Brazilian Studies (An Intro: UGS 302: #63475) Spring 2010 MWF: 2-3 Pm @ GAR 3.116

Brazilian Studies (An Intro: UGS 302: #63475) Spring 2010 MWF: 2-3 pm @ GAR 3.116

Prof. Niyi Afolabi Office Hours: MW 1-2 pm (and /or by appointment @ 232-4510) Benedict 3.110 [email protected]

Description* This course provides a general introduction to Brazil from the interdisciplinary perspectives of culture, history, politics, society, literature, and religion. Using a major anthology and three other texts, we will explore the origins of the largest nation in Latin America, its journey from a Portuguese colony to a fascinating transformation into a modern ―racially democratic‖ state that continues to highlight the complexities of this country forged by multivalent races: the Amerindian, the Portuguese, the African and the immigrant (European, Japanese, and Jewish), as well as the social inequalities that make racial categorizations and groups such as Afro-Brazilians, women, environmentalists, Jewish Brazilians, Japanese Brazilians, and workers, to contest exclusion and negotiate equality towards a shifting but yet ―elusive‖ integration, participation, and empowerment. In view of the particular focus on this course on writing style, emphasis will be placed on response papers, their revisions, and the overall goal of writing well primarily for academic purposes through the example of a final research paper developed throughout the semester.

*This syllabus is subject to minor alterations in the course of the semester.

WRITING FLAG COMPONENT: IMPORTANT NOTE FROM THE COLLEGE OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES

“This course carries the Writing Flag. Writing Flag courses are designed to give students experience with writing in an academic discipline. In this class, you can expect to write regularly during the semester, complete substantial writing projects, and receive feedback from your instructor to help you improve your writing. You will also have the opportunity to revise one or more assignments, and to read and discuss your peers’ work. You should therefore expect a substantial portion of your grade to come from your written work.”

Required 1. Joseph A. Page. The Brazilians. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley, 1995. 2. Roberto da Matta. Carnivals, Rogues, and Heroes. Notre Dame, IN: University of Notre Dame, 1991. 3. Benedita da Silva et al. Benedita da Silva: An Afro-Brazilian Woman’s Story of Politics and Love. Oakland, CA: Food Development, 1997.

Recommended 4. Martin R. Cox. What Every Student Should Know About… Preparing Effective Oral Presentation. Boston: Pearson, 2007.

XEROX (Selected Chapters) i. Phyllis A. Harrison. Behaving Brazilian. Rowley: Newberry House, 1983. ii. Larry Crook and Randall Johnson, eds. Black Brazil: Culture, Identity, and Social Mobilization. Los Angeles: UCLA, Latin American Center, 1999.

Some Selected Videos 1. W. Salles & F. Montenegro: ―Central Station‖ 2. ―Bahia: Africa in the Americas‖ 3. ―Benedita da Silva‖ 4. Marcel Camus: ―Black Orpheus‖ [Orfeu Negro] 5. Carlos Diegues: ―Orheus‖ [Orfeu] 6. Jeremy Barre: ―The Spirit of Samba‖

Grading Policy 15%: Attendance and Class Participation 15%: 5 Position Papers (2 pages each) 10%: 5 Re-Written Papers (2 pages each) 10%: Group Presentation 15%: Midterm Exam (Research Proposal & Annotated Bibliography [2 pages of Annotation and 1 page of the Proposal = 3 pages) 15%: Final Research Paper (5-7 pages) 10%: Customized Library Visit 10%: Conference Attendance & Report (2 pages) 100% = Total 3

Numeric Grading A = 95-100 A- = 90-94 B = 86-89 B- = 81-85 C = 70-80 D = 60-69 F = 00-59

IMPORTANT DUE DATES

Position Paper #1: January 28 Customized Library Visit: February 14 Re-Written Paper #1: February 9 Position Paper #2: February 28 MIDTERM PAPER: March 9 Re-Written Paper #2: March 11 Position Paper #3: March 25 Re-Written Paper #3: April 4 Position Paper #4: April 13 Re-Written Paper #4: April 18 Position Paper #5: April 13 Re-Written Paper #5: April 25 Group Presentations: April 27, 29; May 2 & 4 FINAL RESEARCH PAPER: May 6

GENERAL INFORMATION

CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE & REPORT Although many lectures are available throughout the semester http://www.utexas.edu/ugs/uls/2011/spring, for our own purposes, the following will better fit into our subject matter with regards to Brazilian Studies: 1. “Africa in World Politics” March 25-27, 2011; Location: Union (Details TBA)

2. “Border and Progress: The Making of the Brazilian Amazon, 1930- 1945,” by Dr. Seth Garfield, UT Austin; Monday, April 4, 2011 • 12:00 PM • GAR 4.100

3. “Yoruba Day”; Friday, April 15, 2011, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Warfield Center, JES 232A After attending one of these conferences, symposia, or workshops, you will write a two-page CONFERENCE REPORT that counts for 10%.

