FREN-4309 Survey to Francophone Literature

Introduction to Francophone Literature explores the literary works of French-speaking writers from three parts of the world: the Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, and North Africa (Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia). It also considers the critical, social, and cultural questions posed by a literary tradition that was born in the Colonial and Post-Colonial era. Some questions addressed will be: How do the writings of French-speaking authors from these regions define an independent national identity? How do these texts challenge the values and social norms of Colonial and Post-Colonial society? What relationship exists between these francophone authors and the French "metropole?" What narrative and stylistic innovations do these authors introduce? And, in what way have these new voices succeeded in transforming and enriching contemporary literature? Prerequisite: FREN 3305, 3306 or the equivalent, or consent of instructor.