FCS 522: Special Topics – Seminar on Brazil
Department of Family &
Consumer Sciences
karen.blaisure@wmich.edu 269-387-3663
Sessions: Fridays 5pm to 10pm and
Saturdays 9am to 5pm
January
14 & 15, February 11 & 12, and March 18 & 19
Pre-requisites:
None.
Course Description:
The Seminar examines Brazil through an ecological perspective
to better understand the reciprocal relationships among
individuals, families, and their near environment.
Faculty, professionals, and community members who have
worked and
lived
in Brazil will speak on the areas of study found in the department of Family
and Consumer Sciences: architectural
and
interior design, family relationships, nutrition, textiles/apparel, and
education. In addition, they will also address
history,
the government and political system, and their experiences living in Brazil and
the US. Presentations will be augmented
by
videos, internet resources, musical performances, audio materials, and samples
of Brazilian food. Knowledge of Portuguese
is
not required, although it would enhance learning. Portuguese will not be taught
in this class, although students intent on
learning
the language will have opportunities to acquire vocabulary.
Goals:
1.
To
introduce students to the history, cultures and people of Brazil, South
AmericaÕs largest country.
2.
To
encourage an appreciation for the art, architecture, textiles and fashion, folk
art, music, foods of Brazil.
3.
To
describe the educational and family support systems in Brazil.
4.
To
identify architectural styles and how they reflect politics and culture.
5.
To
gain insight into family relationships in Brazil and immigrantsÕ experience in
the US.
6.
To
see examples of textiles and learn about the apparel industry.
7.
To
explore the role of food in establishing, maintaining and transmitting national
and cultural identities.
Objectives: Upon successful completion of the Seminar, students will be able to:
1.
To
label and describe at least two
a.
architectural
styles found in Brazil
b.
common
Brazilian dishes and their nutritional value;
c.
types
of Brazilian handicrafts, including textiles; and
d.
styles
of Brazilian music;
e.
religions
practiced in Brazil;
f.
contributions
to Brazilian culture of the native peoples, the Africans, the Portuguese, and
the
immigrant groups (e.g., Italians, Germans, Japanese).
2.
To
discuss the strengths of Brazilian families in Brazil and in the US.
3.
To
identify themes in Brazilian educational systems.
4.
To
discuss the pivotal historical events that have shaped Brazil.
It is expected that students will read the following
resources. Throughout the Seminar, students will be asked to reflect
on what they read and are experiencing in the
classroom. All of the books may be obtained or ordered through local
bookstores. I did not place an order for
these books through the campus bookstore because I thought students would
like to obtain them in other ways.
Readings Required for All Students
1.
Uys,
Errol Lincoln. (1986). Brazil. New York: Simon & Schuster. [Fiction]
2.
Websites
(see lists on subsequent pages of the syllabus)
3.
Readings
assigned by guest speakers.
4.
Poelzl,
V. (2002). Culture Shock-Brazil: A guide to customs and etiquette. Portland, OR: Graphic
Arts Center.
5.
Major-specific specific readings –
TBD
Additional Required Readings for Graduate Students
6.
Ribeiro,
D. (2000). The Brazilian people: The formation and meaning of Brazil. Gainesville, FL:
University Press of Florida.
Or
7.
Page,
J. A. (1995). The Brazilians. Reading, MA: Perseus Books.
To successfully complete the course, students will
–
attend
all of the Seminar (points are deducted for any absences of whatever length)
–
interact
respectfully with guest speakers, visiting scholars, community members, and one
another
–
actively
participate in class discussions and activities
–
complete
assignments related to each weekend
of the Seminar
The assignments require written responses to a series of questions, requiring students to integrate the material presented
by the guest lecturers and visiting scholars with information obtained via websites and other readings. Each of the three
papers will be a minimum of 1000 words in length.
Students may replace one of the assignments with a pre-approved assignment specifically designed to address the studentÕs
major or minor, integrating what is being learned about Brazil. Students participating in the Study Tour are encouraged to use
the written assignments in preparation for their Study Tour projects that are to relate to the studentÕs major. If interested
in a replacement assignment please talk with the instructor by January 30 to obtain approval.
