Portuguese


Faculty List

Professor and Chair
A.T. Pérez-Leroux, MA, PhD

Assistant Professors
A. Rato, MA, PhD
C. Sá Carvalho, MA, PhD

Lecturer (Instituto Camões)
L. Graça

Professors Emeriti
R. Sternberg, MA, PhD (SM)
J.R. Webster, MA, PhD, FRSC (SM)
M. Marujo, MA, PhD

Introduction

Overview

Spoken by over 260 million people, Portuguese is the official language of countries in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas – making it a vibrant language that embodies diverse cultures, traditions and lifestyles all across the world. In the Canadian job market, command of Portuguese is a definite advantage: Toronto has one of the largest Portuguese-speaking diasporas, and Canada has strong cultural, political, and business ties with Brazil. Did you know that twenty percent of all residents of the Western Hemisphere are Brazilians? One out of every five people living in the Americas - North, Central, South - speaks Portuguese as their native language.

The Portuguese program at the University of Toronto offers an integrated curriculum, combining courses in language, linguistics, literature, film, and culture. Our approach to teaching and learning is student centered and we offer cultural, immersion and experiential learning opportunities. Courses in the studies of the Lusophone world provide a diverse and in-depth examination of the Portuguese language and its cultures. 

Courses in the literary, cultural, and filmic traditions of Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and Portugal (among others) open the opportunity for students to study Portuguese language in context, that is, connected to the cultural and political movements that constantly revitalize the language. Reflecting the diversity of cultures within Portuguese-speaking communities in Europe, Africa, and the Americas, these courses shed light on colonial histories, diverse cultural identities, social justice struggles, and environmental questions through a global perspective.

Portuguese also opens the door to the study of the Romance language family. The Department offers students the opportunity to advance their language skills through the systematic reflection on the language structure. Through a variety of courses with a theoretical and experimental focus in linguistics, students acquire basic skills that can be transferred to teaching or research programs. Through collaboration with other language and linguistics programs, students are provided with opportunities and training to conduct research in linguistics with a focus on the Portuguese language. In addition, the Department encourages students to consider completing part of their course work at a university in Portugal or Brazil.

What can I do with a degree in Portuguese?

Plenty! Proficiency in Portuguese and knowledge of the issues concerning the Lusophone world can deepen personal connections and enhance your travel experiences. Canada’s multicultural landscape and its trade relationships with Portuguese-speaking areas can provide many job opportunities.

The skills and knowledge developed in the Portuguese program either prepare you directly or lay the groundwork for careers in fields such as:

  • media, journalism, marketing, public relations
  • domestic government services and NGOs; foreign services and foreign affairs specialist; international development; political aid; policy analyst
  • commerce, finances, tourism, and hospitality
  • post-graduate studies and academic careers; cultural work
  • editing, publishing, translation, education
  • library and information sciences

For further information, please contact us in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, Victoria College, Room 208.

The Department offer Specialist, Major and Minor programs in Portuguese, as well as a language citation.

Portuguese Programs

Portuguese Specialist (Arts Program) - ASSPE0338

In addition to a full range of courses in language, Portuguese Studies at the University of Toronto offers courses in culture, literature and linguistics. The courses in the literatures and cultures of the Portuguese-speaking countries include the study of the most significant masterpieces written by Lusophone writers and a survey of the major historical and cultural trends and issues of these countries. The courses in linguistics range from an introduction to Portuguese linguistics to courses on language varieties and dialects in the Portuguese-speaking world, sociolinguistics, phonetics, and second language acquisition. Together with extracurricular activities, the program provides the tools to learn, know and understand the vast and rich Portuguese-speaking world in a dynamic and interactive way.

Enrolment Requirements:

This is an open enrolment program. A student who has completed 4.0 credits may enrol in the program.

