Cultural History of the Luso Brazilian World

(4 Credits)

Examines the construction and ultimate demise of the Portuguese empire and the emergence of post-colonial nation-states (starting with the independence of Brazil at the beginning of the 19th century) through a range of literary, artistic, musical, and filmic expressions. Topics include the ideological underpinnings of colonialism and decolonization, as well as the diasporic memory-work individuals and communities carry out through poetry, music, and dance. Also considers the Portuguese heritage of New York City, from the 1654 foundation of its first Jewish congregation (by exiles from Recife, Brazil) and the presence until today of sizable Portuguese, Azorean, and Brazilian communities.