Brazilian Culture and Identity Through Media (CLAC.50)
CGST 235
Fall 2024
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01
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If asked about Brazil, chances are one may answer by invoking stereotypes that once conveyed Brazil's global image: samba and futebol (soccer). While music, carnaval, and soccer are central elements of the national identity, these aspects of Brazilian culture fail to do justice to the complexity of a country of ever-increasing global impact, with a top-ten economy, a massive, continental territory. and some 200 million inhabitants who constitute what may be the most diverse population on the planet.
In this course we will critically examine how the media has helped shape Brazilian identity and how the country is perceived from outside. We will cover topics such as social relations, race, poverty, gender, violence and human rights. Readings will draw upon theories and concepts in media studies and cultural studies. Class discussion will consider cultural texts, television shows, films, music, poetry, fashion, and social media posts. This course will be taught in English and Portuguese (introductory or intermediate level is sufficient). |
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| Credit: .5 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS CGST |
| Course Format: Discussion | Grading Mode: Credit/Unsatisfactory |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Major Requirement for: None |
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Past Enrollment Probability: 90% or above |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Skidmore, Thomas. Brazil: Five Centuries of Change, Oxford University Press, 1999.
Da Matta, Roberto. Carnival, Rogues, and Heroes, University of Notre-Dame Press, 1992.
Assis, Joaquim Maria Machado de. The Posthumous Memoirs of Bras Cuba, Oxford University Press, 1998.
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Examinations and Assignments:
Attendance: Consistent and prompt attendance is important in this course and counts for a significant percentage of your semester grade. Accumulating more than three absences will lower your semester grade. Late arrivals accumulate toward full absences.
Participation: Classes are discussion driven, with both full-class and small-group discussions and activities. All students are expected to come to class prepared and to take an active and informed role in all classroom work.
Required Assignments:
Written reflection assignments: short (maximum 500-word) text, briefly summarize your understanding of one main argument in the week¿s readings as well as your response to this argument. Choose four of the six readings marked on the syllabus; submit your paper 24 hours before class. These cannot be submitted late because responses are discussion aids. Reflection assignments will be evaluated based on clarity of writing and depth of engagement. No submission or late submission defaults to 0 points.
Oral presentation and discussion lead:
Students will prepare and lead discussions on selected readings for 30-40 min. You will choose your presentation topic/readings based on a list of optional readings provided for the week and day of your presentation. In the presentation, students will identify and describe the main points in the assigned text; engage the class with discussion questions and examples; draw connections with other course materials and with current events; present personal or group conclusions.
Final Essay:
Your final research essay should have a maximum of 2,000 words, typewritten, double-spaced, 12-point font in Times New Roman. You will choose your topic as the semester unfolds. Please submit your essay outline at least three weeks before the end of the course. I will comment and reply within 24 hrs., so you have plenty of time to develop your topic.
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Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
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| Instructor(s): Marques,Nadejda Times: .M..... 10:50AM-12:10PM; Location: TBA |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 10 | | SR major: 0 | JR major: 0 | | |
| Seats Available: 7 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 3 | JR non-major: 3 | SO: 2 | FR: 2 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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