Take this class for the information and for Brian, but be prepared for a B. The only grades are two essays and participation. There is a ton of reading that you need to do to participate and to write the essays. Yet, if you ever are struggling, Brian is sure to help you out. I still have no idea how he is able to lead the discussion in to the exact place he wants to go every single class. He's magic. One last thing, if you take this class, be sure to count how many times during the semester he tells you that he was once a corporate lawyer/stooge.

Brian is a great professor, and one that I regularly recommend. He's can be a tough grader, but he is approachable and very intelligent. I would recommend this class very highly to HIEU-oriented history majors-- he forces you to see history from a very different Latin American perspective.

Owensby makes you think in a new way. Still historical but a bit more conceptual. Take this class if you want a challenge and if you want to be less ignorant about the current status of Brazil.