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RATIONALE
Brazil, the second-largest democracy in the Western Hemisphere, is through its size and influence the key to a stable and prosperous Latin America. Almost the size of the United States (encompassing nearly half of South America), its population of over 160 million is the world's fifth largest. Brazil has the world's eighth-largest economy and Latin America's largest and most diversified market. However, as Brazil faces the next century, questions remain about the economic viability of this country, which accepted a $41.5 billion IMF loan in the fall of 1998 to avoid impending economic disaster. Brazil faces the challenge of paying off its massive debt and contending with the social repercussions that ensue. How will Brazil, which ranks among the most unequal societies in the world with widespread poverty, move forward to become more equitable? The social, cultural, political, and environmental consequences of Brazilian industrialization and an exploding urban population will also be explored during this seminar.
These issues will be examined in lectures and site visits led by university faculty, businessmen, and local leaders. The seminar begins in São Paulo (Brazil's economic, political, and cultural center and South American's largest city with a population of 17 million), continues to the historic colonial town of Parati on the coast, and culminates in Rio de Janeiro.
HOST INSTITUTION:
The seminar is hosted by the International Cooperation Commission (CCInt) of the University of São Paulo (USP). Founded in 1934, the University of São Paulo is one of Brazil's most prestigious institutions of higher education. With 33,000 undergraduate students, 17,500 graduates, over 5,000 professors, and an administrative staff of 17,000, USP ranks as one of South America's largest and most important universities.
LECTURES:
Listed below are the tentative lectures and site visits for the 2000 Brazil seminar.
- Brazil: The Promise of Tomorrow
- The Social Problems of an Emerging Power
- Overview of Cultural Expressions in Brazil
- Regional Dimensions of Brazil's Economy
- Women and Children in Brazil
- Sea Coast Urbanization and the Atlantic Rainforest
- Infrastructure and Urban Development
- Monetary Fiscal Politics in Brazil
SITE VISITS/STUDY TOURS:
- Tour of São Paulo and the University of São Paulo
- Visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art
- Visit to the Brazilian Parliament in São Paulo
- Visit to a Brazilian company
- Boat trip on the coast studying sea coast urbanization/rainforest
- Tour of Rio de Janeiro
- Brazilian cultural evening (music or theater)
Note: This 9-day seminar begins in São Paulo (three nights), continues to Parati (two nights), and ends in Rio de Janeiro (three nights).
APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 15, 2000
ELIGIBILITY:
Faculty Seminar participants should be faculty and/or administrators at two- or four-year institutions of higher education. In order to facilitate an interdisciplinary exploration of the seminar theme, applicants from all academic concentrations are encouraged to apply.
SEMINAR FEE: $1,995
The seminar fee includes the academic program (lectures, briefings, and study tours), seminar materials, academic leadership, orientation and farewell receptions, accommodations, breakfast and lunch daily, entrance fees for all included excursions, in-country transportation to scheduled activities, ITIC (teacher identity card, providing travel insurance), and airport transfers overseas.
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