Literature and Society in Africa and the Caribbean

The course is reading, analysis and discussion of some of the most representative texts by 20th century Francophone writers from a variety of locations: the French Caribbean, Africa North and South of the Sahara. These works convey the changing aspects of Francophone Africa and the French Caribbean societies and cultures: from oral to written, colonization and changes, tradition competing with modernity, particularly for women, building new identities immigration narrative. The course aims to broaden knowledge of the Francophone societies and cultures, as well as improve skills in speaking and writing in French. Lectures and discussions are conducted in French, most required readings and background material are in French as well. Reading in fiction, poetry and theater include Laye Camara, Ferdinand Oyono, Maryse Condé, Aimé Césaire, Leila Sebbar, Mariama Ba, and others. Prerequisite: FRENLANG 124 or consent of instructor.