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The Urban Experience in Brazil

Classes

Wednesday 15 January - Wednesday 26 March 2025, 6pm-9pm

10 sessions - Check class timetable

Overview

On the Urban Experience in Brazil short course we focus on the spatial imaginations of the urban world in Brazil from the late nineteenth century to the present. Our emphasis will be on studying the dynamism of Brazilian cities and exploring the extent to which different worlds have been brought into close proximity within particular urban environments.

We draw upon major strands of theorisation on urban spaces and their representations within geography, history, anthropology, architecture and art history. We will also work with visual materials, including photography and film.

Addressing some of the ambiguities and complexities of cities such as Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Brasília, we discuss topics including:

  • the legacy of slavery and colonialism
  • urban modernities
  • planning and power
  • buildings, monuments and myth
  • spaces of inequality
  • marginalisation and fear
  • the city as an aesthetic and political act.

This short course is taught in English, with all material in translation.

Assessment of this course is via a 2000-word essay (40%) and 3000-word essay (60%).

30 credits at level 5

  • Entry requirements

    Entry requirements

    Most of our short courses have no formal entry requirements and are open to all students.

    This short course has no prerequisites.

    As part of the enrolment process, you may be required to submit a copy of a suitable form of ID.

    International students who wish to come to the UK to study a short course can apply for a Visitor visa. Please note that it is not possible to obtain a Student visa to study a short course.

  • How to apply

    How to apply

    You register directly onto the classes you would like to take. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis - so apply early. If you wish to take more than one short course, you can select each one separately and then register onto them together via our online application portal. There is usually no formal selection process, although some modules may have prerequisites and/or other requirements, which will be specified where relevant.