Please note: Per university policy, "The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements. These publications may be found at http://www.virginia.edu/registrar/."

With the dizzying array of options, why study Portuguese? Because it’s super cool? Well yes, but Portuguese is way more than just cool. For example, did you know that it is the the sixth most widely spoken language in the world? With more than 250 million speakers covering four continents and 11 countries, the number of Portuguese speakers across the globe outpaces German, Russian, Japanese, and Italian. The vast majority of those speakers live in Brazil, which is the largest country in Latin America, both in terms of population and territory. Home to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, the entertainment and financial capitals of South America, Brazil consistently maintains one of the world’s largest economies. The South American giant also boasts bio, cultural, and racial diversity that combine to make it one of the most compelling countries in the world. To put it simply, whatever way you spin it, Portuguese is extremely important and useful. But again, it’s also super cool! Architecture, diversity, futebol, history, literature, film, music, nature, you name it, the Lusophone world has got it! Come see for yourself!

No prior experience with Portuguese or another Romance language? No problem! The Portuguese program at UVa provides beginner and advanced students alike the opportunity to explore the Lusophone world’s language, cultures, and histories by emphasizing speaking, listening, reading, and writing of Portuguese, especially as used in Brazil. For students new to the study of Romance languages, the Portuguese program offers a three-semester sequence beginning with PORT 1110 (Introductory), PORT 2120 (Intermediate), and PORT 3010 (Grammar and Composition). Students with an advanced fluency in another Romance language (e.g., Spanish, French, or Italian), may complete the sequence over two semesters by taking PORT 2050 (Portuguese for Romance language Speakers) and PORT 3010. Students interested in furthering their studies of Portuguese and Lusophone cultures are invited to do so at the 4000-level.

The Portuguese minor consists of eighteen credits beyond PORT 2120 or PORT 2050.

Undergraduate Program

The requirements for the minor in Portuguese consist of eighteen credits beyond PORT 2120 or PORT 2050. Though not mandatory, students interested in the minor are strongly encouraged to spend a semester or J-Term studying in Brazil or in Portugal. The Director of the Portuguese Program is Professor Eli Carter (441 New Cabell Hall).

Please keep the following in mind: 

1. You must have a declared major before declaring a minor.

2. Credits applied toward the Portuguese minor may NOT also count toward completion of a major.

3. Courses taken on a CR/NC basis may not be included in the minor program.

The courses counting toward the Portuguese minor include:

Portuguese Courses Offered in Spring 2022 include:

To begin the process of declaring a Portuguese Minor contact Linda Newman at lgn3e@virginia.edu

Additional Information

For more information about the Portuguese Minor, please contact Professor Eli Carter.