Completion Requirements:

(10.0 credits, including at least 1.0 400-level credit)

Students complete 10.0 credits, including:

  1. PRT258H1
  2. PRT420H1/​ PRT423H1
  3. 9.0 additional PRT credits
  • Students with previous knowledge of Portuguese can start start taking language courses at the 200- or 300-level, depending on their placement test results, and after consultation with the department. Students who misrepresent their previous knowledge of the language commit a serious academic integrity offense. The recommended sequences of language courses are as follows.

    For students with no previous knowledge of Portuguese:
    ( PRT101H1, PRT102H1)/ PRT100Y1,
    ( PRT201H1, PRT202H1)/ PRT220Y1,
    ( PRT301H1, PRT302H1)/ PRT320Y1,
    PRT420H1

    For students who are heritage speakers of Portuguese:
    PRT205H1/​ PRT219H1,
    ( PRT301H1, PRT302H1)/ PRT320Y1,
    PRT420H1

    For students who have a strong background in Spanish language:
    PRT120H1,
    ( PRT201H1, PRT202H1)/ PRT220Y1,
    ( PRT301H1, PRT302H1)/ PRT320Y1,
    PRT420H1

  • Of these 9.0 credits, up to 2.0 credits at the 200+ level may be taken from the following cognate departmental or college offerings: EUR, GGR, HIS, LAS, POL, SPA.

    A complete list of eligible courses is available at the departmental website or by contacting the Associate Chair of Undergraduate Studies.

Portuguese Major (Arts Program) - ASMAJ0338

In addition to a full range of courses in language, Portuguese Studies at the University of Toronto offers courses in culture, literature and linguistics. The courses in the literatures and cultures of the Portuguese-speaking countries include the study of the most significant masterpieces written by Lusophone writers and a survey of the major historical and cultural trends and issues of these countries. The courses in linguistics range from an introduction to Portuguese linguistics to courses on language varieties and dialects in the Portuguese-speaking world, sociolinguistics, phonetics, and second language acquisition. Together with extracurricular activities, the program provides the tools to learn, know and understand the vast and rich Portuguese-speaking world in a dynamic and interactive way.

Enrolment Requirements:

This is an open enrolment program. A student who has completed 4.0 credits may enrol in the program.

Completion Requirements:

(7.0 credits)

Students complete 7.0 credits, including:

  1. PRT258H1
  2. 6.5 additional PRT credits, of which up to 1.0 credit may be taken from: SPA courses at any level, LAS courses at any level, or cognate course offerings in EUR, GGR, HIS, POL. Please, consult with Associate Chair of Undergraduate Studies or our website for an updated list of courses pre-approved for program credit.

Portuguese Minor (Arts Program) - ASMIN0338

In addition to a full range of courses in language, Portuguese Studies at the University of Toronto offers courses in culture, literature and linguistics. The courses in the literatures and cultures of the Portuguese-speaking countries include the study of the most significant masterpieces written by Lusophone writers and a survey of the major historical and cultural trends and issues of these countries. The courses in linguistics range from an introduction to Portuguese linguistics to courses on language varieties and dialects in the Portuguese-speaking world, sociolinguistics, phonetics, and second language acquisition. Together with extracurricular activities, the program provides the tools to learn, know and understand the vast and rich Portuguese-speaking world in a dynamic and interactive way.

Enrolment Requirements:

This is an open enrolment program. A student who has completed 4.0 credits may enrol in the program.

Completion Requirements:

(4.0 credits, including 1.0 credit at the 300+ level)

Students complete 4.0 credits, of which up to 1.0 credit may be taken in SPA/LAS courses.


 

Faculty of Arts & Science Language Citation

The Department of Spanish and Portuguese participates in the Faculty of Arts and Science’s Language Citation initiative for Portuguese.

To obtain a Language Citation in Portuguese, students will complete two full credits of the language sequence courses at the 200-level or higher, with a minimum of B- in each one of the courses to be considered.

Students should note that, as explained in this Calendar, the Language Citation is not equivalent to an academic program and that enrolment in a program is not necessary to earn the recognition bestowed by the Citation.