CUSTOMIZED LIBRARY VISIT In order to help you navigate ―information literacy resources‖ available on UT campus and through internet access, a formal customized library visit has been set up at the Perry-Castaneda Library (PCL) in Room 1.339 on Monday, February 14 during class time at 2:00 PM. Your attendance at this one-time workshop is not only required, it counts for 10% of the final grade. Feel free to ask questions as we follow the lead of the Undergraduate Studies Librarian, Cindy!

ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION Given the writing intensive nature of the class, skipping classes will put you at a disadvantage as lectures on elements of style or customized comments cannot be repeated once shared with the class. Also, you cannot participate if you are absent. This segment counts for 15%.

POSITION PAPERS These are meant to provide your critical reactions or responses to your readings. When properly done, it involves a brief exposition of the main arguments of the reading, your critical analysis, and a ―position‖ taken in a form of reflection or how the reading affected you in a personal way. What strikes you in a reading may not strike someone else. It is about your own position not someone else’s. The length of each paper is 2 double-spaced pages. This exercise counts for 15%.

RE-WRITTEN PAPERS As part of the expectation of this class—that you improve your writing systematically over the course of the semester, this is an opportunity to hone your writing skills by using the suggestions you have been provided with to improve and strengthen your paper. In order to show that you have followed the instructions, you are expected to attach the first version to the revised paper each time. The excuse that you ―forgot,‖ ―lost your paper,‖ ―did not know,‖ ―missed the class it was announced,‖ ―had the flu‖ or ―will scan or email it to me‖ is NOT acceptable. Length is same as the position papers: 2 double-spaced pages each. This exercise counts for 10%.

MIDTERM EXAM This is to get you ready for your ―final research paper‖ by getting started on your research paper very early through a combined assignment on a RESEARCH PROPOSAL and an ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY. The exam expects that you: (i) present your research proposal in a cogent manner by advancing a thesis statement of your paper and the main arguments that support it in one-page; and (ii) prepare an annotation of your bibliography where you synthesize your readings of a number of articles and/or books (at least 5 entries [five paragraphs] of annotation of articles and or books, according to the topic) by listing an entry for each reading in one paragraph for a total of 2 pages. Overall, the assignment is at least 3 pages (one-page ―research proposal‖ and two-page ―annotation‖ for a total of 3 pages. This segment counts for 15%.

GROUP PRESENTATION This is an opportunity for team work while not losing your individuality. When properly coordinated, different aspects of a subject matter or topic maybe presented by a group and or presented as a PANEL on the due date (see last 2 weeks of the Syllabus). Regardless of how the group is formed (similar topics) or disparate topics within the same group, each presenter will have 8-10 minutes to present to the rest of the class at the end of the semester. You need to know the group you are in and not complain at the end of the semester that you don’t have a group to present in. You may use any multimedia approach you wish as long as you prepare well in advance and not have a situation where your laptop malfunctions and you blame it on technology. This segment accounts for 10% of your grade.

FINAL RESEARCH PAPER This is a topic you have researched and will develop throughout the semester. A list of possible topics will be distributed before MIDTERM. Any of your response papers could be further developed into a research paper if properly coordinated. Likewise your midterm assignment is meant as a ―midway‖ moment for you to work on a potential final research topic in terms of a Research Proposal and an attached Annotated Bibliography. The assignment counts for 15%.

COURSE OUTLINE JANUARY 19 Introduction & Course Overview Elements of Writing Style

CHARACTERIZING BRAZILIANS

21 READ: Behaving Brazilian pp. ix-31

24 READ: Behaving Brazilian pp. 32-79

26 READ: Behaving Brazilian pp. 80-123

HISTORICIZING BRAZIL

28 Introducing Brazil READ: The Brazilians pp. 1-31 DUE: Position Paper #1 QUESTION: What are the main differences between Brazilian and North American notions of time, leisure, pleasure, work, soccer, (wo)men, family, Carnival, and festivity in general?

FEBRUARY 2 Who Are the Brazilians? I: The Portuguese READ: The Brazilians pp. 35-56

4 Who are the Brazilians? II: The Africans READ: The Brazilians pp. 57-84

7 Who are the Brazilians? III: The Indians & Immigrants READ: The Brazilians pp.85-117

UNDERSTANDING BRAZILIAN SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITION: THE PYRAMID OF POWER

9 The Haves (Upper Class) READ: The Brazilians pp.121-153

DUE: Re-Written Paper #1

11 The Media and Controlling Brazilian Minds READ: The Brazilians pp.154-176

14 LIBRARY VISIT Customized Library Resource Perry-Castaneda Library Room 1.339

18 The Have-Nots (Lower Class) READ: The Brazilians pp.177-200

21 Social Movements: The Worker’s Party (PT) READ: The Brazilians pp. 201-225

23 Violence and Brutality READ: The Brazilians pp. 229-258 SCREENING: Cidade de Deus (City of God)

25 Children at Risk READ: The Brazilians pp. 259-274 SCREENING: Pixote Discussion

28 Nature, Environment, and the Amazon READ: The Brazilians pp. 276-318 DUE: Position Paper #2 QUESTION: To what extent are contemporary Brazilian social inequalities and marginality a direct result of the ―pyramid of power‖ that dates back to the colonial era of slavery and post-emancipation process of inclusive exclusion that is masked under the myth of ―racial democracy‖?

