PORT 295 - Topics in Brazilian Culture

Credits: 3
Planned Offering: Winter 2016 and when sufficient student interest is expressed and departmental resources permit.

A second-year topics course focusing on issues and texts related to Portuguese literature and culture. All discussion, writing, and exercises are in Portuguese. May be repeated for degree credit with permission and if the topics are different.

Winter 2016 topic:

PORT 295: Brazilian Culture and Civilization through Film (3). This independent study course offers an overview of key aspects of Brazilian culture and civilization as seen through film, with supporting material drawn from literature and news articles. Students view, discuss, and analyze movies by Brazilian directors in order to develop an understanding of the culture and of issues that have shaped Brazilian society today. Issues addressed include: the country’s ethnic profile; racial relations; the 1964-85 military dictatorship and its aftermath; women and society; immigration and globalization. Students are exposed to these issues through film, and develop critical tools to analyze movies in their thematic content and cinematic aspects. Students improve their Portuguese language skills and develop their critical skills. Pinto-Bailey. Winter 2016