Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies

The purpose of the Institute of Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies at Rhode Island College is

• to support and to promote the Portuguese Studies academic program at Rhode Island College,
• to bridge the connection between Rhode Island College and the Lusophone community and
• to pursue scholarly and cultural research in the areas of the Portuguese language and Lusophone culture.

The Institute of Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies is designed to be a nucleus of instruction and interaction for the benefit of Rhode Island College students and the larger Portuguese-speaking community of Rhode Island. It aims to be a gathering place for cultural events, teacher conferences, literary resources, artistic exhibitions and performing arts productions for not only the matriculated students but also for the enrichment of the Portuguese-speaking community at large. In turn, interaction between the Institute and the community becomes the vehicle by which students will be able to establish contacts and maximize career opportunities and community participation.

Over 10% of Rhode Islanders claim ancestry from a Lusophone country, the highest percentage of any state in the union. The history and contributions of this population are an integral part of the rich fabric of this state.