Globalization and Afro-Brazilian Culture in Salvador, Brazil
- Next program offering TBA.
- Learn about African slavery in Brazil, Afro-Brazilian history, and the vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture.
- Understand how and why Afro-Brazilian cultural elements have gone global and its complexities.
- Take an interdisciplinary course abroad in English and fulfill KU Core requirement 4.2 or 6.1.
Brazil had the longest and largest history of African slavery in the Americas. This course will take place in the coastal city of Salvador, which is the city in Brazil where the African influence is most transparent due to the large diaspora from different African regions during the colonial period and to the constant expression— and celebration— of the African heritage in its culture. Afro-Brazilian cultural elements such as capoeira, martial art/dance and candomblé, a religion, are now realities around the world.
Brazil
Known for its natural beauty, music, talent for sports, and now for its growing economy, Brazil is one destination not to miss. The largest country in South America and the fifth in the world, Brazil is the American nation that is compared the most to the U.S. due to its colonial past and racial makeup. Study of the Portuguese language has grown worldwide recently, as opportunities for business in and with Brazil have increased significantly.
Salvador
Salvador is the third largest city in the country. Its architecture, food, music, religions, and culture have fused European, African, and indigenous elements. The city’s historic center is famous for its beautiful cobblestone streets and colonial buildings in Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Deco styles. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1985.
Salvador is also the city in Brazil with the largest Afro-Brazilian population. It is the cradle of capoeira, and the home of one of the most famous Carnival parties of Brazil. Whether during Carnival in February, the June festivities, or throughout the regular year, the city takes pride in its food, music, dance, and cultural activities. Salvador also bears the title of “City of Joy,” due to the happiness of its people and their many celebrations.
Three hours of academic credit are granted by the University of Kansas upon successful completion of the program and will be posted to the student's Spring transcript. Students will enroll in one of the courses below.
- PORT 300: Brazilian Culture (meets KU Core Goal 4.2)
- GIST 550: Issues in Global Studies: Globalization and Afro-Brazilian Culture in Salvador, Brazil
- AAAS 496: Field Experience (meets KU Core Goal 6.1)
- LAA 302: Topics in Latin American Area Studies: Globalization and Afro-Brazilian Culture in Salvador, Brazil
Graduate students will enroll in PORT 785: Special Topics in Brazilian Culture and Literary Studies: Globalization and Afro-Brazilian Culture in Salvador, Brazil.
Students will meet four times before going to Brazil and once upon return to gain background knowledge regarding globalization, Afro-Brazilian history, and their interaction. Readings include essays about slavery in Brazil and Bahia's African roots and legacy. Students will read texts, attend lectures by local scholars in the fields of history, anthropology, sociology, music, and religion, and explore the city's numerous historical sites, museums, and cultural and artistic manifestations. They will also watch movies and read a novel that are relevant to the topics discussed.
Students will be placed in host families and the family will provide three meals daily. Students will walk or take public transportation to class.
Cultural activities will enhance the students’ understanding of Brazil’s, and particularly of Salvador’s, Afro-Brazilian rich culture. Guest lecturers will present on topics such as Brazilian history, music, religion, dance, education, and Carnival. Planned site visits include temples of Afro-Brazilian religions such as candomblé and umbanda and syncretic Catholic churches such as the Church of Our Lady of the Black Rosary. The group will also visit the Afro-Brazilian museum and attend capoeira, samba, and other Afro-Brazilian dance classes and concerts. Each of these activities will happen with a focus on globalization and its influence on the local culture of Salvador.
Planned activities include a guided tour of Salvador, an excursion to the cities of Cachoeira and Santo Amaro to learn about their African heritage, and to the beach at Praia do Forte. Also included are a welcome lunch with host moms and a closing reception with students and host families.
Minimum 2.5 GPA required (exceptions considered after submission of a petition). The program is open to students of any major. There is no language requirement, though students with previous exposure to Portuguese or Spanish will find it helpful.
Passport and student visa information
All students must obtain a tourist visa in order to travel to Brazil. Students who do not have a passport should apply for one immediately. The KU Office of International Programs offers passport services. Students with passports should verify that the passport is valid for six months after the program is over. If it does not meet this requirement, it must be renewed prior to applying for a visa. It takes at least six weeks for the passport to be processed. It is recommended to have the passport by early December at the latest to have ample time to process the visa. Please contact the Program Coordinator for more information.
Luciano Tosta, Associate Professor in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, will lead the program. Professor Tosta is from Salvador, so he is very familiar with the city, its history, and Brazilian culture. He has led other study abroad programs to Salvador. Contact Professor Tosta at lucianotosta@ku.edu.
