The Urban Experience in Brazil

• Credit value: 30 credits Level 5
• Tutor: Professor Luciana Martins
• Assessment: a 2000-word essay (40%) and 3000-word essay (60%)

In this module 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.

The module is taught in English, with all material in translation.