French-language African literature in translation
FREN 26618 / FREN 36618, Tu/Th: 3:30-4:50, Autumn 2019
Instructor: Fidèle Mpiranya (fmpiranya@uchicago.edu)
This course presents an overview of African literature of French expression, focusing on both the text and the context; in particular, on how the African traditions and/or the socio-cultural environment influence the literary creation. It reviews major trends of this literature, from the pre-World War II assimilationist period to the contemporary creations in Africa and France. Additionally, individual creations representative of different periods are reviewed in detail in class or for a final paper produced by the students. The course is abundantly illustrated with videos of authors and performers presenting different works, as well as videos presenting the cultural / social background of the latter.
In the end, the students will be able to characterize the different trends of African literature of French expression and illustrate them with specific works. Reference texts discussed in class are available in library in electronic version or as book chapter copies.
This is a general introduction course given in English, with no specific prerequisites. Students seeking credit for the French major or minor will need to complete readings as well as written work in French.
African Languages
LING 28370 / LING 38370, Tu/Th: 3:30-4:50, Spring 2020
Instructor: Fidèle Mpiranya (fmpiranya@uchicago.edu)
One third of world languages are spoken in Africa, making it an interesting site for studying linguistic diversity and language evolution. This course presents the classification of different African language families and explains their historical development and interactions. It also presents the most characteristic features of African languages, focusing on those that are common in Africa but uncommon among other world languages. Additionally, the course addresses the issue of language dynamics in relation to socioeconomic development in Africa. Using living audio and written material, students will familiarize themselves with at least one language of their choice. This is a general introduction course with no specific prerequisites.