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Brazilian Studies ,Certificate

Brazilian Studies, Certificate

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Brazilian Studies

Business, Culture, Language, Portuguese, South America, Translation

Explore Brazilian culture and history through courses that encourage you to think about Brazil beyond media images of samba and Carnival. Become a global leader committed to social justice and cross-cultural understanding through any career path you choose.
Program description ▲

The certificate program in Brazilian studies enables students to study important areas and specific issues in Brazilian culture, including popular and urban culture and foundational literature, and gain proficiency in the Portuguese language.

With specialization in either language or culture, the program's language training includes live interactions with native speakers through virtual meetings with Brazilian students or coaches.

All students in the program, regardless of concentration, take coursework on topics such as food and culture, democracy, the African diaspora and environmental issues. Students develop public-facing capstone projects, such as podcast series and opinion pieces, expanding their skill set to include teamwork, organizational skills and public speaking and writing.

At a glance ▲
  • Second language requirement: No
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Curriculum ▲

Concurrent program options▲
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Degree requirements ▲

The certificate in Brazilian studies requires 18 credit hours. A "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better is required in all upper-division course work. At least 12 of the 18 required credit hours must be upper-division course work.

Required Courses:

Language (6 credit hours)
POR 313 Portuguese Composition and Conversation, G (3)
POR 314 Portuguese Composition and Conversation, G (3)

Four Content Courses: (12 credit hours; select from the following courses)*
GCU 323 Geography of Latin America, SB, G (3)
GCU/PUP 485 International Field Studies, G (1-12)
POR 321 Luso-Brazilian Literature, HU (3)
POR 394 Topic: Brazilian Culture (3)
POR 472 Luso-Brazilian Civilization, HU, G (3)
POR 492 Honors Directed Study (1-6)
POR 494 Topic: Afro-Brazilian Ritual and Performance (3)
POR 494 Topic: Brazilian Filmmaking (3)
POR 494 Topic: Brazilian Popular Culture (3)
POR 494 Topic: Brazilian Urban Narrative(3)
POR 494 Topic: Cinema Brasileiro (3)
POR 494 Topic: Sao Paulo (3)
POR 499 Individualized Instruction (1-3)
REL 332 South American Indian Religions, HU, G (3)

*Other content courses may be used with approval from an advisor in the School of International Letters and Cultures.

Depending upon a student's undergraduate program of study, prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.

Admission requirements ▲

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Additional requirements:

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Tuition information▲
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Transfer options▲

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Program learning outcomes▲

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

  • Examine the major events and issues of Brazilian history, culture, politics, and religion.
  • Effectively communicate orally and in writing in Portuguese at the appropriate levels according to American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines.
Career opportunities▲

Graduates can become more marketable to employers and advance their career options when they have earned an undergraduate certificate that complements their major program of study.

Those who have completed this certificate in Brazilian studies along with their major often decide to pursue employment in education, political analysis, the military, tourism and hospitality, or marketing.
Contact information▲
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
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