Memories of the College of Physical Education of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (ESEF/UFRGS): a study since the foundation until the federalization (1940-1969)

Abstract

The College of Physical Education – ESEF/UFRGS was the first school to prepare teachers of Physical Education to be established in the state of Rio Grande do Sul during the period known as Estado Novo (1937-1945). The objective of this study is to reconstruct the history of the College of Physical Education ESEF/UFRGS from its inauguration until its federalization (1940- 1969). For this study we first identified faculty members, students and staff. We also give a detailed description of the conditions they had to work in, and the buildings in which they had to teach classes. In order to accomplish this historical background, extensive research was made into historical documents, magazines, and journals, as well as interviews with former professors and students. The study concludes that political, cultural and educational actions taken during the Estado Novo in 1940 were favorable to the College of Physical Education – ESEF/UFRGS. However, when the College of Physical Education – ESEF/UFRGS was federalized under the state government of Rio Grande do Sul until 1969 the school suffered in that it was more restricted.