For more details on eligible courses and the process to request the citation, please visit our website: https://www.spanport.utoronto.ca/undergraduate/portuguese/citation

 

Portuguese: see also European Affairs, Latin American Studies

 

Regarding Portuguese Courses

  1. The Department reserves the right to place students in the language course best suited to their linguistic preparation. Please contact the Associate Chair, Undergraduate if you would like to take a placement test to help you determine your level of linguistic competence in Portuguese.
  2. Misrepresentation by a student of their previous knowledge of Portuguese will be considered an academic integrity offense and handled accordingly.
  3. Students who misrepresent their knowledge and enroll in a lower level course will be removed from such course.
  4. Fluent speakers of Portuguese who have received a high school or a higher level of education in the Portuguese language, and who in the department's assessment does not need further training in language, may enroll immediately in any linguistics, literature or culture course.
  5. All courses are taught in Portuguese unless otherwise specified.  

Students who are unsure of what is the most appropriate placement for them in the language sequence should contact the Associate Chair, Undergraduate Studies to receive personal assessment and recommendation for proper placement. 

Students should contact the Undergraduate Coordinator early on in the course of their university career to receive advice on how to proceed with their studies and to thus assure that they can receive their degree by the time of planned graduation. For further information, please contact us in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, Victoria College, Room 208, visit the department's website, email spanport@chass.utoronto.ca, or call (416) 813-4080.
 

Portuguese Courses

PRT101H1 - Portuguese for Beginners I

Previous Course Number: PRT100Y1

Hours: 48L

Introductory course to Portuguese for students with no previous knowledge of this language or advanced proficiency in Spanish. Students develop basic knowledge and reading, listening, speaking and writing skills, within a communicative approach. Students are introduced to cultural aspects of the Portuguese-speaking world. Taught in English and Portuguese.

Exclusion: PRT100Y1, PRT102H1, PRT120Y1, PRT120H1, PRT201H1, PRT202H1, PRT205H1, PRT219Y1, PRT220Y1, PRT301H1, PRT302H1, PRT320Y1, PRT420H1, PRT420Y1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

PRT102H1 - Portuguese for Beginners II

Previous Course Number: PRT100Y1

Hours: 48L

A continuation of introductory Portuguese for non-native speakers. Students will expand their basic knowledge of cultural aspects of the Portuguese-speaking world and their reading, listening, speaking and writing skills in the target language. Taught in English and Portuguese.

Prerequisite: PRT101H1 or placement test
Exclusion: PRT100Y1, PRT120Y1, PRT120H1, PRT201H1, PRT202H1, PRT205H1, PRT219Y1, PRT220Y1, PRT301H1, PRT302H1, PRT320Y1, PRT420H1, PRT420Y1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

PRT120H1 - Portuguese for Spanish Speakers

Previous Course Number: PRT120Y1

Hours: 36L

Introduction to the Portuguese language for speakers of Spanish. Development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills with an emphasis on communication, and an overview of basic grammatical structures and building of vocabulary. Presentation of cultural aspects of the Portuguese-speaking world.

Prerequisite: Native or advanced knowledge of Spanish, SPA320Y1/ SPA302H1 for non-native speakers of Spanish; no previous knowledge of Portuguese.
Exclusion: PRT100Y1, PRT120Y1, PRT201H1, PRT202H1, PRT205H1, PRT219Y1, PRT219H1, PRT220Y1, PRT301H1, PRT302H1, PRT320Y1, PRT420Y1, PRT420H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

PRT201H1 - Intermediate Portuguese I

Previous Course Number: PRT220Y1

Hours: 36L

This course expands the linguistic repertoire of learners beyond basic structures by offering a review of grammar at an intermediate level. Introduction to authentic cultural materials from the Portuguese-speaking world with practice designed to build vocabulary, and to improve oral and written expression. Taught in Portuguese with occasional English.