Answers to each question below should be at least 100 words in length. There is no maximum number of words. Integrate
and cite information from speakers, readings, and websites. Any system of citation is acceptable (e.g., APA, MLA). To cite
information from guest
speakers, indicate the personÕs name and date. For example. In her
presentation on family life in
Brazil, Ms. Ingrid Murray (2005) indicated thatÉÉ Or, Families in Brazil will oftenÉÉ.(Ingrid Murray, in-class presentation, 2005).
When citing a website, provide the specific address. You can also refer to events described in the fictional book, Brazil,
to illustrate points made by the guest speaker(s). Papers may be emailed (Karen.blaisure@wmich.edu) or placed in the
holder on my office door.
Weekend # 1 (January 14/15) Assignment
Due January 23th by 11 pm
A.
Choose
three historical events or themes and explain how they have influenced the
development of Brazil.
B.
What
the strengths of the educational system in Brazil?
C.
What
are the major challenges facing Brazil as it educates its population?
D.
Describe
at least two architectural styles found in Brazil. What makes these styles ÒBrazilian?Ó
Weekend # 2 (February 11/12) Assignment Due
February 20th by 11 pm
A.
Describe
three features of family life in Brazil. You may wish to indicate regional and
class differences.
B.
Describe
at least one feature of family life illustrated in the fiction book, Brazil, that was touched on or not
touched on this weekend by one or more of the
speakers. To what extent would this feature of family life fit within
the culture(s) of the US?
C.
What
factors make the immigration process to the US different for each individual
and family from Brazil?
D.
Choose
one of
the following questions to answer:
a.
Describe
three features of Brazilian textiles/apparel.
b.
Describe
at least one American musical element found in Brazilian music and one
Brazilian element found in
American Jazz.
c.
Describe
three types of Brazilian music.
Weekend # 3 (March 18/19) Assignment
Due March 27th by 11 pm
A.
Describe
how at least three Brazilian dishes developed from the integration of local
foods and cultural factors.
Explain how cultural practices influenced the
development of Brazilian dishes.
B.
Address
at least one contribution made to the Brazilian culture(s) by the following
groups: the native peoples,
the Africans, the Portuguese,
and the immigrant groups (e.g., Italians, Germans, Japanese).
C.
Reflect
over the whole Seminar. What do you consider to be the highlights?
D.
Given
what you have learned this semester, how has your understanding of Brazil
changed?
Grading
Participation 100
points
#
1 Assignment 100
points
#2
Assignment 100
points
#3
Assignment 100
points
Total
Possible 400
points
400-372 A
(100%-93%) 299-280 C (74%-70%)
371-352 B/A (92% - 88%) 279-260 C/D (69%-65%)
351-324 B
(87%-81%) 259-232 D (58%-64%)
323-300 C/B
(80%-75%) 231-0 E
(0%-57%)
Website Reading for First Weekend, January 14 and 15
Review the content of the following
websites before the first class session:
Overview of Brazil
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/country_profiles/1227110.stm
Quick facts, hear national anthem, see
flag, scroll down to media and click on
http://t3.preservice.org/T0300722/index.htm
T3 Project designed by folks at Western Michigan
University! http://t3.preservice.org/
is a resource for teachers.
Look
at the following sections: Welcome, History, Population
Website for the Brazilian Embassy in
Washington, DC.
For students interested in reading the
news from the BBC in Portuguese
www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/br.html#top
Skeletal information on Brazil, issued
by the Central Intelligence Agency
Visit weekly for current events on Brazil.
www.colorfotos.com.br/english.htm
Books
about different cities and regions of Brazil. While this site is commercial,
sample photos from each book are
available as are choices of wallpaper. If you
would like a wallpaper of the Christ Statute in Rio de Janeiro, a jaguar in a
pool
of water, dancers at carnival, or a Brasilian sunset, then take a look!
www.mre.gov.br/cdbrasil/itamaraty/web/ingles/artecult/artepop/apresent/index.htm
History of popular art
www.mre.gov.br/cdbrasil/itamaraty/web/ingles/artecult/arqurb/apresent/index.htm
A concise read on architecture and town planning—then click on Oscar Niemeyer, one of BrazilÕs most famous architect and
then on Brasilia. For photos of Brasilia, go on to the next listed website:
www.geocities.com/TheTropics/3416/minis_i.htm
Click on the photos to see larger images of the Capital of Brazil!
www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/fellows/brazil1203/
Curitiba on Frontline December 2003
See the architecture of the Museu de Arte
Contemporanea de Niteroi (Museum of Contemporary Art of Niteroi).
