Fernando Rocha

Fernando Rocha obtained a Master's and a PhD degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. He also holds a Master's degree in Letters (Brazilian Literature and Literary Theory) from the Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio). Prof. Rocha just finished a book manuscript on Brazilian novelist Graciliano Ramos. His present research interests focus on the writings of subalterns in Brazil and on the intersections between voice and vocal performance and literature. He has articles published in journals such as Luso-Brazilian Review and ArtCultura.

Courses

Course List:

Courses offered in the past four years.
▲ indicates offered in the current term
▹ indicates offered in the upcoming term[s]

PGSE 0101 - Beginning Portuguese I

This course is a fast-paced introduction to Brazilian Portuguese and contemporary Brazilian culture. It focuses on the development of skills in listening, reading, speaking, and writing within a cultural context. Students are expected to continue with PGSE 0102 in winter term, and PGSE 0103 in spring term, after successful completion of PGSE 0101. 5 hrs. lect./disc. LNG

Fall 2016

More Information »

PGSE 0210 - Beginning Port/RomanceSpeakers ▹

Beginning Portuguese for Romance-Language Speakers
This course is designed for Romance-language speakers and advanced Romance-language learners at the 0200 or 0300-level, depending on the language. It is an intensive introduction to Portuguese, covering all of the basic structures and vocabulary as well as important aspects of the cultures of Lusophone countries. Language learning is based on the students’ previous knowledge of one or more Romance languages. Students are expected to continue with PGSE 0215, after successful completion of PGSE 0210.
6 hrs. lect./disc. LNG

Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2019

More Information »

PGSE 0215 - Advanced Portuguese

Advanced Portuguese
This course is a continuation of PGSE 0210. It is designed to balance textual and cultural analysis with a thorough review of grammar at an intermediate/high level. Students will hone their critical thinking and linguistic skills through guided readings, oral discussions, and short written assignments on Lusophone cultural topics. (PGSE 0210 or by waiver) 4 hrs. lect./disc. LNG

Fall 2015, Spring 2017, Spring 2018

More Information »

PGSE 0321 - Food and Brazilian Culture ▹

With Flavor: Food and Brazilian Culture
In this course we will focus on the food being produced and consumed in Brazil in its relation to Brazilian culture and history. Topics include how food and Brazilian culinary practices are related to certain aspects of Brazilian society, such as the Northeast’s landed oligarchy, Afro-Brazilian culture in Bahia, regional, national, and transnational identities, women and gender constructs, and the experience of hunger. Narratives (fictional, non-fictional, and theoretical) will be drawn from different media: printed and online texts as well as audio-visual materials, such as songs and popular music videos, films, TV series and cooking programs. The course will also entail preparation and degustation of Brazilian dishes. (PGSE 0215 or by approval) 3 hrs. lect. AAL AMR LNG SOC

Fall 2016, Fall 2019

More Information »

PGSE 0324 - Slavery and Resistance

Slavery and Resistance: Visions for the Present
In this course we will analyze how slaves and slave communities in Brazil were able to forge different modes of resistance in the face of the atrocities that resulted from the trans-Atlantic slave trade. We will delve into printed and audio-visual materials to analyze how resistance operated at both a macro and a micro level, but also extend our study into the present, looking at how Brazilians nowadays reinvigorate old forms of resistance. The ultimate goal of the course is to establish a bridge between those enslaved communities’ self-empowerment and the students’ visions of resistance in the present time. We will also work on developing students’ language abilities at an advanced level. (PGSE 0215 or by approval). 3 hrs. lect. AAL AMR LIT LNG

Fall 2017

More Information »