First-Year Courses in Portuguese (Division 452)

Fall Term, 1999 (September 8 - December 22, 1999)

Section 001.

Instructor(s): Niedja Fedrigo (niedja@umich.edu)

Credits: (4).

Course Homepage: http://www.umich.edu/~port101/

This course is designed to give students the ability to understand the Portuguese of everyday life when spoken at a moderate speed, to be understood in typical situations of everyday life, and to read non-technical Portuguese of moderate difficulty. Because of the nature of materials, and the nationality and training of the present staff, students will learn the variety of Portuguese spoken in Brazil by educated speakers. Classroom work involves gradual introduction of Portuguese structure through dialogues and communication exercises which stress listening and speaking. Homework consists of studying grammar, memorizing structures and verb forms, and writing exercises. Grading will be based on six hourly quizzes, two partial exams, oral exercises, homework, class participation and attendance, and a final exam. Portuguese 101 is offered only in the Fall term.

Section 001 – Breaking Gender and Racial Barriers in Brazil.

Instructor(s): Niedja Fedrigo (niedja@umich.edu)

First-Year Seminar,

Credits: (3).

Course Homepage: http://www.umich.edu/~port150/

This interdisciplinary seminar critically examines contemporary Brazilian women's condition, their struggle to gain cultural, economic, and socio-political equality. Our focus will be on questions and perspectives concerning both the literary and socio-economic aspects of gender, race, class inequality, resistance, transformation, and options for self-empowerment. The format includes group discussions and activities, regularly assigned readings and papers. E-mail group discussions, in-class presentations, film screenings, and Internet/library research supplement class discussions.