Focuses upon the relationship between oral and written cultures in Francophone Africa and/or the Caribbean: lyric and narrative poetry, drama and novels; the presence of oral tradition in written forms, narrative techniques borrowed from storytelling tradition, the definition of traditional metaphors and imagery; idealization of lost worlds; the conflict of traditional culture and modernism; the search for political identity and independence.

In this seminar we will explore the relationship among national belonging, religion and sacrifice. In his essay, “Pro Patria Mori”, Ernest Kantorowicz asks a fundamental question about the nature of individuals’ sacrifice for their homeland : Should death for the homeland be understood in a religious perspective, as the gift of the self for the mystical body of the state? Such an interrogation links patriotism to sacrifice. The relationship between sacrifice and the religious realm is extremely significant in our contemporary moment and deserves to be interrogated from new perspectives. This seminar will analyze the transformations that have affected the Muslim world and more specifically the Maghreb and Algeria, in its relation to death, war, violence and sacrifice. What are the various interpretations of this new configuration of religion sacrifice and death? To which extent does it participate to a new religious paradigm? What is the ideological status of the figure of the Martyr? What kind of transformations took place in the concept of nationalism since the years of liberation and nation building, in the Maghreb? Literary readings include texts by Assia Djebar (L’amour, la fantasia, La Femme sans sépulture, Le Blanc de l’Algérie), Kateb Yacine (Nedjma, Le cadavre encerclé) and by Tahar Djaout: (Le dernier été de la raison.) Theoretical essays will help us situate our directing theme. They include excerpts from Freud, Walter Benjamin, Judith Butler, Talal Asad and Veena Das. The course is taught in French, discussions can be held in English, as most theoretical and literary readings are available in English.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.