Reading Literatures in French (210-0-20)
Topic
African Perspectives
Instructors
Gorgui Ibrahima Tall
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-430: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM
Overview of class
This course introduces students to Sub-Saharan Francophone literatures of Africa. It proposes to analyze a selection of important literary texts (novel, short story, poetry, and essays) and films by representative authors, in their historical and cultural contexts: Negritude, (post)colonialism, new African voices within and beyond the continent. It also underscores African perspectives on the universal challenges and complexities of immigration, gender and sexuality, religion, activism, and community building. The ultimate aim of the course is to forge students' critical capacity to resist simplistic popular understandings of what is taking place on the continent and works to refocus their attention on distinctively African perspectives.
Learning Objectives
To introduce students to a significant range of African writing through a selection of major themes and texts.
To facilitate students' engagement with representations of sub-Sahara Africa and develop their ability to question and challenge stereotypes through close textual analysis and contextual understanding.
To develop skills of critical thinking, close-reading and independent research.
Teaching Method
Discussion with lectures as needed. This is a very student-centered class, designed to enable students to remain engaged and participate in making the class dynamic. Conducted entirely in French.
Evaluation Method
Presentation, response papers, and final project/paper.
Class Materials (Required)
A course packet with selected writings by Léopold S. Senghor, Ousmane Sembene, Mariama Ba, Mongo Beti, Bernard Dadié, Souleymane B. Diagne, and Franz Fanon (subject to change)
Films:
Sembene O., Ceddo
Sissako A., Bamako
Diop M., Atlantique
Class Attributes
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area