Senegal, the Land of TERANGA (Hospitality)
Unlike most countries in Africa, where political transition is often achieved through military coups, in Senegal, a vocal youth movement called Y EN A MARRE [FED UP], uses the power of Hip Hop, within the framework of a solid and dynamic civil society, to protect democratic transition. Senegal owes this exemplary approach to democracy to a number of factors that will be examined during the field trip: Senegal’s long apprenticeship of the “Republican” model inherited from the French Revolution and the humanistic leadership fostered by its first President, the poet and philosopher Leopold Sédar Senghor, who eloquently celebrated the rich traditions of his people (the oral epics and songs of different ethnic groups, a harmonious coexistence between traditional spirituality and imported religions) while promoting modern party politics and creative expressions. This process culminated in the establishment of a multiparty political system in 1980 and a free and vibrant expressive culture (written and oral literature, world-renowned cinema, traditional and modern music, plastic arts, and more).
The two-week field trip will provide ample opportunities to meet and discuss with writers like Cheikh Hamidou Kane, Aminata Sow Fall, and Boubacar Boris Diop. We will meet with artists and musicians, leaders of the various faiths practiced in the country, and leading experts on the challenges of nation-building, both in Dakar, the capital city, and in Saint-Louis, Senegal’s former capital. Saint-Louis is one of the country’s World Heritage sites and the location from which France conducted its expansion into territories such as Mauritania, the French Sudan (Mali) and Upper Volta (Burkina Faso) in the late 19th century.
One French course beyond French 204 or instructor permission.
12 Credits
Fall Term 2018, FREN 308: France and the African Imagination (6 credits)
This course will look at the presence of France and its capital Paris in the imaginary landscape of a number of prominent African writers, filmmakers and musicians such as Bernard Dadié (Côte d’ Ivoire), Ousmane Sembène (Senegal), Calixthe Beyala (Cameroun), Alain Mabanckou (Congo-Brazzaville), Salif Keïta (Mali) and others. The history of Franco-African relations will be used as a background for our analysis of these works. (LA, IS)
Instructor: Chérif Keita
Winter Term 2019, FREN 246: Contemporary Senegal (6 credits)
This course will be a critical examination of the Francophone label within the context of literature, education, history and daily life in Senegal. During the December break field trip, students will visit significant cultural sites in Dakar and Saint Louis and meet with writers, artists, and other major thought leaders. During the winter term portion of the course, students will complete an independent project based on their experience in Senegal.
Instructor: Chérif Keita
Language of Instruction
French
Chérif Keita, William H. Laird Professor of French and the Liberal Arts
Chérif Keïta (Ph.D., University of Georgia) teaches Francophone literature of Africa and the Caribbean, as well as advanced languages courses. A native of Mali, he has published books and articles on both social and literary problems in contemporary Africa. His special interests include the novel and social evolution in Mali, oral tradition, and the relationship between music, literature and culture in Africa. He is also a documentary filmmaker. Professor Keïta is excited to introduce students to the rich cultural diversity of Senegal.
Guesthouses, small hotels, and possibly a short homestay.
We will meet leaders of various faiths practiced in the country, writers, artists, and musicians, and leading experts on the challenges of nation-building, both in Dakar, the capital city, and in Saint-Louis, Senegal’s former capital. Saint-Louis is one of the country’s World Heritage sites and the location from which France conducted its expansion into territories such as Mauritania, the French Sudan (Mali), and Upper Volta (Burkina Faso) in the late 19th century.
Program will take place during the first part of December. Specific dates will be communicated to program participants.
All Carleton-sponsored winter break programs cover the costs of instruction, lodging, some meals, group excursions, public transportation, medical and evacuation insurance, travel assistance, and most cultural events.
Students are responsible for passports and visas (when required), books and supplies, transportation to and from the program sites, and personal expenses during the program. Students will receive a program-specific Additional Cost Estimate at the time of acceptance.
Financial assistance is available. See the Off-Campus Studies website for further information on billing, financial aid, and scholarships.