Majors in all areas will be able to demonstrate proficiency in interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modes of communication and basic knowledge of Linguistics, Cultural Studies or Translation as disciplines. The top 75% of Spanish or Portuguese majors will be able to carry out conversations in which they can describe, compare, contrast, in all tenses (present, past and future), with an appropriate breadth of vocabulary and register, and to be understood by a non-sympathetic listener; and to read and write documents written in academic, formal and/or literary registers of language. Majors will be able to conduct research projects according to the methodologies of the humanities, social or cognitive sciences and demonstrate intercultural awareness and understanding of the Hispanic or Luso-Brazilian world. Honors students (top 15%) will be able to complete independent research, write a thesis, and defend it before a faculty committee.
Portuguese majors will also be able to demonstrate knowledge of current issues and perspectives in literary and cultural studies in Portuguese and the basic body of works in Luso-Brazilian literature and culture; critically analyze verbal and visual texts; demonstrate familiarity with a range of cultural works from different time periods and geographical regions within the Portuguese-speaking world and with the historical phenomena and socio-cultural issues that these works negotiate. The top 15% of majors will be prepared for acceptance to graduate programs in Portuguese.
Minors in Portuguese will be able to demonstrate a level of language proficiency that allows basic conversations on a variety of uncomplicated topics, with basic command of the language, and some spontaneous creative ability; and basic familiarity with the main cultural, literary and linguistic issues of the Hispanic or Luso-Brazilian world.