FR3591: COLONIALISM TO INDEPENDENCE: THE AFRICAN NOVEL IN FRENCH A (2015-2016)

Course Aims

The course aims to introduce students to the literature of Francophone Africa from the colonial period to independence and its aftermath.

Main Learning Outcomes

Like all Level-3 French options courses, this course has the following generic learning outcomes: students will apply critical reading skills to various forms of literary and non-literary French; they will select, evaluate and organize primary and secondary material, they will articulate their views in speech and writing using the appropriate discourse for the subject; they will acquire the habits of autonomous learning.

In addition, the course has the following subject-specific learning outcomes :  students will interpret key texts in Francophone literature with respect to their social, historical and political context. They will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the colonial experience in Africa, the struggle for and aftermath of independence from the former colonial power; they will discuss and analyse texts by drawing on appropriate postcolonial theory.

Content

This course will introduce students to the literature of Francophone Africa from the colonial period, the struggle for independence from the former colonial power and the aftermath of independence. After some general historical and social background, texts by individual authors will be studied, and there will be discussion of the general issues arising out of the texts taken separately, as well as the interrelation between them. The main themes will be: literature as historical document; the colonial experience; education and identity; alienation; irony and gender issues.

The course may NOT be included as part of a graduating curriculum with FR4591 Colonialism to Independence:  The African Novel in French B. It will be available in 2015/16 and in alternate sessions thereafter.

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

View FR3591 Timetable

More Information about Week Numbers

1st Attempt

In-course assessment: one written assignment 2000-2500 words (100%).

Resit

One 2-hour written examination.

N/A

The assignment receives a CGS mark which the Departmental Handbook links to specific marking criteria, and written or verbal feedback in the form of tutors' comments is also given.  Additional informal feedback on performance and tutorial participation is offered in tutorials.  Tutors have office hours at which further feedback may be sought.

None.