Beginning Portuguese for Spanish Speakers

PGSE 3151-3152 (Language Studies) & PGSE 3153 (Cultural Studies)



This course sequence of Language Studies focuses specifically on issues that arise when Spanish-speakers learn Portuguese. Because of the similarity between the two languages, typically Spanish speakers progress at an astonishingly fast rate. By working on vocabulary and specific structures, they can communicate at a higher proficiency level in a shorter period. In this course, students not only have proficiency-oriented instruction to develop their communication skills, but they are also constantly challenged to improve their pronunciation and intonation in the target language. As they develop their sensitivity to recognize the differences between Portuguese and Spanish, they become conscious of the need to sustain communication in a ‘patrol/controlling’ mode. Depending on their proficiency, students with some limited formal instruction in Portuguese or knowledge of another Romance language may also place in this level. This course also integrates Cultural Studies, which introduce arts in general, history, geography, environment, politics, and elements of culture and values of everyday life of the Portuguese-speaking world. Most students completing this level achieve “Intermediate-High” to “Advanced-Low” levels in the final oral assessment.



Prerequisite: Placement and/or approval of the instructor and/or director prior to registration