The program will explore the complex relationship between civil society and cultural politics in contemporary Brazil with a focus on human rights, grass-root social movements, art and culture, and civil society (nongovernmental organizations). Students will explore how local advocacy groups and nongovernmental organizations work to promote and advance grassroots politics, cultural productions (art, music, and film), and education.
The main site of the program will be in Salvador (Bahia) with a five day visit to Rio de Janeiro. Salvador is a cultural jewel and is considered the Mecca of Africans in the Diaspora. Its streets overflow with vibrant black cultural life, street performances by renowned artists and open air capoeira demonstrations. In addition to the rich social traditions, Bahia has some of the best organized and vibrant social movements in the Americas. Against this backdrop, Salvador represents an important site of social, political and cultural investigation, as it stands at the cross-section of culture, vibrant grassroots advocacy and contested local politics. Students will also visit Rio de Janeiro where they will also interact with grassroots groups and speak with local activist.
Students will be housed in shared rooms in a guest house for the duration of the program. Internet is available. Some meals, including breakfast, are included in the program fee but students will primarily be responsible for their food expenses. Students arrange and pay for their own round-trip air transportation to Brazil.
Please note that while we encourage students to pursue flight arrangements, we would not encourage you to purchase your airline tickets before confirming that the program and will be offered in 2013. Please request written notification from us that you can book your flight. You will have to present this notification if we cancel the program at a later date, and you want to be reimbursed for the cost of the ticket.
Group transportation for group related travel is included in the program fee.Politics of Contemporary Brazil
(AAS 400, 3 credits, undergraduate, graduate)
Civil Society and NGOs in Brazil
(ANT 300, PSC 400, 3 credits, undergraduate, graduate)
Brazil offers an important site of investigation as it has a broad range of diverse and sophisticated social movements and nongovernmental organizations and strong civil society. This course will examine the strategies, tactics, organizing models, and the ways in which civil society groups advocate on behalf of their constituents. The main idea will be for students to better understand the role of civil society organizations as well as their impact on modern Brazil.
The course will use an integrated methodology which includes thematic lectures, readings, invited guest speakers and weekly site visits. The class will visit at least 2 civil society organizations per week as well local communities in the Bahia area. Student will examine issues of urban and rural land struggles, educational debates, cultural politics, gender, children and health issues, civil and human rights discourses, music (reggae, hip-hop and jazz) and identity, mass (digital) media formations from the angle of groups working on such issues.
In order to apply to this program, please complete the online application: https://apply.embark.com/syracuse/SUAbroad/13/
Kwame Dixon is an Assistant Professor of African American Studies at Syracuse University. His research and teaching focus on human rights, social movements and democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean. He has conducted extensive field research in the Americas and has worked with civil society groups across the region.
| Program begins: | June 3, 2013 |
| Program ends: | July 7, 2013 |
| Application deadline: | February 20* |
* Applications received after February 20 will be considered if there is still space in the program.
| UNDERGRADUATE (6 credits) | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $6,222 (estimated rate) |
| Program Fee | $3,300 |
| Total | $9,522 |
| GRADUATE (6 credits) | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $7,764 (estimated rate) |
| Program Fee | $3,300 |
| Total | $11,064 |
Please note: All costs are estimated and subject to change.
Additional Financial Information: We estimate that students should budget accordingly for the following expenses:
Air travel: $1,600
Books & Supplies: $100
Personal: $300
Meals: $900
These figures are for expenses not covered in the tuition or program fee and are paid out-of-pocket.