Black Studies 371 - Francophone African Cinema

This course will focus on Francophone films from sub-Saharan Africa, spanning classical gems from the mid-twentieth century to contemporary masterpieces depicting the joys and challenges of African life. Francophone African Cinema offers a rich tapestry of themes addressing different periods of African history, its often-fraught relationship with France, as well as its evolving connection to culture, both on the continent and in the diaspora. In addition to film screenings, we will look at texts on African history and film theory.  We will engage with theory from the perspective of African directors who have broken cinematic and aesthetic codes as well as cultural norms, giving voice to those who are often silenced. Some of the themes examined for the course are identity, tradition and modernity, colonialism, post-colonial realities, spirituality, and women’s struggles and triumphs. Films may include classics such as Black Girl by Ousmane Sembene and Touki Bouki by Djibril Diop Mambéty to more contemporary films such as Atlantics by Mati Diop and Felicité by Alain Gomis. There will also be mandatory screening times of films outside of class, approximately three hours per week. This course will be taught in English.

Spring Semester: Professor Brodnicka

How to handle overenrollment: null

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Emphasis on oral presentations, artistic work, and visual analysis.