Reflects on some of the leading writers, artists, and thinkers from the Republic (1889) to the present and the social and political transformations of modern and contemporary Brazil that shaped literary and artistic production. In providing students with an introduction to major literary movements (modernism, regionalism, concretism, marginal literature, urban literature, etc), the course problematizes the idea of a literary canon while exploring lesser-known works and newer voices. Histories of Brazil’s social transformations, as well as theoretical reflections on the politics of world literature and translation, form part of this course’s offerings.

Taught in Portuguese, this course is a survey of modern and contemporary Brazilian literature and culture. Drawing on fiction, poetry, film, and art, we will explore cultural production in Brazil throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Students will study and discuss some of the most relevant themes in Brazilian culture and become familiar with its literary movements: modernismo, regionalism, the avant-garde, tropicália, etc. Covering several important cultural movements from the 19th century through the present, we will focus on a range of authors: Clarice Lispector, João Cabral de Melo Neto, Graciliano Ramos, and others. Students will also have ample opportunities to improve their Portuguese reading, writing, and speaking skills.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills