilian history.
Courses in the Department of Romance Studies
Any course coded PORT and numbered 2800 and above.
Courses on Brazilian Materials in other Departments
ANTHR 3734 – [Brazil: Many Cultures, One Nation]
HIST 1950 – The Invention of the Americas
HIST 1960 – Modern Latin America
ARTH 3550 – [Modern and Contemporary Latin American Art]
ARTH 4155 – [Topics in Latin American Art]
MUSIC 3609 – Brazilian Ensemble – Deixa Sambar
Inquiries
Inquiries of a general nature can first be directed to the Undergraduate Coordinator, Cal Hile. Students interested in pursuing a Portuguese minor should make an appointment to meet with the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Cary Howie, during his weekly office hours.
Course Descriptions
Please refer to the Portuguese section of the Romance Studies Course Offerings list. See our departmental course roster here. Note that bracketed courses are not being taught this academic year.
Study Abroad
Cornell offers great opportunities to study abroad in Brazilian cities such as Salvador and Rio de Janeiro. For details on undergraduate study abroad in Brazil, consult with Cornell Abroad. For graduate studies, contact Prof. Pedro Erber.