Francophone African literature is replete with protests. Protests against imperialism, dictatorship, gender inequality, religious and linguistic oppression, and stereotypical representations of the continent. What can these fictional representations of protests teach us about the nature of power and strategies of resistance? How have these texts inspired protests beyond the page and the screen? We will examine these questions through novels, short stories, and film adaptations by Aminata Sow Fall, Véronique Tadjo, Ousmane Sembène, and others.

Class Format:

For Fall 2021: Wednesday will be an “online day” (implementing student-centered activities), and Monday will be an “in-person day” (implementing instructor-centered activities or assessments).