Civic Engagement and Resistance in Brazil

Catalog description

Brazil’s culture is vibrant and its natural resources are extensive, but the country continues to feel the effects of historical struggles related to the enduring effects of colonization and racism, wealth inequality and corruption, violence, and the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest. This course will introduce students to a rich history of social movements that emerged in response to these struggles, including subversive movements in which resistance to authoritarian rule was expressed in music and embodied in dance. Focusing on the sociohistorical context of Brazil, students will learn analytic tools drawn from contemporary theories of collective action to examine and critically assess the role of social movements in society. We will consider the following questions: (1) What are the characteristics of successful social movements? (2) Why do everyday citizens choose to join social movements, often at high personal risk? (3) How and when have those movements achieved their goals, and what common obstacles have they faced? Students will identify key patterns in the social movements, and will explore similarities between Brazilian and American examples of civic engagement and resistance. The class will meet regularly on the Rochester campus in the spring semester for discussions and assignments. This course will conclude with a mandatory, 2-week study tour in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to foster a deeper understanding of these issues and their contemporary international relevance. The trip will take place immediately following the end of the spring semester. Students will receive an “Incomplete” in the spring semester, which will be changed upon fulfillment of the travel requirement. Tuition is part of the full-time spring semester. A program fee is charged for the international travel, which includes the costs of airfare, transportation, meals, tours, lodging, and…