Lusophone Studies is part of the Modern Languages research cluster, which provides a vibrant environment for both disciplinary and interdisciplinary scholarship. Recognised as a centre of excellence for research into the languages, literatures, histories, linguistics, visual cultures, and cultural identities of Europe and beyond, the cluster is founded on a dynamic and forward-looking research ethos.
Within this cluster, Lusophone Studies aim to promote cutting-edge research and debate across a variety of areas relating to the Portuguese-speaking world, with particular emphasis on Brazil and Portuguese-speaking Africa.
Staff are actively involved in two cross-subject research fora, focusing on Latin American Studies and Postcolonial Studies. All staff and postgraduates participate in international conferences and are encouraged to become involved, where appropriate, in international networks. Amongst other networks, staff in Lusophone Studies are involved in the Digital Latin American Cultures Network and the Lusophone and Hispanic Caucus of the African Literature Association.
Research Strengths
Staff have an established research profile across the spectrum of fields within Lusophone Studies. Prominent areas include:
- Digital culture in Brazil
- Representation of urban Brazil (particularly the favelas of Rio de Janeiro)
- Contemporary Brazilian documentary film
- Postcolonial literatures, cultures and film in Portuguese-speaking Africa
- Comparative literature and film
- Gender studies
- Representations of heroism
We also have a strong record in supervising comparative and interdisciplinary theses across the different languages and disciplines represented in the School of English, Arts and Languages and with other Schools in the University. A number of research projects have recently been funded by the Northern Bridge Doctoral Training Partnership and by the DEL Strategic Priority Studentship scheme.
"Queen's is a very exciting place to be researching about the Portuguese-speaking world as this is a growing area here. The School of Modern Languages offers an interdisciplinary, outward-looking and open-minded research culture which is able to nurture and accommodate a diverse range of objects of study, approaches, and methods."Tori Holmes
Lecturer in Brazilian Studies
Career Prospects
Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.
Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.
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