Poetry and cordel literature in the Public Field: Lessons learned from interdisciplinary research

ABSTRACT

This article presents an interdisciplinary and ongoing research in the public field addressing the political-institutional process around the foundation of the so-called “novíssimas” (or brand new) Brazilian federal universities (Federal University of Cariri, Federal University of South of Bahia, Federal University of West of Bahia, and Federal University of South and Southeast of Pará) in 2013. The lessons learned so far from this ongoing research are presented in this article in the format of a poem inspired by Brazilian cordel literature. The methodology consisted of case studies approaching each of the four universities. Preliminary results were placed into four groups: the vision of territory based on social unity, the consideration of local needs as an opportunity, the socio-centric action aimed at contextualizing education, and the plurality of social actors in the search for universalization of access to the university. The cordel poem synthesizes the lessons learned and is a creative and innovative expression influencing the production and dissemination of multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary scientific knowledge in the Public Field.

Keywords:
brand-new federal universities; Reuni; Public Field; cordel; interdisciplinarity