ARTH 4520 - Topics in Brazilian Art
Spring 2010 - T,H - 9:10AM-10:30AM
Elena Shtromberg

This class will investigate Brazilian artistic production from the 1600s to the present. The course is oriented around the role of different institutions such as the church, slavery, the art academy, the state, and museums/galleries in the construction of a national identity within Brazilian Art. Throughout the course students will be introduced to a historically and culturally diverse body of visual materials, including engraving, photography, architecture, painting, film and video. Course assignments are geared to teaching students the skills necessary to critically engage with and write about the visual material and its broader national and institutional context. No prior coursework is required however art history 2500 is recommended.


PTGSE - 3050 Film and Music Adaptation in Brazil

"Film is a form of writing that borrows from other forms of writing," noted Robert Stam. Brazilian cinema has produced many filmic adaptations of literature, and Brazilian music has been inspired by literary works and history as well. This course will offer an examination of Brazilian films and music that have been adapted from literary works. We will also discuss techniques of literary adaptation. Students will be given opportunities to use and expand their speaking, reading and writing skills. Course taught in Portuguese. PTGSE 3050 is repeatable for credit.


PTGSE - 3580 Contemporary Issues

Introduction to historical, political, social, economic and cultural issues affecting Brazil today. The goal of the course is to use and expand the students' Portuguese language skills (speaking, comprehension, reading and writing) while discussing current affairs in Brazil. We will examine Brazilian news and images, mapping out trends and tendencies. Topics of discussion will be drawn from economy, business, politics, education, work, sports, art, and environmental issues, among others. Course taught in Portuguese. PTGSE 3580 is repeatable for credit.