Portuguese Pedagogy MA

What is Portuguese Pedagogy?

Teaching is both an art and a science. It requires imagination and skill on the part of the teacher as well as a concerted awareness of the learner. Pedagogy incorporates theories, beliefs, and practices in helping students learn new languages. In the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, we explore different facets of learning, ranging from recent research to lessons from accumulated experience in order to understand how to be an effective teacher in the Spanish classroom.

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Note: A separate language-teaching certificate is required to teach K–12.

MA Program in Portuguese Pedagogy

The purpose of the Portuguese Pedagogy MA is to prepare graduate students in the field of Portuguese language teaching with additional understanding, knowledge, and pedagogic skills beyond those acquired at the BA level in order to be an effective teacher in the Portuguese classroom and/or a successful student in a doctoral program in foreign language education.

Program Strengths

• Broad range of course offerings, including principles of language teaching and learning, teaching oral and literacy skills, teaching culture, using technology in the classroom, assessing language learning, and conducting research
• Many courses tailored specifically for teachers of Portuguese
• One-week minicourses taught by visiting professors from around the country (recent topics: Portuguese for heritage speakers; using technology; teaching culture; Portuguese immersion)
• State-of-the-art technological facilities and labs
• Professional-track program available (see below), with classes offered in late afternoons and evenings to accommodate practicing teachers

Prerequisite Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Portuguese, Portuguese Teaching, or the equivalent
• Previous experience teaching Portuguese preferred
• Proficiency in a second foreign language; through 205 course level for Spanish (Intermediate High Level), or through 201 course level for other modern languages (Intermediate Mid Level). If not completed during undergraduate studies, this requirement may be fulfilled by Challenge Exam concurrently with MA program coursework no later than the third semester of study.
• For teaching eligibility, complete a teaching methods course (PORT 377 or equivalent). If not completed during undergraduate studies, this requirement may be fulfilled concurrently with MA program coursework in the first semester of study.
• Strong academic writing skills and a capacity to conduct independent research
• Strong language skills in Portuguese
• GRE (required)
• English Proficiency Exam

Program Requirements

• Complete the required 27 credit hours of coursework and 6 project or thesis credit hours, totaling 33 credit hours
• Teach at least one semester during the program
• Complete a Specialty Exam which covers readings and coursework
• Complete a project or thesis

Tuition Scholarships

• Department tuition scholarships typically cover 50–80% of LDS tuition rates for courses in a student's Program of Study for the first two years.
• Paid teaching assistantships are available.

Program Track Options

Traditional Track

Portuguese Pedagogy traditional track students can complete their coursework by enrolling as full-time students in day classes during Fall and Winter semesters. Students are welcome to enroll in the BYU Summer Institute for Spanish Teachers to fulfill required coursework during Summer term.

Professional Track

The Portuguese Pedagogy professional track is tailored toward practicing teachers who work full-time. Students in this track take one required course during Fall semester and one during Winter semester, offered in the late afternoon and evening. They complete additional courses by enrolling full-time during Summer term. Students are welcome to enroll in the BYU Summer Institute for Spanish Teachers to fulfill required coursework during Summer term.

For more information, contact:

Merrie Kay Ames, Graduate Program Manager – merrie_kay@byu.edu – 801-422-2196

Brian Price, Graduate Coordinator – brian_price@byu.edu

Greg Thompson, Pedagogy MA Programs Coordinator – glt@byu.edu