This hybrid course will introduce students to contemporary women’s writing of French-speaking West Africa. Through the study of a graphic novel about growing up in 1970s Abidjan, a parable woven around the 2013 Ebola outbreak, the story of one woman’s journey to selfhood, and a sharp critique of post-Independence Senegalese society, we will examine some of the diverse issues West African women writers have been grappling with over the last several decades.
While the primary texts were originally published in French, we will be studying them in their English translation. However, students have the option of reading the works in the original French. While not a typical Study Abroad course in African Studies, this year’s iteration will nonetheless include experiential elements such as virtual visits of geographical sites and interaction with individuals “on the ground”.
In addition, at least one of the writers whose work we are studying will join us for a session as a special guest.
In order to register, you will first need to submit a statement of interest that includes your name, program, year of study, any university-level literature courses you have taken, and why you would like to enroll in the course to africanstudies@carleton.ca and Christine.Duff@carleton.ca with the subject “AFRI 3100/5100 statement” by April 1st, 2022.