THE POLITICS OF RELIGION MARCH 2 Politics of Catholicism READ: The Brazilians pp. 321-350

4 The Land of Many Saints/Orixás READ: The Brazilians pp.351-370

7 Evangelism and Evangelicals READ: The Brazilians pp.351-370

9 MIDTERM

THE SOCIOLOGY OF CULTURE

11 Brazilian Soccer READ: The Brazilians pp. 387-411 DUE: Re-Written Paper #2

MARCH 14-19 SPRING BREAK!!!

21 Brazilian Heroes READ: The Brazilians pp. 387-443

23 Brazilian Telenovela (Soap Opera) READ: The Brazilians pp. 387-443

25 Brazilian Carnival into the Future READ: The Brazilians pp. 446-498 DUE: Position Paper #3 QUESTION: Why is Brazil considered a country of contrasts and contradictions and to what extent are such activities as Soccer, Carnival, Samba, and ―pleasure- seeking‖ frame of mind a form of ―escape hatch‖ for most Brazilians?

CASE STUDY I: BRAZILIAN CARNIVAL

28 Social Anthropology of Carnival READ: Carnivals, Rogues, and Heroes pp. 1-60 APRIL 1 Many Levels of Carnival READ: Carnivals, Rogues, and Heroes pp. 61-115

4 Carnivals Compared: (Rio de Janeiro vs. New Orleans) READ: Carnivals, Rogues, and Heroes pp. 116-136 DUE: Re-Written Paper #3

6 Carnival as a Microcosm of Society READ: Carnivals, Rogues, and Heroes pp.137-197 DUE: Position Paper #4 QUESTION: Is Roberto da Matta’s position that Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival is more ―popular‖ and ―participatory‖ than that of New Orleans valid or substantiated? Justify your point of view.

CASE STUDY II: BENEDITA DA SILVA

8 Favela Life and Rise into Politics READ: Benedita da Silva pp. 1-81 SCREENING: ―Benedita da Silva‖

11 Family Life, Feminism, and Racial Politics READ: Benedita da Silva pp. 83-137

13 Race, Democracy, and Citizenship READ: Benedita da Silva pp. 139-201 DUE: Position Paper #5 QUESTION: How significant is the rise of Benedita da Silva from the favela (slum) condition in Rio de Janeiro to the corridor of power in Brasília as a senator? How equally significant is the fact that she chose to remain in the favela despite her social and political mobility?

CASE STUDY III: ISSUES IN BLACK BRAZIL

15 Race and Politics in Brazil READ: Black Brazil pp. 17-42

18 Carnival and Racial Politics READ: Black Brazil pp. 17-42; 249-259 DUE: Re-Written Paper #4

20 Religion and Negotiation READ: Black Brazil pp. 201-212

22 Blackness and Popular Music READ: Black Brazil pp. 261-295

25 SCREENING: EBONY GODDESS DUE: Re-Written Paper #5

27 Group Presentations I 1. ______2. ______3. ______4. ______5. ______

29 Group Presentations II 1. ______2. ______3. ______4. ______5. ______MAY 2 Group Presentations III 1.______2. ______3. ______4. ______5.______11

4 Group Presentations IV 1. ______2. ______3. ______4. ______5. ______

6 Review and Conclusion DUE: FINAL RESEARCH PAPER (In-Class) * * * THE STANDARD OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AT UT-Austin A fundamental principle for any educational institution, academic integrity is highly valued and seriously regarded at The University of Texas at Austin, as emphasized in the standards of conduct. More specifically, you and other students are expected to "maintain absolute integrity and a high standard of individual honor in scholastic work" undertaken at the University (19-128, Institutional Rules on Student Services and Activities). This is a very basic expectation that is further reinforced by the University’s Honor Code. At a minimum, you should complete any assignments, exams, and other scholastic endeavors with the utmost honesty, which requires you to:  acknowledge the contributions of other sources to your scholastic efforts;

 complete your assignments independently unless expressly authorized to seek or obtain assistance in preparing them;

 follow instructions for assignments and exams, and observe the standards of your academic discipline;

 and avoid engaging in any form of academic dishonesty on behalf of yourself or another student.

ON PLAGIARISM The academic tradition demands that you cite your sources if you have used the ideas or words belonging to others. Failure to do so constitutes plagiarism (academic theft) and can cost you your status as well as academic integrity that has serious consequences.