Contemporary Brazil: Economic Development, Globalization and Social Change
Northwestern Requirements
Non-language classes and materials are all taught in English. However, students will be required to attend Portuguese language classes. Three levels of language are offered, depending on demand.Program Requirements
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0
- No language requirement; non-language classes are taught in English
Academic Specialties
Political Science, Economics, Social Policy, Development Studies, Latin American History, Latin American Studies, Portuguese language.
Course Type
Program courses take place at Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV). This is a Northwestern program offering a set curriculum, so students must enroll in the courses listed below:
Political and Social History of Brazil (1 credit)
This course examines the social and political system in Brazil from an historical perspective. Students investigate the basis of Brazilian social and economic inequities, political participation, and power in order to understand contemporary political issues in Brazil.
The Political Economy of Brazilian Development (1 credit)
Students will examine major macroeconomic issues in the Brazilian economy and discuss them within the context of established economic models. Students will also learn how basic concepts of economic analysis can be used in understanding the social and environmental impacts of economic policies.
Paths for Development: Public Policies in Contemporary Brazil (1 credit)
This course will examine how economic and social policies relate to poverty alleviation and socioeconomic development. Lectures will concentrate on major policy issues in Brazil, including the role of the state, NGOs, and development banks, microcredit, cash transfer programs, housing policy and urban crime, and the green revolution.
Research Seminar: Social and Economic Development in Brazil (1 credit)
In this seminar, students will develop and elaborate team research projects and term papers that analyze the impact of socio-economic development policy on a particular aspect of Brazilian society. Past topics include: strategies for financing development, cash transfer programs, and the Brazilian banking system following the 2008 financial crisis.
Portuguese Language (2 credits)
While there is no language prerequisite to participate in this program, students are required to take intensive language training in Portuguese while in Brazil. The courses will enable students to use Portuguese in basic, everyday situations and will expose students to Brazilian behavior and culture. Three levels will be offered, depending on student demand.
Housing
Residential hotels located near the FGV campus.
Program Costs
Fall 2011 Program Fee: Please refer to the IPD Program website for Fall 2011 cost information.
Fall 2010 Program Fee: $14,000
- Includes tuition, housing, excursions, class materials, and international airfare. Students are responsible for the Study Abroad Administrative Fee, health insurance, meals, and personal expenses.
- This price may fluctuate slightly depending on final airline arrangements. Students will be responsible for any additional charges incurred by flight requests that carry costs above those budgeted by the program.
Approximate Program Size
12-15 students
Application Requirements
- Download the Northwestern University Application for Permission to Study Abroad.
- Call the IPD office at 847-467-6953 to set up an interview with the IPD study abroad coordinator, and specify which program(s) you are interested in. These interview sessions are intended for students who are ready to apply and are an opportunity to learn more about the program and ask questions. Group interview sessions are held regularly at the IPD office, and you are encouraged to call and reserve a place in a timely manner. Non-Northwestern students and off-campus students may arrange for interviews via phone.
- Complete the Northwestern University Application for Permission to Study Abroad and submit it to the Study Abroad Office by January 28, 2011 (early deadline) or March 1, 2011 (regular deadline, if space is available).
- Submit the following to the IPD office by January 28, 2011 (early deadline) or March 1, 2011 (regular deadline, if space is available):
- Completed IPD Application
- 4 official passport photos
- A copy of your passport. Make sure your passport is valid through June of the following year. If you are planning to apply to this program and you do not yet have a passport (or need to renew your current passport), you should begin this process as soon as possible so that it is completed by the time of application. The processing time for a passport application is approximately 6-8 weeks. For more information on how to apply for or renew a passport, please visit the State Department’s passport web site.
