elective part

[/ɪˈlɛktɪv pɑːrt/]
nounpl: elective parts
disciplina optativa
1. A course or subject in an educational curriculum that students may choose to take rather than being required to take it
Students can select three elective parts from the available options in their final year.
Os alunos podem selecionar três disciplinas optativas dentre as opções disponíveis no último ano.
2. A non-mandatory component or section of a program, curriculum, or requirement
The elective part of the degree allows students to specialize in their preferred area.
A parte optativa do curso permite que os alunos se especializem em sua área preferida.
In Brazilian educational systems, elective parts (disciplinas optativas) are increasingly common in higher education and advanced secondary schooling, allowing students more autonomy in their academic paths. In the USA, electives are a fundamental part of the high school and college experience, reflecting the emphasis on student choice and specialization.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
optional courseelective courseoptional subjectelective subject
Antonyms / Antônimos
required coursemandatory coursecompulsory subjectcore course

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
disciplina optativa
Standard term used in Brazilian educational institutions
São Paulo
matéria optativa
Alternative common usage in São Paulo schools and universities
Portugal
disciplina facultativa
Portuguese variation, sometimes also called 'unidade curricular opcional'
USA
elective
Often shortened to simply 'elective' in American English educational contexts

Related Words

electiveoptionalcurriculumsubjectcourserequirementspecialization

Related Idioms & Phrases

take an elective
choose an elective
elective courses provide flexibility
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