3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

We believe that understanding the second half of the 20th century is crucial to understand the challenges that Brazil faces in the 21st Century. This course investigates the cultural, intellectual, social and political history of Brazil from mid-1950s to the1990s. We begin with an overview of the legacy of Getúlio Vargas (1930-45) and the construction of Brasília (1961), examining the formation of ideas about Brazilian identity, development and modernization of the country. We then examine the dictatorship (1964-1985), its economic and social project, the place of human rights and its impact on Brazilian society, paying attention to how the people responded to an authoritarian regime through a counter revolutionary movement and through culture (Cinema Novo, MPB/Brazilian popular music, Tropicália) in a fight for democracy. And, finally, we discuss the current issues that the country has dealt with such as of democracy, development, corruption, social mobility, and sporting mega events, for example. 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)