POL 303K Workshop: Topics in Political Science: Brazil

Catalog description

Brazil occupies a unique position in South America. It is the largest and most populous country on the continent and it is distinguished from its neighbors by language, culture, colonial and institutional histories. This course explores Brazilian politics from the military dictatorship (1964-1985) to the democratic period (1985-present). The course will examine many of the following aspects of Brazilian politics: challenges of governance, the history of dictatorship, the use of torture as a technique of social and political control, the nature of strikes and protests, the slow transition to democracy, corruption scandals and the role of the judiciary; and finally, the recent turn to the far right and the re-emergence of the growing role of the military. Brazilian films as well as guest speakers will facilitate the intricate exploration of these themes.