Children and Civil War in Francophone African Literature
In this course we will study the repercussions of civil war on child soldiers and children as depicted in contemporary Francophone African literatures. How does one become a child soldier and murderer? How do orphans survive war? Authors use literary fiction written from a child’s perspective to reflect upon and to denounce a tragic historical reality as well as to defy censorship. We will analyze their writing strategies and techniques, and assess both the literary and humanistic impact of the novels. Readings will include novels by Ivorian Ahmadou Kourouma, Congolese Emmanuel Dongala, Guinean Tierno Monémembo, and by Djiboutian Abdourahman Waberi. (FREN 0220-0229 or by waiver). 3 hrs. lect./disc.