The College of Piratininga: A Journey Through the History of Brazilian Higher Education

Introduction

In his book "The College of Piratininga," Cesar Augusto dos Santos takes readers on a journey through the history of Brazilian higher education, from its colonial origins to the present day. Santos argues that the history of Brazilian higher education is a microcosm of the country's broader history, and that by understanding the development of higher education, we can better understand Brazil itself.

The Colonial Era

The first colleges in Brazil were founded by the Jesuits in the 16th century. These colleges were primarily intended to train priests, but they also offered courses in the humanities and sciences. In the 18th century, the Portuguese government began to found its own colleges, which were more secular in nature. These colleges offered a wider range of courses, including law, medicine, and engineering.

The 19th Century

In the 19th century, Brazil experienced a period of rapid growth and modernization. This growth was reflected in the expansion of higher education. New colleges and universities were founded, and the number of students enrolled in higher education increased dramatically.

The 20th Century

The 20th century was a time of great change for Brazilian higher education. The country experienced a military dictatorship from 1964 to 1985, which had a profound impact on higher education. The dictatorship restricted academic freedom and autonomy, and many professors and students were persecuted.

After the end of the dictatorship, Brazilian higher education began to recover. The government increased funding for higher education, and the number of students enrolled in higher education continued to grow.

The Present Day

Today, Brazil has a large and diverse system of higher education. There are over 2,000 colleges and universities in the country, and over 8 million students are enrolled in higher education. Brazilian higher education is facing a number of challenges, including rising costs, declining quality, and a lack of access for disadvantaged students. However, the country is also making progress in addressing these challenges, and the future of Brazilian higher education looks bright.

Conclusion

"The College of Piratininga" is a comprehensive and well-researched history of Brazilian higher education. Santos provides a wealth of information about the development of higher education in Brazil, and he argues persuasively that the history of higher education is a microcosm of the country's broader history. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of Brazil or the history of higher education.

Why You Should Read This Book

If you are interested in the history of Brazil or the history of higher education, then you should read "The College of Piratininga." This book is a comprehensive and well-researched account of the development of higher education in Brazil, and it provides a wealth of information about the country's broader history. Santos argues persuasively that the history of higher education is a microcosm of the country's broader history, and this book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding Brazil.

In addition to its historical value, "The College of Piratininga" is also a well-written and engaging book. Santos has a gift for storytelling, and he brings the history of Brazilian higher education to life with his vivid descriptions and engaging anecdotes. This book is a pleasure to read, and it is sure to leave you with a greater understanding of Brazil and its history.