The Amazon Rubber Boom and Bust
- Course Code: HAH88
- Dates: 22/02/25 - 22/02/25
- Time: 10:30 - 15:30
- Taught: Sat, Daytime
- Duration: 1 session
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Sandra Carvalho
Course Code: HAH88
Duration: 1 session
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
We will study the history of the rubber boom and bust (1879-1912), focusing predominantly on Brazil but also touching on its impacts on neighbouring countries.
What will we cover?
Causes and long-term consequences of the rubber economy in the Brazilian Amazon
How the rubber boom brought prosperity to the city of Manaus, and led to internal migration, population growth, and the expansion on the Brazilian territory
How the boom and bust affected indigenous communities
How biopiracy of the rubber tree affected the Brazilian and South American rubber economy
Henry Ford and the foundation of a city in the jungle: Fordlandia
The Brazilian rubber tree, the extraction of latex, and the life of a rubber tapper.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Gain a better understanding on the rise and fall of the rubber economy in Brazil in the late 19th and early 20th century
Evaluate the economic, socio-political, cultural, and environmental impact of the rubber boom in the Brazilian Amazon region
Explain the effect of biopiracy on the Brazilian rubber economy, and the impact of the rubber boom and bust on indigenous communities.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is of an introductory level. You only need an interest in Brazil, the Amazon, and South American history.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This is a face-to-face five hour course at the college (incl. 1-hour break). It will use a mix of lecture/presentation by the tutor, followed by group discussions, Q&As, and group activities. A list of further reading will be provided.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No, you only need to bring pen and paper to take notes and a mobile phone to do some research in class with your peers.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please visit the City Lit website for further courses on the History of the Americas. You may also be interested in:
HWH196 Che Guevara & his Revolutions
HAH100 The Amazon Gold Rush
HAH81 Black Latin America.
Dr. Sandy De Carvalho holds a BA (Hons) in Journalism (Brazil), a MA in Film Production (Sheffield Hallam University - UK), an MSc in Latin American Politics (University of London), and a Ph.D. in Political Science (Queen Mary University of London / QMUL). She has recently completed a master’s level Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice / Teaching in Higher Education (PGCAP - QMUL) and is now a recognised Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). Dr. De Carvalho has taught a wide range of students and adult learners, both face to face as well and online. She has taught a range of courses, including: ‘International Relations Theory’, ‘Globalisation and the International Political Economy of Development’; ‘Themes in US Foreign Policy’, and ‘International Security: War and Peace in the Global Context’. Sandy has also taught academic development at Durham University.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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