The French-speaking countries of the African continent provide focused study for FRLA 8290. Against the backdrop of the legacy of colonialism, this course will investigate compelling contemporary issues, conflicts, challenges and opportunities relevant to countries in four regions: North Africa, Central Africa, West Africa and East Africa. These regional investigations will comprise four units of study. Sample topics of consideration for each region may include: re-source development and environmental impacts, human rights, public health, climate change, the role of NGOs and civil society, identity concerns (ethnic, religious, cultural, gender), food securi-ty, refugees and immigration, education, trade, micro enterprise and other current issues.

In each region, we will examine the most relevant issues along with the respective roles and in-volvement of members of the international community - most specifically the United States, Chi-na and Europe.

Students will choose topics of personal interest/significance as the basis for unit-based independ-ent research, analysis, project work and presentations.

The course will culminate with a collaborative roundtable in which students compare and analyze their findings and contribute to a group audiovisual product.

This course will be conducted entirely in French, and all texts studied will be in French.

Required language proficiency: ACTFL Intermediate High

Reading: No textbook is assigned. All materials are prepared by Professor, and in consultation with students.