Prerequisite: PRT100Y1/ PRT102H1/ PRT120Y1/ PRT120H1 or placement test
Exclusion: PRT202H1, PRT205H1, PRT219Y1, PRT219H1, PRT220Y1, PRT301H1, PRT302H1, PRT320Y1, PRT420Y1, PRT420H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

PRT202H1 - Intermediate Portuguese II

Previous Course Number: PRT220Y1

Hours: 36L

This course continues to expand the linguistic repertoire of learners to a high intermediate level, expanding the use of authentic cultural materials from the Portuguese-speaking world and promoting increased development of vocabulary, and oral and written expression. Taught in Portuguese with occasional English.

Prerequisite: PRT201H1 or placement test
Exclusion: PRT205H1, PRT219Y1, PRT219H1, PRT220Y1, PRT301H1, PRT302H1, PRT320Y1, PRT420Y1, PRT420H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

PRT205H1 - Portuguese for Heritage Speakers

Previous Course Number: PRT219Y1, PRT219H1

Hours: 36L

For students who have had exposure to spoken Portuguese in an informal context (living in a Portuguese speaking country, or in a Portuguese speaking family) but little to no exposure to written Portuguese. Besides reviewing English/Portuguese spelling differences, written and spoken registers of Portuguese, and basic aspects of the grammatical system, the course (1) provides students with the essential understanding of Portuguese grammatical system; (2) builds their vocabulary; and (3) trains them to express themselves formally in both spoken and written Portuguese. Taught in English and Portuguese.

Prerequisite: Basic to relatively high ability to speak and understand Portuguese, limited or no formal education in Portuguese, or placement test.
Exclusion: PRT100Y1, PRT101H1, PRT102H1, PRT120Y1, PRT120H1, PRT201H1, PRT202H1, PRT219Y1, PRT219H1, PRT220Y1, PRT301H1, PRT302H1, PRT320Y1, PRT420H1, PRT420Y1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

PRT221H1 - Portuguese Pronunciation

Hours: 24L

Overview of Portuguese speech sounds (articulation and transcription). The course provides perception and pronunciation training of Portuguese vowels, consonants, stress, intonation, and co-articulation phenomena in connected speech. The main focus will be on European Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese, but differences between these two and other Portuguese accents will be discussed as well.

Prerequisite: PRT102H1/ PRT100Y1 or Portuguese placement test.
Corequisite: PRT120H1/ PRT201H1
Exclusion: PRT219Y1, PRT219H1, PRT205H1, native speakers of Portuguese
Breadth Requirements: Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)
Course Experience: University-Based Experience

PRT250H1 - Introduction to the Cultures of the Portuguese-Speaking World

Hours: 24L

A survey of historical and cultural trends in the Portuguese-speaking world, from colonial past to the present. (Offered in alternate years; taught in English)

Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

PRT258H1 - Introduction to the Literatures of the Portuguese-Speaking World

Previous Course Number: PRT258Y1

Hours: 24L

Students expand their reading, writing, and critical skills through the study of a representative selection of short stories and poetry from Portugal, Brazil, and Lusophone Africa. Required for a program degree. Taught in Portuguese.

Prerequisite: PRT120H1/ PRT201H1 or placement test
Exclusion: PRT258Y1
Recommended Preparation: PRT205H1/ PRT219Y1/ PRT219H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

PRT299Y1 - Research Opportunity Program

Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. Details at https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/academics/research-opportunities/research-opportunities-program. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

PRT301H1 - Advanced Portuguese I

Previous Course Number: PRT320Y1

Hours: 36L

Intensive practice in written and oral Portuguese for the student with advanced proficiency in the language. Selective review of grammar with emphasis on complex language structures. Taught in Portuguese.

Prerequisite: PRT202H1/ PRT205H1/ PRT219Y1/ PRT219H1/ PRT220Y1 or placement test
Exclusion: PRT302H1, PRT320Y1, PRT420Y1, PRT420H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

PRT302H1 - Advanced Portuguese II

Previous Course Number: PRT320Y1

Hours: 36L

This course continues to improve written and oral proficiency for the student with advanced proficiency in Portuguese, offering a selective review of grammar with emphasis on the complex sentence. Taught in Portuguese.

