Brazilian Social Studies

Nature of the Subject

The Brazilian Social Studies course is divided into eight topics covering a variety of areas of study in the geography and history of Brazil. In order to provide a comprehensive view of Brazil’s development and its current status as a regional power in a global economy, the course is connected with individuals, society and environment in the widest context: physical, political, social, economic, religious, technological and cultural.

In both history and geography, students are encouraged to seek answers to broad and complex questions through investigative methods. In history, for example, students are encouraged to reflect on the role of the historian and to appreciate different interpretations of past events. In geography, they are encouraged to recognize the ways in which the Brazilian physical space has been organized as the result of socio-economic processes, as well as to understand the interaction between human beings and the physical environment. Students are also led to reflect on geographical issues that may require the use of many approaches from various fields.

In addition, students are led through a course of study that allows them to develop an appreciation of Brazilian culture. Assessment of this is woven throughout the assessment of the historical and geographical elements of the course.