Minor in Portuguese Language & Afro-Brazilian Studies

Program Overview

Introduction

​The Afro-Brazilian Studies Program at Howard University is housed in the Department of World Languages and Cultures.​  Students can take Portuguese language courses as well as courses on Brazilian literature, culture, film and music.  

Students, faculty and staff interested in learning more about the program or wanting to become more involved with courses and events offered can contact the program coordinator.

 

​Why Study Portuguese?

​Over 270 million people speak the language world wide, making it the sixth most spoken language in the world.  The language is important to the African Diaspora, spoken in Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé & Principé and Cape Verde.  Learning the language will allow students to experience the rich cultures and histories of these nations.  

​At Howard, students will be learning Brazilian Portuguese.  Brazil has the largest Afro-descendant population outside of Africa and is the eigth-largest economy in the world.   Learning Portuguese and studying the history and culture of Brazil will allow students to make connections with other communities within the African Diaspora as well as be more competitive in the global market. 

Dr. Eliseo Jacob

eliseo.jacob@howard.edu

Locke Hall 332

Minor in Portuguese

Course Sequence

Minor Requirements

The Minor in Portuguese Language & Afro-Brazilian Cultural Studies requires a total of 18 credit hours after PORT 004. The required and elective courses are as follows:


Required Courses 

  • PORT 040 - Intensive Grammar Review (3 credit hours)

  • PORT 050 - Oral Expressions (3 credit hours)

  • PORT 077 - Advanced Grammar and Composition (3 credit hours)


Electives (Students must choose at least two of the following courses)

  • PORT 700 - Afro-Brazilian Film (3 credit hours)

  • PORT 701 - Urban Literature in Brazil (3 credit hours)

  • PORT 702 - Afro-Brazilian Writers (3 credit hours)

  • PORT 703 - Brazilian Hip Hop (3 credit hours)

Course Descriptions

Required Courses 

  • PORT 040 - Intensive Grammar Review (3 credit hours):This core course in the minor sequence includes a thorough review of and practice with major elements of Portuguese grammar.

         

  • PORT 050 - Oral Expressions (3 credit hours):  Through this course, students develop speaking and listening skills through a variety of instructional strategies.

       

  • PORT 077 - Advanced Grammar and Composition (3 credit hours): The course focuses on developing more complex speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in Portuguese while continuing to build vocabulary, review Portuguese grammar and gain a better understanding of Luso-Brazilian culture. 

         

Electives 

  • PORT 700 - Afro-Brazilian Film (3 credit hours):  Using film, this course introduces students to the political issues, history and cultural traditions of Afro-Brazilians. Some topics of discussion will include subalternity, social justice, the legacy of slavery in Brazil, racial and class discrimination, the myth of Racial Democracy and questions surrounding citizenship in the modern city.

       

  • PORT 701 - Urban Literature in Brazil (3 credit hours): This course focuses on writers from Brazil’s major urban centers, with an 
    emphasis on the experiences of marginalized communities through gritty realism,testimonial literature, fiction and cultural productions.

   

  • PORT 702 - Afro-Brazilian Writers (3 credit hours): This course introduces students to texts by Afro-Brazilian writers. Some topics of discussion include testimonial literature, and its relationship to subalternity and social justice, the legacy of slavery in Brazil, racial and gender discrimination, the myth of racial democracy and the role of politics in literature among Afro-Brazilian writing collectives.

 

  • PORT 703 - Brazilian Hip Hop (3 credit hours): This course introduces students to the world of hip hop in Brazil. In addition to learning about the history of hip hop in Brazil, students will examine its aesthetics, politics and literary aspects. 

         

Study Abroad

Interested in studying abroad in Brazil?  Howard University has a partnership with CET Brazil for a study abroad program to São Paulo as well as additional programs in Rio de Janeiro and Portugal.  

Visit the Bunche Center on campus to receive more information on applying for these programs and on scholarships.  You can also download the following handout that details more information on study abroad programs offered through the Bunche Center located in the Portuguese-speaking world:

Student Experiences in Portuguse Program

Howard Student Studying Abroad in Brazil

Howard Student at Brazilian Embassy

Portuguese Language Students at Critcal Language Festival