An introductory overview of cultural, social, and political realities of the Portuguese-speaking world. Through a diverse array of short readings, audiovisual materials, and targeted research projects and written assignments, students acquire basic cultural literacy about eight Portuguese-speaking countries on four continents, including Portugal and Brazil, as well as diasporic communities of Portuguese-speaking immigrants around the globe.

Study of a selected topic, period or genre from a comparative perspective encompassing various literatures and cultures of the Portuguese-speaking world and including, if applicable, other Western and non-Western theoretical, literary and cultural readings. Literary texts, canonical and non-canonical alike, are discussed in a broadly cultural context and from a theoretically informed perspective. Focused written assignments and/or formal oral presentations contribute to the development of individual research projects pursued by the students.

Advanced study of a selected topic, period, or genre from a comparative perspective encompassing various literatures and cultures of the Portuguese-speaking world and including, if applicable, other Western and non-Western theoretical, literary and cultural readings. Literary texts, canonical and non-canonical alike, are discussed in a broadly cultural context and from a theoretically informed perspective. Students formulate and develop independent research projects exploring theoretical meanings and consequences of literary works and/or cultural phenomena.