Icons, Legends, and Myths in Brazil (210-0-2)
Instructors
Mirella Gomes da Silva
Kresge 3544
Office Hours: MWF 11am
Meeting Info
Parkes Hall 224: Mon, Wed 12:00PM - 12:50PM
Overview of class
In this course we will read and analyze some of the foundational myths, legendary figures and narratives that have persisted in the Brazilian imagination throughout the centuries. We will survey and discuss several historical events and fictional representations from the colonial period to the present in order to understand how these narratives have contributed to the construction of national identities and, at the same time, excluded other possibilities of self-figuration, expression and political organization. Our approach will be both historical and cultural: on the one hand, we will analyze how popular and indigenous myths can be read as distinct ways of relating to the past and understanding history. On the other hand, we will look at how and why certain historical events attain the status of myths or legends, and certain historical figures the status of myths or icons. By doing so, we will consider myths both as a way of understanding the past and a way of concealing its historical realities. Includes English or Portuguese discussion sections. Prerequisite for Portuguese discussion section: PORT 201-0, PORT 202-0, or sufficient score on placement exam. Prerequisite for English discussion section: none.
Registration Requirements
Prerequisite for Portuguese discussion section: PORT 201-0, PORT 202-0, or sufficient score on placement exam.
Prerequisite for English discussion section: None.
Learning Objectives
At the end of the course, students will:
1) Develop an understanding of the main historical, social, and cultural issues in Brazil from the colonial period to the present.
2) Comprehend the importance of myths in Brazilian popular culture 3) learned and applied fundamental concepts of literary and cultural criticism by practicing both close-readings and narrative analysis.
4) Reflect on how the understanding of the mythical imagination of the past can help us understand issues in the present.
5) Develop their writing skills (in English or Portuguese).
Class Materials (Required)
Materials available on Canvas.
Class Notes
PORTUGUESE DISCUSSION SECTION REQUIRED FOR PORTUGUESE MINORS.
Portuguese 210-0-4/ COMP_LIT 202-0-4 - DISCUSSION IN ENGLISH.
Portuguese 210-0-3 - DISCUSSION IN PORTUGUESE.
Class Attributes
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Historical Studies Distro Area
Interdisciplinary Distro-rules apply
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area
Associated Classes
DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-440: Fri 2:00PM - 2:50PM
DIS - Parkes Hall 224: Fri 12:00PM - 12:50PM