Molly Ball Headshot

Molly Ball

  • History Lecturer

PhD, University of California, Los Angeles, 2013

Office Location
449 Rush Rhees Library
Telephone
(585) 276-7184
Web Address
Website

Office Hours: 12:45 - 1:45pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays

Curriculum Vitae

Research Overview

Interests: Brazilian History; Latin American History; Economic History; Immigration History

I am both an economic and social historian of modern Brazil and of immigration history. My research explores everyday experiences and choices from working-class individuals and families. I bring social and economic history into concert to examine both how people adapted to economic constraints and opportunities and how, when considered collectively, these singular decisions affected larger trends. 

My current research project, “Moving Past GDP: Quality of Life as a Woman’s Measure,” embraces feminist economic history. I explore how neonatal birth outcomes in Latin America can provide insight women’s changing standards-0f-living in the 20th century. This project addresses data constraints that often limit historic measurement of Latin American standards of living.

I actively incorporate digital humanities, community-engaged coursework, and public history into my teaching to foster a dynamic and welcoming learning environment. I also serve as the coordinator of the Latin American Studies minor.

Graduate Research Fields

I am not accepting new graduate student advisees for our MA and PhD programs.

Courses Offered (subject to change)

  • HIST 150:  Colonial Latin America, Syllabus
  • HIST 151:  Modern Latin America, Syllabus
  • HIST 153:  Women, Citizenship, and Education: Brazil 1500-2020, Syllabus
  • HIST 155:  Film as History: Modern Latin America, Syllabus
  • HIST 252:  Immigration in the Americas, Syllabus
  • HIST 254:  Big Business in Brazil, Syllabus
  • HIST 351:  Urban Latin American History, Syllabus
  • HIST 352:  Racial Democracies: Brazil vs. Mexico, Syllabus

Selected Publication Covers

Navigating Life and Work in Old Republic São Paulo book cover.

Selected Publications

  • Navigating Life and Work in Old Republic São Paulo. University of Florida Press, December 2020.