The Hispanic and Latin American Languages, Literatures and Linguistics major offers the opportunity to gain proficiency in Spanish and/or Portuguese, two of the most important languages spoken in the United States, the Western Hemisphere and the world. The department offers courses of study in language, culture, linguistics, and literature, as well as a series of courses in languages for the professions, which focus on medical, legal, business and other professional contexts.
By studying the literary and linguistic heritage of Spanish and Portuguese, students gain critical reading and writing skills that help them acquire and refine their abilities to speak, understand, read and write one of both of these languages.
The Spanish specialization focuses on the language and culture of Spain and Spanish-America, while the Portuguese specialization stresses the language and culture of Brazil, with complementary study of Portugal and Lusophone Africa. The combined specialization recognizes the increasingly prominent roles that Brazil, Spain and Latin America all play in international affairs, especially as they relate to Florida. Spanish- and Portuguese-speakers constitute the fastest growing immigrant populations in Florida. Studying both languages and cultures provide a competitive edge for those seeking careers in business, industry, tourism, health care, agricultural affairs, government, and education.
B.A. in Portuguese
The major requires 33 credits, beginning with foundational work in Portuguese and then moving on to more advanced coursework in language, culture and literature.
Students must earn minimum grades of C for coursework to count toward the major.
POR 3010 is an accelerated course for speakers of Spanish (or French). It fulfills the CLAS foreign language requirement but it does not count as a 3000-level course for the major requirements. POR 3010 will satisfy the same requirement as the POR 1130/POR 1131 sequence.
Required Coursework
- POR 3242
- 30 additional hours of POR or POW courses at the 3000 and 4000 levels.
- A minimum of 12 credits must be at the 4000 level.
- Only one class in English (PRT) can count towards the major, substituting for POR/POW.
- Classes must be passed with a grade of C or better in order to be counted for the major.
- Two Individual Work courses (POW 4905) may be accepted as part of the major's requirements.
- Select courses outside the department may also count toward the major under special conditions.
Overseas Study
The university sponsors a reasonably priced summer B program in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Majors and minors are encouraged to participate at the 3000/4000 level, where they will earn six credits. The program also fulfills the summer residency requirement.
Placement
See the undergraduate coordinator for placement information, especially for transfer students and heritage speakers.
Relevant Minors and/or Certificates
Majors may want to pursue a certificate in Latin American Studies.
Research
Students who wish to complete a senior thesis for honors should consult Portuguese faculty at least two semesters in advance of graduation.

