Not offered 2007-2008
RLFR 111 Introduction to Francophone Literature *
This course is a basic introduction to Francophone studies with special focus on Sub-Saharan African and Caribbean literature and cinema. It explores how literature and cinema contribute to the understanding of the main historical, political, social and cultural issues relevant to both geographical areas. The course examines the different landmarks in the evolution of Francophone literature by starting with a contextualization of its birth in the 1920's, and then covering stages including the African students' activist publications in Paris in the early 1930's and how this led to the advent of the highly debated Negritude movement. It then moves on to the 1950's and examines how literature, especially the novel, was used as a means for colonial protest, and finally it studies post-independence writings and looks at how they reflect the African people's deep sense of disenchantment and frustration due to the fact that the new era failed to meet their expectations of a better life. The course also highlights the relationship between Africa and the Caribbean as expressed through literature and cinema, based on the historical, cultural and religious legacy that binds them. Topics covered include colonial encounters, the Negritude movement, reviving African myths and legends, between tradition and modernity, the African woman's condition, the identity quest, current political and social issues. Literary works studied include novels such as L'enfant noir (Camara Laye), Une vie de boy (Ferdinand Oyono), Sous l'orage (Seydou Badian), Une si longue lettre (Mariama Bâ), La carte d'identité (Jean-Marie Adiaffi), Bleu-Blanc- Rouge (Alain Mabanckou), Moi, Tituba sorcière... Noire de Salem (Maryse Condé); plays such as Monsieur Thôgô Gnini (Bernard Dadié) and La tragédie du Roi Christophe; and poems such as "Femme noire" and "Congo" (Léopold Sédar Senghor). Films studied include Moolaadé (Ousmane Sembène), Kéita ! L'héritage du griot (Dani Kouyaté), Yeelen (Souleymane Cissé), Rue Case-Nègres (Euzhan Palcy). Conducted in French.
Format: discussion/seminar. Grades are based on participation, one oral presentation, two short papers (3-4 pages) and one final paper (6-8 pages).
Prerequisites: RLFR 105, or results of the Williams College Placement Exam, or permission of instructor. Enrollment limit: 20 (expected: 20).