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Portuguese
The Master of Arts in Portuguese and Iberian Studies at the University of Wisconsin is a dynamic two-year, full-time, on-campus program designed for students who are passionate about the languages, cultures, and histories of the Iberian Peninsula and its global influence. This program offers students an in-depth exploration of the Portuguese language, its literary traditions, cultural evolution, and its historical connections across the globe, especially in relation to Brazil, Africa, and other Portuguese-speaking regions. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students will gain a nuanced understanding of how Portuguese culture, history, and society have shaped and continue to impact the global stage.
Over the course of the program, students will develop proficiency in advanced Portuguese language skills while engaging in detailed studies of literature, cinema, history, art, and sociopolitical contexts that have defined the Iberian world. In addition to language acquisition, students will analyze significant historical, political, and cultural movements within Portugal, Brazil, and other Portuguese-speaking countries. Graduates of the program will be well-equipped to work in academia, international relations, cultural institutions, or global organizations where their expertise in Iberian studies and Portuguese language will be valued.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Portuguese
- Degree Type: Master of Arts
- Duration: 2 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Wisconsin, United States
- Field of Study: Iberian studies
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations in Portuguese Language and Iberian Cultures
• Introduction to Portuguese Linguistics
• Survey of Iberian Literature and Culture
• Historical Context of the Iberian Peninsula
• Portuguese Language Skills: Reading and Writing
• Iberian Cinema and Arts
Semester 2 – Advanced Language, Literature, and Cultural Analysis
• Advanced Portuguese Grammar and Composition
• Thematic Studies in Portuguese Literature
• Brazilian Literature and Culture
• Politics and Society in the Iberian World
• Electives in Iberian History or Arts
Semester 3 – Specialized Studies and Research Methods
• Advanced Research in Iberian Studies
• Literary Theory and Criticism in Portuguese Literature
• Postcolonial Studies in the Lusophone World
• Seminar in Iberian Cultural Studies
• Research Project or Internship in Iberian Studies
Semester 4 – Thesis or Final Project
• Master's Thesis or Capstone Project
• Presentation and Defense of Thesis
• Research Methods in Humanities
• Academic Writing and Publishing in Iberian Studies
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Master of Arts in Portuguese and Iberian Studies program at the University of Wisconsin are equipped with a deep understanding of the Portuguese language and the cultural, historical, and literary traditions of the Iberian Peninsula and its global influence. Alumni can pursue careers in higher education, international relations, cultural organizations, and global businesses. Possible career paths include university professor, translator or interpreter, cultural program manager, foreign service officer, and international business consultant. Graduates may also work for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), media outlets, government agencies, and international organizations that focus on Latin America, Brazilian affairs, or Portuguese-speaking regions. The program’s strong focus on both language fluency and cultural understanding ensures that graduates can effectively communicate and engage in a variety of professional settings worldwide.
Why Choose This Program
The Master of Arts in Portuguese and Iberian Studies at the University of Wisconsin offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the diverse cultures and languages of the Iberian Peninsula. Students benefit from a rigorous academic curriculum, which combines language acquisition with deep explorations of the literature, history, and society of Portugal, Brazil, and other Portuguese-speaking countries. The program’s interdisciplinary approach ensures that students engage with a wide range of subjects, from literature and cinema to political studies and cultural analysis. The University of Wisconsin’s faculty consists of leading scholars in Iberian and Latin American studies, providing students with expert guidance throughout their academic journey. Additionally, the program’s global perspective and strong alumni network ensure that graduates are well-prepared for careers in diverse international and cross-cultural fields.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 608-262-2433
Email: admissions@grad.wisc.edu
Address: 217 Bascom Hall, 500 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