Prerequisite: PRT301H1/ PRT220Y1 or placement test
Exclusion: PRT320Y1, PRT420Y1, PRT420H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

PRT322H1 - Introduction to Portuguese Linguistics

Hours: 24L

An overview of theoretical and methodological aspects of Portuguese linguistics: phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. Analysis of structural similarities and differences between the two worldwide main Portuguese varieties - Brazilian and European Portuguese.

Prerequisite: PRT120Y1/ PRT120H1/ PRT202H1/ PRT205H1/ PRT219H1/ PRT219Y1/ PRT220Y1 or Portuguese placement test.
Corequisite: PRT301H1
Recommended Preparation: PRT302H1/ PRT320Y1
Breadth Requirements: Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)

PRT323H1 - Business Portuguese

Hours: 36L

An advanced level business Portuguese course covering topics on international relations, politics, legal and culture. This course aims to enhance written and oral expressions in Portuguese through content focusing on the language that is used in official, diplomatic, and financial situations. Through the analysis of case studies, newspapers and videos, students will be introduced to the business cultures and intercultural communication of the Portuguese-speaking world. Taught in Portuguese.

Prerequisite: PRT120Y1/ PRT120H1/ PRT202H1/ PRT205H1/ PRT220Y1 or Portuguese placement test
Corequisite: PRT301H1/ PRT302H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

PRT342H1 - History of Portuguese Language

Hours: 24L

This interdisciplinary course provides an overview of the evolution of Portuguese language from 15th century to the present. It discusses linguistic change by analyzing texts from a variety of genres in different historical periods and geographical contexts. Taught in Portuguese. (Offered every three years)

Prerequisite: PRT202H1/ PRT205H1/ PRT120Y1/ PRT219Y1/ PRT219H1/ PRT220Y1 or Portuguese placement test.
Corequisite: PRT301H1
Breadth Requirements: Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)

PRT350H1 - Portuguese Language and Society

Hours: 24L

Explores how factors such as ethnicity, gender, social class and age affect the use of Portuguese language and determine its characteristics. The course overviews mostly the aspects of Brazilian and European Portuguese. (Offered in alternate years.)

Prerequisite: PRT202H1/ PRT205H1/ PRT219Y1/ PRT219H1/ PRT220Y1/ PRT120Y1 or Portuguese placement test.
Corequisite: PRT301H1
Recommended Preparation: PRT302H1/ PRT320Y1
Breadth Requirements: Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)

PRT356H1 - Topics in Portuguese Linguistics

Hours: 24S

A course on a specific topic in Portuguese linguistics, designed for advanced students. Course content and instructor are established on a yearly basis.

Prerequisite: PRT202H1/ PRT205H1/ PRT219Y1/ PRT219H1/ PRT220Y1/ PRT120Y1 or Portuguese placement test.
Corequisite: PRT302H1
Breadth Requirements: Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)

PRT358H1 - Topics in Portuguese Studies

Hours: 24L

Exploration of cultural topics relevant to the Portuguese-speaking world. Examples include: Brazilian Popular Music, Soccer and Society, Luso-Afro-Brazilian Environmental Narratives, and Lusophone Women Writers. Students can enroll in this course multiple times, as long as the topic of the course is different. For any questions, please reach out to the Associate Chairs of Undergraduate Studies or Portuguese Studies. Taught in Portuguese.

Prerequisite: PRT258H1, PRT120H1/ PRT205H1/ PRT219Y1/ PRT219H1 or Portuguese placement test 
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

PRT364H1 - Portuguese Language in the World

Hours: 24L

An overview of the varieties of Portuguese spoken in four continents (Europe, South America, Africa, Asia) and a discussion of the structural similarities and differences between the two most extensively studied varieties: European and Brazilian Portuguese. Analysis of linguistic variation in contemporary Portuguese in terms of phonetics, syntax and lexicon. (Offered in alternate years.)

