The Portuguese were among the first, the most wide-ranging and most consequential travelers of the Age of Discovery. Join Prof. Saulo Gouveia to undertake your own voyage of discovery and see how deep the impact of Portuguese Maritime Expansion of the early modern era (from the 1400s on) was. These cross-cultural encounters shaped the world not just for the Portuguese, but for everyone else, too, leaving a profound legacy for the modern world. 

Unique encounters

• Witness how contact led both the Portuguese explorers and the local cultures they encountered to adapt to one another. 
• Understand how these interactions shaped the Lusophone world, which now includes nine countries and countless communities touched by Portuguese influence. 
• Dive into the stories of resilience, collaboration, and transformation that arose from these historical moments. 

More than just a history class, PRT 340: History of Portuguese Encounters takes you on a journey through time, revealing how the past continues to shape and connect our present. This course isn’t just about dates and events—it’s about the human stories behind exploration, the cultural exchanges that bridged continents, and the lasting impact of these encounters on our world today. 

Whether you’re passionate about history, intrigued by cultural dynamics, or fascinated by the human impact of exploration, this course offers profound insights that remain deeply relevant in today’s interconnected world. 

Enroll in PRT 340 and uncover the stories that defined nations, brought cultures together, and continue to inspire curiosity and understanding across generations.  

For more information on the course, contact Prof. Saulo Gouveia (gouveias@msu.edu). For assistance with enrollment, reach out to Jennifer Gansler (gansler@msu.edu).