Hum 1301: Topics in French Literature and Culture

Literature and Culture of French-Speaking Africa and the Caribbean
(in translation)



Course Index


Course Readings


Course Syllabus


Technical
Requirements


Sample Lesson


Your Prof

Welcome and Bienvenue!

For the student curious about French beyond the hexagon and for the student of Africa and its Atlantic diaspora, this should be an exciting course. We will read a variety of literary texts, including plays, novels, poems and short stories, written by authors from French-speaking Africa or the Caribbean. The class will be taught entirely in English. Texts will be divided historically into the following groups:

  • Tribal Africa
  • Slavery & Colonialism
  • Revolution & Independence
  • Contemporary Society
Within these historical time frames, we will study various aspects of French-African and Caribbean cultures, including family structures, women's roles, and class structures.

Course Index

 Tribal Africa
 Slavery & Colonialism
Revolution & Independence
Contemporary Society
UNIT 1:
Overview & History
UNIT 2:
Folk Tales &
the Oral Tradition
African Folktales
UNIT 3:
Slavery & the French Colonial Presence
Tribal Scars
UNIT 4:
Caribbean Colonialism
Black Shack Alley
Prayer of a Small Black Boy
UNIT 5:
Independence Movements
UNIT 6:
Negritude Movement
A Salute to the Third World
Hammer Blows
A Tempest
UNIT 7:
Women and Family
So Long A Letter
UNIT 8:
Contemporary Society
Tribaliks
Boat People

I look forward to participating with you in what promises to be a rewarding experience!



 

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