Prerequisite: PRT202H1/ PRT205H1/ PRT219Y1/ PRT219H1/ PRT120Y1/ PRT220Y1 or Portuguese placement test.
Recommended Preparation: PRT302H1/ PRT320Y1
Breadth Requirements: Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)

PRT368H1 - Brazilian Indigenous Languages

Hours: 24L

Overview of linguistic diversity of Brazil, current practices in the maintenance and revitalization of languages and strategies for empowering indigenous peoples. Linguistic properties of Brazilian languages; introduction to language description by working on small data sets; discussion of the influence of Brazilian indigenous languages on Brazilian Portuguese. Taught in English. (Offered in alternate years.)

Prerequisite: Any 200-level course
Breadth Requirements: Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)

PRT375H1 - Contemporary Brazilian Cinema

Previous Course Number: PRT275H1

Hours: 36L/12T

This course covers aesthetic, cultural, and social aspects of contemporary Brazilian cinema. The course examines both works of fiction and documentaries from emerging voices as well as world renowned filmmakers, spanning from Cinema Novo to the present. Topics include: music and urban culture, violence, inequality, environmental justice, and gender and sexuality. Lecture time is divided between film screening and class discussion held in English. Students choose tutorials in Portuguese (necessary for this course to be considered towards credit in Portuguese programs) or English.

Exclusion: PRT275H1
Recommended Preparation: PRT201H1/ PRT205H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

PRT398H0 - Research Excursions

An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. Details at https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/academics/research-opportunities/research-excursions-program. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

PRT398Y0 - Research Excursions

An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. Details at https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/academics/research-opportunities/research-excursions-program. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

PRT399Y1 - Research Opportunity Program

Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. Details at https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/academics/research-opportunities/research-opportunities-program. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

PRT420H1 - Advanced Academic Portuguese

Hours: 24L

A study of advanced aspects of formal Portuguese through reading and extensive writing practice, with an aim at developing skills necessary for academic and professional writing and oral presentations.

Prerequisite: PRT302H1/ PRT320Y1 or Portuguese placement test
Exclusion: PRT420Y1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

PRT423H1 - Community Engaged Learning of Portuguese in Toronto and the GTA

Hours: 24L/12P

This course combines advanced language instruction with the richness and complexity of the Lusophone work experience in Toronto, promoting Community Engaged Learning (CEL) as a vehicle for greater linguistic fluency and cultural understanding. Students are placed with community organizations within the Greater Toronto Area and volunteer for 2 hours per week, furthering their language skills and their cultural knowledge. Class work focuses on developing students' communication skills through exposure to a range of topics, from financial, legal, medical to educational, and to an extensive variety of styles and registers in Portuguese. Therefore, students meet real needs in the community by applying knowledge from their Portuguese courses. Taught in Portuguese.

Prerequisite: PRT302H1/ PRT320Y1 or Portuguese placement test
Recommended Preparation: PRT420H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)
Course Experience: Partnership-Based Experience

PRT458H1 - The Lusophone Short Story

Hours: 24S

Overview of the short story in the particular context of Portuguese-speaking countries. Examination of theories of the genre as they relate to short stories of Portuguese-speaking writers. (Offered in alternate years)

Prerequisite: PRT258H1
Recommended Preparation: PRT320Y1, PRT420H1
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

PRT470H1 - Acquisition of Portuguese as a Second Language

Hours: 24S

Invites critical reflection about the acquisition of Portuguese as a second language. Analyzes phonological, morphosyntactic, semantic and lexical aspects in the linguistic performance of bilingual speakers, and of learners of Portuguese as a second language. (Offered in alternate years)

Prerequisite: PRT202H1/ PRT205H1/ PRT219Y1/ PRT219H1/ PRT220Y1 or Portuguese placement test.
Corequisite: PRT301H1
Breadth Requirements: Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)

PRT490H1 - Independent Study

Individual study with a member of staff on a topic of common interest including readings, discussion and written assignments. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Prerequisite: PRT320Y1 and written approval of the Undergraduate Coordinator

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