The Novel as/and Critical Discourse

Literature is the site of a multiplicity of knowledges. This course is an attempt to build a history of ideas in the Francophone world. We will be looking at narrative styles, as well at the ways in which the 20th century theoretical discourse among Francophone intellectuals is often embedded in the novel. The role of intellectuals in society will be discussed, with a focus on three major topics: identities, religion (Islam, Christianity, violence), and democracy. Reading includes Assia Djebar, Abdelwahab Meddeb, Henri Lopès, Amin Malouf, VY Mudimbe, Franz Fanon, Jean-Paul Sartre, Edward Said and others.