Entry requirements

succesfull completion of the module Theories and methods in cultural and historical studies or successful completion of the module Development theories and concepts or successfull completion of the module Interdisciplinary theories and methods of gender studies (offered in winter semester)

Qualification aims

Students can independently analyze Brazil's political, social, economic, and socio-ecological transformation processes. They can analyze these in their local, historical, and global contexts with the help of the theoretical approaches they have learned in the introductory module of their respective profile area. They acquire specialized knowledge of the interconnections between Brazilian and global structures of inequality in their temporal perspective. In this context, students learn to manage research-oriented tasks and to reflect on social impacts as well as on their position and handling of different materials. They learn to access, process, and evaluate data and information both independently and in groups, observing good academic practice. They expand their methodological knowledge by preparing a self-selected topic and can lead a discussion on the topic and present a comprehensive account of their research results. They can include relevant gender and diversity approaches and different perspectives in their own professional and academic work to elaborate on potential solutions to complex problems and issues concerning Brazil's political, economic, and sociological reality.

Content

Students learn how to critically examine the local application of development policy and strategy approaches and concepts in Brazil, both generally and through case studies, paying particular attention to social and environmental repercussions. In this context, approaches to entangled inequalities and democratic-theoretical foundations are also addressed. Courses examine, among other things, the role of social movements in the context of democratization processes, inequalities, conflicts, and public spheres, considering gender relations and cultural differences. From a critical perspective, different theoretical concepts and manifestations of modernity are considered in their respective versions and in their fragmentation of Brazil's past and present. Special attention is paid to the sociological analysis of different stages and forms of Brazil's transregional integration and development in the global sphere. 

Essentials

Teaching and learning methods: Vorlesung (V) + Hauptseminar (HS)

Module exam: Term paper (approx. 15 Seiten)

Offer: every summer semester