Handbook

Brazil is one of the great emerging powers of the 21st century. This subject explores Brazil's modern history from a variety of social, political and cultural angles, providing students with insight into the social and cultural drivers of innovation in one of the world's largest economies. Case studies demonstrate how different formal and informal forces in Brazilian society have resolved development problems, created social change, and generated new ideas that have influenced Brazil, the region, and the world. The subject discusses episodes of political, social and economic instability and risk, and reveals how different political forces have managed, confronted or overcome risk and fostered positive social change. Case studies provide students with insight into the nature of innovation and entrepreneurship, which they can apply to their understanding of Latin American Studies and more broadly. The subject emphasises that change is possible and that the Amazon does not need to be destroyed in the name of economic development - indeed creative and entrepreneurial thinking can result in the use of the Amazon's resources while saving the planet.