From Colony to Democracy: Considering Brazil's Development
Printed Curriculum [$20]
Downloadable Curriculum [$16]
Classroom Set [$9.75ea] (10 min)
First edition.
Overview
From Colony to Democracy: Considering Brazil's Development explores the choices faced by Brazilians as the country transitioned to democracy in the mid-1980s.
Facing legacies of colonialism, slavery, and dictatorship, Brazil's history is one of profound social, racial, and political inequalities. Many of these historical forces came to a head in 1984 when, after twenty years of a brutal dictatorial regime, new voices emerged in civil society, speaking out on issues of poverty, race, and democracy. Brazil became immersed in a nationwide discussion, engaged by social movements, religious congregations, and political parties throughout the country, about the country's past and future. From Colony to Democracy: Considering Brazil's Development introduces students to some of the historical forces that informed debates at this critical point in Brazil's history.
Readings
The background readings trace Brazil's history from Portuguese colonization through its democratization in 1985. Readings are intended to prepare students to consider thoughtfully the complexities of Brazilian society.
- Part I explores Brazil from colonialism to independence.
- Part II examines the developments in the Brazilian government, economy, and society over the twentieth century.
- The Epilogue discusses Brazil after democratization.
Framework of Policy Options
From Colony to Democracy: Considering Brazil's Development presents students with the questions and challenges facing Brazilians at the close of a momentous era of economic growth and social change under dictatorship. At the core of the unit is a framework of the four distinct options Brazilians considered in the mid-1980s. The choices included mounting a concerted effort to democratize Brazilian politics and society, prioritizing security and stability through the maintenance of military rule, working towards a socialist society, and seeking to become a more prominent player on the world stage.
Suggested 5-Day Lesson Plan
The Teacher Resource Book accompanying From Colony to Democracy: Considering Brazil's Development contains a day-by-day lesson plan and student activities.
- Day 1: The lesson plan opens with exploration of photos of contemporary Brazil.
- Alternative Day 1: An alternative activity focuses on slavery and race based on historical sources from the nineteenth century.
- Day 2: On the second day students will engage in an exercise concerning Brazil's dictatorship from 1964-1985.
- Optional: An optional lesson invites students to consider race and the census in the modern context.
- Days 3 and 4: The third and fourth days feature a simulation in which students assume the roles of Brazilian presenters to the Security Council of the Organization of American States representing four different options for the country's future. The simulation takes place in 1984 and includes several undecided Brazilian citizens who will consider each option group's presentation.
- Day 5: On the fifth day, students consider some current challenges and concerns the country has faced since its democratization.