Carleton Francophone Seminar in Mali
Chérif Keïta, Professor of Francophone Studies & Coordinator of Multicultural Issues for Carleton College is leading the Mali program in the winter of 2000.
Eligibility: Carleton French language requirement or exemption. Prerequisite: French 204 before winter 2000 or permission of instructor before winter 2000.
Description: This program is aimed at introducing students to Mali's rich culture and history and yet it's daily existence as one of the most economically challenged countries of the world.
Location: Located in the center of West Africa, Mali, (formerly called the French Sudan) is dotted with cities such as Segou, Timboctou, Jenne, and Mopti, where the blending of Islam and Black African traditions in the Middle Ages and the rich tradition of cross-cultural exchange have created one of Africa's most inviting and prepossessing cultures. A country of many ethnic groups-such as Bambara, Malinke, Fula, Khassonke, Tuareg, Songhai, Dogon and Senufo-modern Mali was shaped by the rich political and cultural legacy of the Empire of Mali (11th century to the 14th century), the prestige of which is celebrated to this day, through a vibrant tradition of epic songs, narratives, and unique performance and plastic art forms. Emerging in 1960 from many decades of French colonial domination and in 1991 from the stranglehold of one-party politics and military rule, Mali has been experiencing many successes on its road to democracy, with several political parties, a vocal independent press, and free market economy.
Courses of study (18 credits): All courses will be taught in French. The following courses will be required of all the participants:
French 290-17: Directed Reading (2 credits) s/cr/nc Directed reading during the month of December 1999 on Malian history and culture.
French 207-07: French Conversation/Composition (6 credits) Since the official language of Mali is French, this course is aimed at strengthening the ability of the students to discuss, orally and in writing, topics related to life in Mali and in other West African countries. They will read articles from the Malian press and report on radio/TV programs and othe cultural events. Instructors: Faculty from local universities and Malian teaching assistants.
French 250-07: Film. Literature and Society in Mali (6 credits) This course will concentrate on the dynamics of orality, writing, and the art of cinema in Mali. The works of writers such as Amadou Hampaté Bâ, Seydou Badian, Massa Makan diabete, and filmakers such as Souleymane Cisse, Cheick Oumar Sissoko, and Adama Drabo will be studied. This course will also introduce students to the life and work of traditional and modern performers in Mali. Instructor: Professor Chérif Keïta.
French 251-07: Negotiating the Past-The Challenges of Nation-Building in Mali (4 credits) This course will look at various issues in Malian history (ancient and modern) and process of political and economic change. A component of this course will be an introduction to conversational Bambara, the lingua franca of Mali. Instructors: Faculty from local universities.
Excursions and other activities: Upon arival in Bamako, the capital city, the participants will travel by road to a small village for an orientation on life in a Malian family, including some traning in Bambara and in various aspects of Malian social etiquette. The group will then return to the capital city to be placed in host families. Numerous excursions will be organized in Bamako and its surrounding areas, and to other historical sites around Mali: Segou, the capital of the old Bambara kingdom; Mopti, called the "Venice of Mali"; the Dogon country, known as the Cliff-dwellers; and to the medieval city of Timbuctou. A number of non-credit orientation meetings in fall term 1999 at Carleton are considered part of the seminar.
Living arrangements: Students will live with Malian families, with the greatest likelihood of sharing a room with a host brother or sister. They will have breakfast and dinner with their families unless other program commitments intervene.
Expenses: The 1999-2000 Carleton comprehensive fee covers orientation and board, instruction, public transportation in Bamako, group excursions and some cultural events. Students are expected to pay for their own airfare from the US to Bamako (Mali) and for books, as well as personal expenses of individual travel and incidentals. An estimated $400 would be a reasonable amount for personal expenses and the purchase of some local artifacts. Student's financial aid is applicable as on campus. See the Off-campus Studies Planning Guide for more information regarding loans and other subjects related to financial aid.
Click for any further travel advisories or visit the Embassy of the Republic of Mali.
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Nana-Kéiéba, 83 km south of Bamako. |
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A typical market |
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Mali's National monument in Bamako |
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Women playing traditional instruments in the National Art Museum. |
This page was created on 09/11/99 by Marton Sziraczki.
Comments or suggestions? Send mail to Prof. Scott Carpenter.