Semester.ly

Johns Hopkins University | AS.211.394

Brazilian Culture & Civilization

3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

(4.18)

Did you know that Brazil is very similar to the United States? This course is intended as an introduction to the culture and civilization of Brazil. It is designed to provide students with basic information about Brazilian history, politics, economy, art, literature, popular culture, theater, cinema, and music. The course will focus on how Indigenous, Asian, African, and European cultural influences have interacted to create the new and unique civilization that is Brazil today. The course is taught in English, but ONE extra credit will be given to students who wish to do the course work in Portuguese. Those wishing to do the course work in English for 3 credits should register for section 01. Those wishing to earn 4 credits by doing the course work in Portuguese should register for section 02. The sections will be taught simultaneously. Section 01: 3 credits Section 02: 4 credits (instructor’s permission required). No Prereq. THERE IS NO FINAL EXAM.

Spring 2013

(3.9)

Spring 2014

(4.04)

Spring 2015

(4.59)

Spring 2013

Professor: Mary Bensabat Ott

(3.9)

The best aspects of this course were the engaging cultural activities and assignments available for students to learn about Brazil. Students got to do things like the Capoeira dance and found the professor very passionate and enthusiastic about the whole of Brazil. The worst aspects of the course included the lack of guidance on assigned papers, as well as the long and often repetitive class lectures. The course would improve if students had clear grading rubrics and guidelines. It would also help if the lectures were shorter with more class discussions and activities to make it engaging. Prospective students should know that this course is a great way to learn about Brazilian culture and they should be sure to keep up with the homework and writing assignments.

Spring 2014

Professor: Mary Bensabat Ott

(4.04)

Students enrolled in this course explored different aspects of Brazilian culture all semester long. It was obvious that the professor found joy in teaching others about her home country, and many students thought the dance class at the end of the semester was the cherry on top. The caring nature of the professor made students feel understood and the weekly questions and readings made it easy to study for the final. Students were unhappy with the expensive price of the textbook, the inability to use laptops, and the professor’s lengthy and repetitive lectures. It was suggested that the class be shorter and spread out throughout the week and also that there be more discussion. Prospective students should know that little to no work would be required of them aside from two midterms.

Spring 2015

Professor: Flavia De Azeredo Cerqueira

(4.59)

The best aspect of the course was the passionate, knowledgeable professor who was engaging and presented interesting material throughout the course. Students felt the course time was too long and suggested that the course include a set break time or be multiple days during the week. Other suggestions for improvement included increasing the opportunity for group discussion during lecture time. Prospective students interested in Brazilian culture are encouraged to take the course. The course load is manageable and students should do the assigned readings to get a better understanding of material presented in lecture.