Filipa Costa Delves into Portuguese Literature
Want to study a topic, but can’t find a class for it? Junior Filipa Costa did just that by taking advantage of the directed study opportunity here at BU. Over the Fall and Spring semesters, she studied important Portuguese literature and film in order to identify distinctive characteristics and themes across the Lusophone world.
In the Fall, she read famous Portuguese literature, following a chronological order. Reading Os Maias by Eça de Queiros was especially meaningful to her. Growing up in the states, she didn’t get to read this novel that all Portuguese students read in secondary school, so she was delighted to have incorporated it into her college education. This Spring, she’s expanded her repertoire to integrate short stories and film into the curriculum.
The ability to study her native Portuguese in college has been a great boon for Filipa. It has allowed her to continue practicing the language, while keeping her connected to her family far away. She’s also attempted to create Portuguese dishes for friends on campus, but admits that it hasn’t worked out too well. She’ll stick to the study of literature here, and gobble up her mother’s delish dishes at home!
Filipa is a junior in CAS studying Psychology with a minor in Portuguese & Brazilian Cultural Studies. On campus, she serves as the cluster leader for the Portuguese cluster of Global House, works the front desk of the Department of Romance Studies, and has recently started a group called “BU Student Immigrant Alliance”, which serves to provide resources for undocumented, immigrant, and first-gen BU students.
After she graduates, Filipa plans to pursue a career as a clinical therapist. She’d like to offer services in both English and Portuguese to make mental health resources more accessible and affordable.
If you are interested in doing a Directed Study in any of the Romance Languages, reach out to your major or minor advisor, and familiarize yourself with the program on the CAS Advising page.