Portuguese Undergraduate
Portuguese Undergraduate Studies
Overview
Portuguese is the seventh most spoken language in the world, with over 250 million speakers. It is the language of Portugal, Brazil, and parts of Africa and Asia. Brazil, with a population of 185 million, is the largest country in South America and has the ninth largest economy in the world. Portuguese as a second language would open multiple job opportunities in various countries with expanding economies and a promising future. It would also provide a vehicle to the rich cultural traditions of Portugal and Brazil, including literature, art, and music.
If you want to practice your Portuguese in an informal environment, join us once a week. The place and time will be announced at the beginning of each semester. You can also invite your friends who speak Portuguese!
Major
A major in Portuguese combines the study of the language, culture, and literatures of Brazil and Portugal. Emphasis is placed on the language as it is currently spoken and its historical development. Students study the literatures of Brazil and Portugal in terms of their historical development and analyze specific texts from different genres and literary periods. Students interested in a major in Portuguese should consult the Portuguese language advisor.
Because few entering students have completed course work in Portuguese prior to enrollment in the University, it is essential that interested students start the language as early as the first year. Completion of PORT 204 satisfies the Foundations foreign language requirements and is considered a prerequisite for the Portuguese major.
The major in Portuguese consists of eight courses to be chosen from PORT 310, 323, 382, 388, 390, 398, 501, 502, 503, 504, 526.
NOTE: Up to three of the required courses may be taken in such allied fields as Classics, History, Art, Music, Women’s Studies, etc., with approval of the Undergraduate Advisor in Portuguese.
Minor
The minor in Portuguese consists of a minimum of five courses from the major numbered between 300 and 699, excluding 691H. One of the five courses must be the composition and grammar review course, PORT 310.
All Courses
Click on a class for more information, visit UNC’s catalog page.
Portuguese Undergraduate Support
What Our Students Are Saying
Learn more about Language Placement and UNC’s Language Requirements.
Be sure to explore opportunities for:
Study Abroad
The Department of Romance Studies strongly encourages all of its students, and especially its majors and minors, to participate in a study abroad experience. Study abroad opportunities are available in a variety of locations for a summer term, a semester, or a full year.
Research
The Department of Romance Studies offers a gateway for research in the Humanities, including the various fields that make up Romance Studies. Research activities include the Honors Thesis, summer research fellowships, or engaging in mentoring projects with professors which lead to opportunities to present papers at conferences or for publication in the University’s undergraduate research journal.
Independent Studies
Independent studies courses (FREN 395, ITAL 395, PORT 396, or SPAN 395) allow students to undertake research on topics that are not available through normal course offerings. Independent studies courses may not be offered simply because a student cannot get into a class or due to difficulties a student may have in their scheduling of classes.
Awards & Honors Societies
Romance Studies has multiple awards and maintains three chapters of National Honor Societies for its students.