South American Colossus: The History of Modern Brazil

Catalog description

Brazil, the world's fifth largest country and an emerging Western Hemisphere power, is examined in this historical survey. Brazil is unique within Latin America in its Portuguese language and colonial backround; its strong African ethnic and cultural influences and its large population (currently 185 million), industrial sector and resource base. This course begins with a rapid survey of the Portuguese period (1500-1822), then devotes major focus to modern nationhood; especially the 20th-century. Key themes include the country's multi-ethnic society, economic development and dependency, the role of powerful leaders such as Getulio Vargas, the legacies of military rule (1964-89) and the challenges of contemporary democracy. Brazil's recent emergence as a major economic power will also be studied, including its involvement in the Mercosur South American economic bloc.