Portuguese Language Program

FALA PORTUGUÊS?

DID YOU KNOW …

  • Portuguese is the official language of several independent countries and regions: Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, East Timor, Guinea Bissau, Macau, Mozambique, Portugal, & São Tomé and Príncipe? It represents one of the few languages spoken in such widely-distributed parts of the world.
  • Approximately 250,000,000 people worldwide, including 1,500,000 Americans and Canadians, are speakers of Portuguese, and it is the most widely spoken language in South America?
  • The Portuguese language curriculum is covered in three semesters, rather than four, as in other foreign languages?

PORTUGUESE IS ESPECIALLY RECOMMENDED FOR …

  • Students who are already intermediate or proficient in Spanish and who are interested in studies related to Latin America, Africa, and Europe.
  • Students planning to study abroad in Brazil or Portugal.
  • Students who want to enjoy an advantage in a vibrant economic market where there are few people fluent in Portuguese in the areas of business, technology, administration, etc.
  • Students who are interested in small classes with much more individualized attention.

Portuguese language courses

Portuguese 50: Intensive Portuguese for Spanish Speakers
Terms offered: Fall and Spring Semesters
4 units

This is an intensive introduction to Portuguese language and Lusophone cultures. It assumes no prior study of the language however it does require advanced competency (either as a native, heritage or second-language speaker) of another Romance language, Spanish in particular. In this class, you’ll develop your ability to interact in a Portuguese-speaking environment; to read and understand a variety of texts; and to communicate on topics of increasing complexity, both orally and in writing. Students will gain proficiency of these skills through a sustained engagement with various aspects of Lusophone cultures.

Portuguese 102: Conversations in Portuguese
Terms offered: Fall and Spring Semesters
4 units


The main objective of this course is to provide ample opportunities for students to improve their oral fluency in Portuguese, through daily conversations on a variety of topics relating to the Lusophone world. Students will also direct and guide two discussions (conversations) during the semester, on topics of their choosing. For these presentations, they will prepare a list of vocabulary as well as discussion questions to stimulate class participation and conversation. Consequently, students will expand their vocabulary and use of idiomatic expressions, review certain grammar structures, and garner a deeper understanding of the differences between colloquial and formal Brazilian Portuguese.

Portuguese 103 (Advanced Grammar and Composition)
Terms offered: Fall and Spring Semesters
4 units


In this course students will hone their language skills by reviewing and deepening their knowledge of vocabulary and grammar structures learned in previous semesters. They will examine and produce a variety of writings, including descriptive, narrative, expository and argumentative essays, as well as journalistic and administrative texts. Students will perform in-class writing exercises that allow them to incorporate new vocabulary, focus on certain grammatical structures, and differentiate between colloquial and formal registers.

Information and websites of interest: