Brown in Brazil - Academics
The exchange program between Brown and the PontifÃcia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro provides students a unique opportunity for complete immersion in the Brazilian culture. Participants will enroll in regular university courses with Brazilian students.
Curriculum
The Program begins with a month-long, intensive orientation which includes instruction in Portuguese language and Brazilian culture, with three hours of classes every day and additional lectures by various specialists. Field trips are planned for the weekends. At the end of the orientation course, students take an examination designed to place them in the correct Portuguese language course during the regular semester.
Introduction to Afro-Brazilian Culture
The program includes a weeklong module on Afro-Brazilian Culture held in Salvador (Bahia) in early August in conjunction with the Brazilian-American Cultural Association. This module consists of lectures, workshops and visits focusing on art, history, religion, music, dance, race relations, and politics.
Course Requirements and Structure
During the academic semester/year Brown in Brazil students enroll in a maximum of four regular courses per semester at PUC (sixteen semester credit hours) from the offerings of any of the various departments, provided that the necessary prerequisites can be met. All courses are taught in Portuguese. Subjects available to Brown participants include: History, Political Science, Literature, Anthropology, Economics, Sociology, Art History and Studio Art. For more, see: Courses Brown in Brazil Students Have Taken in the Past
With permission from the Resident Coordinator an independent study course may be substituted for one of the university courses. In the past students have studied such topics as, "The History of Slavery in the Americas," "Race and the Relationship with the Political Left," and "The Agrarian Sector in Brazil."
Academic Calendar
NOTE: The academic calendar below is an approximation based on previous schedules and observances. Specific dates may vary.
Intensive Orientation Course starts in July
- Full Year: early July - June 30
- Fall Semester Only: early July- mid-December
Credit
Students receive a Brown transcript listing S (Satisfactory) for the courses they successfully complete with the equivalent grade of C- or better. The normal course load of four courses per semester will receive four Brown credits (the equivalent of 16 semester credit hours). A copy of the PUC transcript is kept on file at OIP, and students can request copies for graduate and professional school applications.
Updated: October 1, 2008