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Portuguese 98/198
Brasil 2014
Facilitator:
Rodrigo de Moraes
E-mail rdemoraes@berkeley.edu
Office TBD Phone 818-431-0274
Office
Hours
--
Meeting
Time
5:30-7pm
Course Description:
This class will introduce a new perspective of Brazil today that is not portrayed in the international
media and newspapers. We will discuss different topics related to the socioeconomic impact of
Brazil’s development in the 21st century with a focus on the international events (such as the the
World Cup and the preparation for the Olympics). Through interactive lectures taught in Portuguese
and English, students will engage in socio-political, economical, and cultural discussions about
current events happening in today in Brazil. Students will enhance their proficiency in the language,
vocabulary, pronunciation, and cultural knowledge through short written assignments and peer-to-
peer interaction in class. This class is for Portuguese Students determined to enhance their ability
with the Portuguese language, and native speakers to get in touch with the Brazilian community at
Cal.
This class aims to educate students on the following three themes:
I. Impacts of the international events in Brazil
II. Construction of the contemporary social and cultural identity
III. Truth hidden behind the Brazilian stereotype of soccer, women, and beaches.
IV. How Portuguese presents cultural differences and similarities:
V. Promoting a new view of Brazil in the world that does not stand to stereotypes.

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Text:
Provided by the instructor.
Course Objectives:
I. Present a different perspective of Brazil in the 21st century;
II. Improve skills to research in articles and news about current events and utilize the
resources of websites given in class.
III. Enhance the student’s vocabulary, pronunciation, and cultural knowledge about
famous authors of the Portuguese world.
Upon completion of this course you will:
I. Understand the value of intercultural competency.
II. Vanish the international ignorance about Brazil and broaden your view about the
Brazilian culture.
III. Amplify your vocabulary and enhance your speaking skills.
IV. Become more self-aware of certain differences that exist between groups.
V. Attain a greater desire to go further in the language.
Method of Instruction:
1 The facilitators will lead the course with activities that promote in-class participation. In
addition, lectures and discussions about each country and territory will be included
throughout the semester. Furthermore, facilitators will invite guest lecturers to this course
to enhance the student’s learning experience.
Course Policy:
Please arrive on time and be prepared to learn. Attendance is mandatory and the completing the
reading prior to class is your responsibility. Students are not only expected but also required to
participate in the course. If you feel like it is difficult for you to participate, please contact your
facilitator for alternative ways to earn participation points. Students must contact the instructor via
email in the case of an excused absence within 24 hours of the missed class.. Laptops, tablets, cell
phones, and other electronic devices are NOT ALLOWED during class time. Let’s keep focus and
interest on the class. Please respect your classmates, speakers, and your facilitators by turning off
these devices before you enter the class.
Reflection Paper:
Details will be announced later in the course.
Collection of Articles:
Students are required to keep the collection of articles weekly brought to class.
Final Paper:
The final paper will consist of an essay in Portuguese (for Portuguese students) about their
knowledge and understanding of the cultural differences and similarities from the beginning to the
end of the class.

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Grading Policy:
For students who are taking 1 units:
Participation-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------40%
Attendance ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20%
Collection of Articles ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------20%
Final Paper Examination (2-4)-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------30%
Oral Presentation ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------20%
Reflection Paper------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10%
For students who are taking 2 units:
Participation ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------30%
Attendance ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------20%
Collection of Articles ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10%
Final Paper (4 -6 pages)-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------30%
Oral Presentation----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------30%
Reflection Paper-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10%
NOTE: Students will be taking this course on a Pass/No Pass basis. In order to obtain a passing
grade, students will need to accumulate at least 70%. However, missing two or more classes
without a valid excuse will result in an automatic grade of NP.
Course Schedule:
Please note that this is a tentative class schedule for general reference only. This schedule may
change in order to accommodate speakers.
01/21 Week 1: Course Introduction
 Class Introduction: Syllabus, Course requirements and expectations, project and paper
instructions.
 What is the value of the Portuguese language?
01/28 Week 2: How we got here
 Introduction to Portuguese/Brazilian History
 Importance of the Brazilian culture.
02/04 Week 3: Who we are today
 Cultural identity, expression of identity, and stereotypes
02/11Week 4: Paradigms of Diversity
 A1: Favelas today
 What is a Favela, where is it, and who lives there?

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02/18 Week 5: Indigenous Reserves
 A2: Indigenous land today
 Question of land and constructions
02/25 Week 6: MST
 A3: Farmers movement today
03/03 Week 7: Protests
 A4: Protests in Brazil from Int. Media perspective or National Media
 2013/2014 International and National Media
03/11 Week 8: Protests:
 A5: Protests in small or large cities in Brazil
 2013/2014 Protests in small and large cities.
03/18 Week 9: TBD
~03/25 SPRING BREAK~
04/01 Week 10: Movie
04/08 Week 11: Cultural Perspective: Artistic Expression:
 A6: Contemporary Brazilian artistic expression
 Contemporary Painters, sculptors, “artistas plásticos”.
04/08 Week 12: Cultural Perspective: Music
 A7: 21st century culture: Music 1
 Funk, Pop, Sertanejo, HipHop, Rap, Bossa Nova, Samba, Forró, etc.
04/15 Week 13: Cultural Perspective: Music 2
 A8: 21st century culture: Music 2
 Funk, Pop, Sertanejo, HipHop, Rap, Bossa Nova, Samba, Forró, etc.
04/22 Week 14: Final Paper Due
 Oral Presentation / TBD
05/05 RRR Week
05/12 Finals Week