Javier Escudero, Ph.D.
Portuguese Instructor
Javier Escudero, born in Avila, Spain, holds a PhD in Spanish Literature from the University of Virginia. Javier worked at Penn State University between 1992 and 2006 as an Assistant and Associate Professor of Spanish and published books on Juan Goytisolo and Rosa Montero. In 2005, Javier and his wife Patricia Burgos created Brazil Cultural, an agency that organizes study abroad programs in several countries. Javier, who has lived in Bahia since 2006, speaks fluent Portuguese, loves traveling, photography and cooking.
Javier will be co-facilitating courses with Jamilly Multary Corrreira. Jamilly was born in Salvador, Bahia, has a degree in Portuguese language studies as well as in psycho-pedagogy. She also holds a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics. Jamilly has over 20 years of experience teaching Portuguese. She has taught classes for elementary and high school students, Portuguese for foreigners and she also teaches Portuguese online. Jamilly loves to spend time with her family and friends, go to the movies, theater, concerts and also loves to travel.
Join me in one of my courses!
Course Description
The objective of this course is to broaden students' knowledge of Brazilian Culture and Brazilian Portuguese through the study of significant lyrics and music styles, like Samba, Bossa Nova, Pagode, Sertanejo, Forró, Axé, MPB (Brazilian Popular Music) and Funk. Along with analyzing song lyrics, participants will read about music styles and their influences, watch concerts and documentaries, and discuss relevant cultural, social, political and regional topics present in the lyrics. Participants will also learn about some of the most famous Brazilian singers and composers including Tom Jobim, Vincius de Moraes, Caetano Veloso, Maria Bethania, Maria Rita, Gilberto Gil, Elis Regina, Seu Jorge, Cassia Eller, Eliane Printes, Simone and Anita, among others. Another important objective of the course is to improve participants´ comprehensive, interpersonal communication and presentational writing skills in order to increase their vocabulary and understanding of Portuguese grammar. Participants will also plan and prepare class activities to be integrated into the participant's own curriculum, covering several important topics related to the study of Portuguese and Brazilian culture. The students will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss aspects about the course material during a weekly group conversation with the instructor. Conducted in Portuguese.
What Participants Are Saying About This Course
"Excellent course!"
Course Delivery
Instructor-Facilitated
Online asynchronous (no live sessions) coursework
Weekly learning modules to complete at your own pace
Collaborative discussion boards
Instructor feedback
Optional office hours with the instructor for additional support
Students in an instructor-facilitated course must adhere to the session start and end dates listed on the website. Final coursework must be submitted within one week after the course end date. Course extensions beyond one week are subject to a $50 fee.
Course Access Information
Your Idioma Schoology course invitation will be emailed one week prior to the start of an instructor-facilitated 6-week course. You may access the Idioma Schoology login from the Login > Idioma Schoology Login dropdown menu at www.idiomaconsulting.com.
Required Text
There is no required textbook for this course. All materials are digital and will be provided in the online course.
About the Instructor
Dr. Javier Escudero, Instructor. Read more about Javier here.
Click here to request a syllabus.
Course Description
Brazilian Culinary traditions are some of the richest in the world due to the country’s geography, diverse climate and rich history of significant cultural influences. Each region presents its own products, cultural characteristics and influences as well as distinct flavors and tastes. Over centuries, the fusion of native cultures, Portuguese colonizers, and enslaved Africans has evolved into a unique and multi-faceted national cuisine that was later enriched by European, Japanese, and Lebanese immigrants who arrived in Brazil at the end of the nineteenth century.
Beginning with an exploration of some of the most important native products and recipes and their deep-rooted influence, i.e. pepper (molho de pimenta), cassava (beijú, farofa, escondidinho), and corn (canjica, mugunça), we will also examine the presence of several products brought by the Portuguese; i.e. sugar (caipirinha, brigadeiro), pork, and olive oil (feijoada and cozido), and others with strong African influence, okra (quiabada), dried shrimp, and palm oil (acarajé and moqueca) and finally Brazil’s own style of couscous called cuzcuz.
Throughout the course we will read, explore, and reflect on the most significant historical, economic, cultural, and social implications of food production and consumption in Brazil from pre-colonial to current times. We will also learn about the different kinds of restaurants, menus, cultural customs, cuisine literature, gender, and racial related image constructions and some specific practices related to cuisine and food production, and at the same time, acquiring technical skill to recreate important recipes. Conducted in Portuguese.
What Participants Are Saying About This Course
"Excellent course!"
Course Delivery
Instructor-Facilitated
Online asynchronous (no live sessions) coursework
Weekly learning modules to complete at your own pace
Collaborative discussion boards
Instructor feedback
Optional office hours with the instructor for additional support
Students in an instructor-facilitated course must adhere to the session start and end dates listed on the website. Final coursework must be submitted within one week after the course end date. Course extensions beyond one week are subject to a $50 fee.
Course Access Information
Your Idioma Schoology course invitation will be emailed one week prior to the start of an instructor-facilitated 6-week course. You may access the Idioma Schoology login from the Login > Idioma Schoology Login dropdown menu at www.idiomaconsulting.com.
Required Texts
There is no required textbook for this course. All materials are digital and will be provided in the online course.
About the Instructor
Dr. Javier Escudero Instructor. Read more about Javier here.
Click here to request a syllabus.