France and Africa: The Politics and Culture of (Post-)Coloniality

Catalog description

Examination of the Franco-African relationship over time, from the four 'communes' in Senegal to the present, through a political but also broader cultural lens. France's colonial doctrine and practices, African resistance and collaboration, 'la francophonie' and the postcolonial 'Françafrique' are analyzed as well as collective imaginaries on either side and how they shaped each other in literature, film, the social sciences or everyday life. The course is taught in English but a preceptorial class in French is offered in addition so that students can meet the requirement for their major or minor in French. Newcomers to Africa are welcome.