Why study Portuguese?

Enjoy this video made by students of Portuguese. Captions are available in either Portuguese or in English translation.

Portuguese Studies

Portuguese Studies subjects are designed to enable students to communicate effectively with native speakers and interact knowledgeably with Lusophone cultures and civilizations. As the nation with the most Portuguese speakers, Brazil’s Portuguese and its culture are foci of Portuguese Studies subjects at MIT, though the curriculum also introduces students to linguistic and cultural aspects of the diverse nations where Portuguese is spoken. In class, students participate in a variety of small- and large-group interactive activities that incorporate authentic cultural readings, art, music and films from Lusophone cultures around the world. Through their studies, students become proficient in the Portuguese language and hone critical thinking skills through engagement with intercultural analyses and discussions. Student can also become immersed in Portuguese through extra-curricular activities, such as lectures, films, and a monthly Portuguese language conversation table, or apply their Portuguese abilities on MISTI programs available through MIT-Brazil and MIT-Portugal.

Portuguese Studies may be applied to the Portuguese Concentration, as well as the Latin American and Latino/a Studies Concentration, minor, and major programs. Learn more about the Portuguese concentration program requirements at the Academic Programs page. Information on Latin American and Latino/a Studies programs is available through SHASS. Advisors for these programs are below. Students uncertain what level of Portuguese language to take should refer to placement information. Information on transfer credit is available here.

Portuguese Concentration: Eva Dessein
Latin American and Latino/a Studies Concentration/Minor/Major: Eden Medina
Global Languages Portuguese Studies: Nilma Dominique