WMST 406 - Francophone Literature and Films in Translation

(3 units) CO10, CO13

Selected topics in the literatures and films of French-speaking countries other than France. Topics may include race, class, cultural diversity, autonomy, pre/post colonial literary theory. (WLL 406 and WMST 406 are cross-listed; credit may be earned in one of the two.)

Prerequisite(s): General Education courses (CO1-CO3) completed; at least 3 courses from CO4-CO8 completed; Junior or Senior standing.

Grading Basis: Graded
Units of Lecture: 3
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. articulate in writing and verbally the intersections between identity, gender, class and race as portrayed in various Francophone films and literary pieces.
2. demonstrate critical reading skills when interpreting, analyzing, discussing and evaluating a variety of texts, films and popular media originating from all around the Francophone world. Students will pay particular attention to diverse manifestations of social inequities and systematically analyze the dynamic between a specific dominant discourse and the values supported by the behaviors and discourses produced by various characters presented in the movies, novels and other pop culture sources.
3. demonstrate ability to analyze and interpret primary sources in different forms such as Francophone novels, cinema and popular media, including deciphering the ethical principles at work in each work as well as what obstacles such principles encounter.
4. articulate in writing, or if called upon verbally, an understanding of diverse global Francophone identities in comparison to dominant Francocentric cultures within a Eurocentric context. This will be achieved specifically through the study of literature, film, theoretical and academic articles and essays, history and politics.
5. pose and discuss ethical questions relevant to colonization, racial discrimination, homophobia and social injustice through artistic decisions made by authors and film directors.
6. analyze and synthesize through assignments, research papers and class activities an awareness of theories and research relevant to the study of Francophone literature and film with special attention given to identity within an oppressed group, whether related to race, class, gender or culture.

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