Brazil: Social Justice and Sustainable Development

Coursework

Prerequisites:
One semester of Portuguese or two semesters of a college-level Romance language other than Portuguese.

The coursework for the Brazil: Social Justice and Sustainable Development program spans a wide range of subjects, from Portuguese language study and history to economics and gender studies. Before leaving for the semester, students are strongly encouraged to learn as much as they can about Brazil (by reading Brazilian newspapers, watching movies, etc.) in order to acquaint themselves with the country's social and political ethos. In addition to intensive language classes and lectures, students participate in a field study seminar to develop research and cross-cultural communication skills. During the final month of the semester, students leverage their collective knowledge and skills to complete an Independent Study Project (ISP).

The syllabi can be useful for students, faculty, and study abroad offices in assessing credit transfer. Read more about credit transfer.

Social Justice and Sustainable Development Seminar - syllabus
(LACB 3000 / 5 credits / 75 class hours)
An interdisciplinary course conducted in English and Portuguese, with required readings, examining the social, political, and economic forces shaping development patterns in northeastern Brazil. Lecturers are drawn from institutions such as the Instituto Brasil/Estados Unidos/Ceará (IBEU-CE), the State University of Bahia, and the Federal University of Ceará.

Intensive Language Study: Beginning Portuguese I - syllabus
(PORT 1005 / 5 credits / 75 class hours)
Intensive Language Study: Beginning Portuguese II - syllabus
(PORT 1505/ 5 credits / 75 class hours)
Intensive Language Study: Intermediate Portuguese I - syllabus
(PORT 2005/ 5 credits / 75 class hours)
Intensive Language Study: Intermediate Portuguese II - syllabus
(PORT 2505/ 5 credits / 75 class hours)
Emphasis on oral and comprehension skills through classroom and field instruction. Based on in-country evaluation, including oral proficiency testing, students are placed in beginning or intermediate classes. Special arrangements are available for advanced speakers of Portuguese.

Field Study Seminar - syllabus
(ANTH 3500 / 2 credits / 30 class hours)
A course in the concepts of learning across cultures and from field experience. Introduction to the Independent Study Project. Material includes cross-cultural adaptation and skills building; project selection and refinement; appropriate methodologies; field study ethics and the World Learning/SIT Human Subjects Review Policy; developing contacts and finding resources; developing skills in observation and interviewing; gathering, organizing, and communicating data; maintaining a work journal.

Independent Study Project - syllabus
(ISPR 3000 / 4 credits / 120 class hours)
Conducted in Fortaleza or in another approved location appropriate to the project in northeastern Brazil. Sample topic areas: agrarian reform in the state of Ceará and the northeast; urbanization and economic development; urban social movements; Afro-Brazilian religion and culture; migratory trends and demographic impact; changing role of women in Brazilian society; economic and social plight of favela dwellers; culture and racial identity in northeastern Brazil; nongovernmental organizations and community organizations; Afro-Brazilian music; issues of cultural identity; alternative healing practices; religion and culture; class issues in Ceará; social action among youth; rights of the elderly.

Browse this program's Independent Study Projects/Undergraduate Research