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Academics

Fields of Study: Humanities, Social Sciences

This program includes a multidisciplinary seminar taught in English along with Portuguese language study for beginners. The seminar covers a range of topics in a compact series of lectures by professors and other specialists. By the end of the program, you’ll have an understanding of many aspects of Brazilian politics, culture, business and race relations. 

Unique study opportunities

  • Learn alongside international scholars and business professionals.
  • Participate in seminar-related excursions and city tours.
  • Access plenty of cultural activities to practice your Portuguese with locals.
  • Join in a Brazilian music seminar session.

Language

Language of Instruction: English

Portuguese Language Study: Required

Before departure, you’ll take an online language placement exam to determine the level of Portuguese language you will take during the summer program. The program offers three levels of Portuguese language instruction from beginning to advanced.

Three days of language classes will precede the seminar lectures. During the final week of the program you will return to the language instruction to perfect what you've learned and encounter more sophisticated vocabulary related to your favorite seminars. 

Courses and credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

  • Complete two courses for a total of 9 quarter/6 semester UC units.
  • You must take both courses for a letter grade.

Current Program Courses

All participants take two courses: 

  • Brazilian Seminars (5 quarter/3.3 semester UC units, upper division)
  • Portuguese language (4 quarter/2.7 semester UC units, upper or lower division depending on language level)

After arrival, you’ll receive a schedule of lectures as well as planned social activities, city tours, and seminar-related excursions around Rio that are included in the program. The seminar lectures take place between two sessions of intensive Portuguese language instruction.

Additional or optional coursework, internships, and research for academic credit are not possible on this program.

Catalogs and resources

  • List of Brazilian Seminars Topics: Scroll to the middle of the page to see the lecture themes.
  • Sample Syllabus: Review course objectives, topics, and readings. Syllabus information is subject to change.
  • UCEAP Course Catalog: See a list of courses UC students have taken in Brazil.
  • Campus Credit Abroad: Learn the types of credit (major, minor, general education, elective) students from your campus received at this location. There are currently no listings for this program in the database.

Academic culture

Because the Brazilian Seminar is an international program, all instructors in the department have long experience interacting with UC students. In some cases your classmates will be young scholars, business people or other professionals from around the world seeking the same immersion into Brazilian society that you are.

 

Grades

You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework. Grades for the summer term are typically available a month after the program ends. Grades may not arrive in time to accommodate summer degree verification deadlines.