The minor in Portuguese is designed to cultivate our students’ understanding, respect, and appreciation of the rich literary and cultural traditions of Portuguese-speaking peoples; to provide a sound foundation for further study related to the Portuguese worlds; and to develop our students’ ability to analyze literary and cultural works in Portuguese.
Through their coursework in the minor, students will be introduced to the disciplines of Portuguese letters, and also explore connections between Portuguese and other disciplines in the humanities or in the social sciences. For the Portuguese minor, students will need a minimum of 19 credits of Portuguese (at least 6 of which must be at the 400 level), with grades of C or better. Students will be able to select from a comprehensive list of courses that can count toward the minor. Students are held to the requirements that are in effect when they officially declare the minor. They can take more than the minimum 19 credits if they so desire; there is no penalty for students who change their minds and ultimately do not complete all the minor requirements (i.e., they are not disqualified from graduating if they do not complete declared minor requirements; they simply do not receive the minor).
Careers and Opportunities for Graduate Studies
Potential Careers
Penn State students with a minor in Portuguese have received fellowships as Fulbright teaching assistants in Brazil and have pursued a range of internships and career opportunities in fields such as technology, management, journalism, education, government, and law. Given students’ ability to communicate in Portuguese, they are prepared to work with Portuguese-speaking populations and clients in important markets like Brazil, Portugal, and Angola.
Opportunities for Graduate Studies
Penn State students with a minor in Portuguese are prepared to pursue graduate study of master’s or doctorate work in Portuguese/Luso-Brazilian studies, Latin American studies, or comparative literature. They could also further their study of Portuguese language in a linguistics or applied linguistics program, or pursue master’s degrees in translation, interpretation, education, journalism, public policy, or international relations. Given their strong communication skills and training to think analytically, students with a Portuguese minor are also excellent candidates for attending law school.
Advising
Questions about the Portuguese Minor should be directed to Shawn Bainbridge. Additional questions about the Portuguese Minor can be directed to Professor Krista Brune and Professor Sarah Townsend. Together, they will help keep you on track toward your degree and will work with you to navigate co-curricular opportunities.
Advising Roles
Advising Roles
Advising Roles
Advising Roles
Advising Roles
Appointments
Please make an appointment if you need help with:
- Your next semester schedule (language pre-majors and majors)
- Concurrent major planning (feasibility, courses needed)
- Academic difficulty
- Faculty Senate petitions (retroactive withdrawal or registration, etc.)