Niteroi is the city across the bay from Rio de
Janeiro
www.mre.gov.br/cdbrasil/itamaraty/web/ingles/divpol/sudeste/mg/couro/aleijad/index.htm
Read about Aleijadinho, a 18-19th century
sculptor and wood carver (who created the most baroque sculptures in
the world). Click on Ouro Preto, Unesco as a World
Heritage Site, to learn more about this gold rush town.
Required Website Reading for the Second Weekend February 11
& 12.
www.mre.gov.br/cdbrasil/itamaraty/web/ingles/artecult/musica/apresent/index.htm
Allow yourself plenty of time to read and hear
(click on the speaker icon to hear the music) various musical
styles from Brazil. WeÕll hear more in class!
www1.uol.com.br
A commercial website, but you can hear bits of
music! Go to left sidebar and click on ÒMovements, Styles and
GenresÓ to choose styles of music. Read summaries
of the musical style and listen to examples. Also, you can
choose artists from an alphabetized list. My
favorites? Simone, Chico Barque, Milton Nascimento, Rita Lee,
Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil.
www.alternex.com.br/~mvillalobos/index0.htm
Villa-Lobos Museum
www.pbs.org/newshour/health/global/brazil_economic.html
PBS Online Newshour - BrazilÕs
response to AIDs
www.museudoindio.org.br/eng/index.htm
Created in Rio de Janeiro in 1953 by Darcy Ribeiro, the museum is part of the National Indian Foundation (Funai),
the only official Brazilian institute
dedicated to indigenous cultures. A fascinating website!!
BrazilÕs textile and apparel industry ranks 7th
globally (6th in yarn/filament/and fibres production; 5th
in made
articles; and 2nd in knitwear). Folk
art includes Bahian pottery and delicate lace tablecloths.
Photos and explanations of woodcuts & milagre
(hand-carved wooden representations of parts of the body healed)
www.maria-brazil.org/weavings.htm
Information and photos of weavings, rugs, and
hammocks
www.maria-brazil.org/laces.htm
Information and photos of laces
www.brasilemb.org/trade_investment/trade_embaixador_brasil_supply.shtml
Brazilian Embassy in Washington, DC – page
on trade
http://www.tradepartners.gov.uk/textiles/brazil/
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inimr-ri.nsf/en/gr122119e.html
www.unu.edu/unupress/unupbooks/uu37we/uu37we0a.htm#Textile%20workers'%20households3
Selections from book Women
Encounter Technology (1995) by Swasti
Mitter and Sheila Rowbotham by Routledge in
association with the United National University
Press
www.cotton.org/events/beltwide/2004bw/anderson-bwc.cfm
Speech on Brazilian cotton industry
(click on link to hear the speech)
www.fenatec.com.br/2005/index_portugues.asp
Textile conference February 2005
www.abit.org.br/content/default.asp
Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association
www.monthlyherald.com/2004_world_haute_couture_and_fas3.htm
Photos from Sao PaoloÕs fashion show
2004
Required Website Reading for the Third Weekend March 18 &
19
www.mre.gov.br/cdbrasil/itamaraty/web/ingles/artecult/culinar/apresent/index.htm
Excellent descriptions of the major
Brazilian dishes. Click on the links found on the left sidebar for more
Tantalizing photos and descriptions of
food!
www.braziltourism.org/gastronomy.shtml
Information from the folks at the
tourism office at the Brazilian
Embassy in Washington, DC.
www.nytimes.com/pages/world/index.htmlÕ
Scroll down
for an audiofile entitled, ÒSouth American: Land of Plenty.Ó I donÕt know how
long it will be there.
A search of the NYTimes online will bring up other stories of Brazil and perhaps this audio slide show.