Brazilian Studies

OFFICE: Arts and Letters 600
TELEPHONE: 619-594-5431 / FAX: 619-594-6281
E-MAIL: cal@sdsu.edu
WEBSITE: http://cal.sdsu.edu

Undergraduate Information

The Major

Majors in Brazilian Studies complete an interdisciplinary program on Brazil, one of the largest democracies in our hemisphere, a key trading partner, and an important source of cultural production. While the primary intellectual focus of the proposed major is on Brazil, program design is intended to place the study of Brazil in the broader context of comparison with the United States, Latin America, the Portuguese-speaking world and the Black Atlantic, thus allowing students to understand the country in wider sociocultural and historical context.

SDSU is an ideal setting for a major in Brazilian Studies because of the University’s rich offerings in Portuguese language, Latin American Studies, Africana Studies, and the programming and partnerships of the Behner Stiefel Center for Brazilian Studies. The Center’s already existing programs, such as study abroad programs and student internships in Brazil, support the major and offer students opportunities for meaningful learning experiences in Brazil. Furthermore, San Diego, which is home to a sizeable Brazilian population, boasts a strong Brazilian cultural presence throughout the city. The Center maintains active collaborations with community partners, who support student learning through guest lectures, cultural events, and other programming.

A major in Brazilian Studies provides several professional and academic opportunities. The interdisciplinary training of the Brazilian Studies major enables students to choose the courses that will best prepare them for their career goals. An undergraduate degree in Brazilian Studies can lead to exciting careers in diplomacy, international organizations, the private sector, and the nonprofit sector. The Brazilian Studies capstone requirement ensures that students graduate having completed a research project of publishable quality that can serve as a writing sample for graduate school or job applications.

The Certificate

The certificate in Brazilian studies allows students to complement their course of study in other majors with interdisciplinary coursework on Brazil. Students gain multiple perspectives on current social, political, and economic dynamics in Brazil; learn to recognize diverse aspects of Brazilian culture including music, cinema, and religion and discuss Brazilian political and economic systems and relate them to regional and global contexts.

Advising

All College of Arts and Letters majors are urged to consult with their department adviser as soon as possible. Students are required to meet with their department adviser within the first two semesters after declaration or change of major.

Major Academic Plans (MAPs)

Visit http://www.sdsu.edu/mymap for the recommended courses needed to fulfill your major requirements. The MAPs website was created to help students navigate the course requirements for their majors and to identify which General Education course will also fulfill a major preparation course requirement.

Faculty

The Brazilian studies certificate is administered by the Behner Stiefel Center for Brazilian Studies and draws on courses offered by faculty in the following areas: Africana Studies, Anthropology, Arts and Letters, History, International Business, Journalism and Media Studies, Latin American Studies, Philosophy, Portuguese, Religious Studies, and Sociology.

Director: Robb Larkins, Erika M., Professor of Anthropology (B.A., Indiana University; M.A., University of Chicago; Ph.D., University of Wisconsin)

Associate Director and Undergraduate Advisor: Bivona, Kristal R., Assistant Professor of Humanities (B.A., San Diego State University; M.A. Dartmouth College; Ph.D. University of California, Los Angeles)