Our BA Comparative Literatures and Cultures and Portuguese degree offers an unmatched opportunity to study international cultural production in depth and breadth, while also studying Portuguese, the official language of nine countries around the world. Portuguese is available from beginners' level only.
You will study the literatures and cultures of the world in comparative frameworks that draw on methodologies from textual, cultural, and visual studies, as well as from translation, philosophy, history, social science, and critical theory. Texts will be read in English translation.
This programme encourages attributes highly valued by employers, including intercultural understanding, analytical and critical thinking, clarity and self confidence in communication, an aptitude for collaborative work, and creativity. It will instil the habits of curiosity, openness, rigour, self-reflection and evidence-based thinking, preparing you for careers in a variety of sectors.
All modern languages students have access to our state-of-the-art Multimedia Centre, with a collection of movies, a student cinema suite, an audio recording and video editing studio, a computer and language lab, and study areas. You can access extracurricular activities such as talks by visiting speakers, societies, language cafes, student newspapers, and talent shows.
In the first two years you will study core units, such as:
Comparative Literature: What is it and how can we practise it
Introduction to Visual Cultures
Popular Representation and Institutions of Culture
Migrations of Culture.
Additionally, you will have a wide choice of optional units based in the culture of a single language or a combination of cultures. Teaching is informed by staff research interests, and you will be taught by experts in their fields.
You will follow a structured language course in Portuguese, as well as explore the rich literature, cinema, history, thought, politics, and visual culture of Portuguese-speaking countries and communities. You will spend your third year abroad in a Portuguese-speaking country, extending your language skills and cultural knowledge.
