Program Overview

Brazilian Studies Certificate Program

The Brazilian Studies certificate program 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.

Program Description

The program allows students to explore Brazilian culture and history through courses that encourage them to think about Brazil beyond media images of samba and Carnival. Students become global leaders committed to social justice and cross-cultural understanding through any career path they choose.

At a Glance

• College/School: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe

Curriculum

The Brazilian Studies certificate requires 18-20 credit hours of Portuguese language and elective culture content coursework, of which 12 credit hours must be upper-division. A grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better is required in all coursework.

• Portuguese Language (6-8 credit hours)
  • Choose one two-course sequence for 6-8 credit hours.
  • The upper-division two-course language sequence is 6 credit hours total.
  • Minimum Grade: C
• Upper-Division Electives (12 credit hours)
  • Minimum Grade: C
  • Other courses may be used with approval from the faculty coordinator and academic advisor in the School of International Letters and Cultures.

Enrollment 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.

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.