History and Culture Course IIz/IIIz + p: History and Culture of the Francophone Americas 3304-1DZXW-KHK-29
This course investigates the historical tension between French imperial structures and the hybrid cultures that emerged in the American Continent. Moving beyond a Eurocentric framework, the course centers subaltern perspectives to scrutinize the colonial encounter and its aftermath. Our exploration begins with the era of European colonization, contrasting narratives of "discovery" with the lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples in the Antilles and the Mississippi Valley. A central focus will be placed on the system of slavery which, governed by the Code Noir, transformed these territories into industrialized hubs for sugar and tobacco production. The course analyzes the resulting social transformations through the lenses of linguistic diglossia (French vs. Creole), the exploration of musical genres and the role of Haitian Vodou as a spiritual, revolutionary force.
The course is organized into three distinct geographic and thematic modules:
- The French Caribbean (Martinique, Guadeloupe): an analysis of the transition from colonial status to "Overseas Departments" and the development of major intellectual movements.
- Haiti: an examination of the "Black Republic" as a landmark of decolonization, the enduring economic impact of the "Independence Debt," and the evolution of Haitian artistic expression as a form of cultural sovereignty.
- Louisiana: a study of the "Francophone exception" in North America, tracing the history of Cajuns and the development of unique musical genres such as Zydeco, and contemporary efforts toward linguistic preservation.
The course aims to deconstruct the "Francophone World," presenting it not as a monolithic entity, but as a diverse, polyphonic space where the French language functions as a medium for both oppression and liberation.
Trigger / Content Warning
This course explores complex historical and cultural contexts that inevitably intersect with some of the most violent aspects of the human experience. Readings, visual materials, and discussions for this course will touch heavily upon colonial violence, slavery, and systemic trauma.
With regard to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in classes, the rules set out in Resolution No. 42 of the Teaching Council for the Roman Philology degree programme, dated 15 April 2024, apply.
Resolution: https://romanistyka.wn.uw.edu.pl/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RD_uchwala_42_15-kwietnia-2024_wytyczne_SI_.pdf
Appendix: https://romanistyka.wn.uw.edu.pl/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/RD_uchwala_42_15-kwietnia-2024_wytyczne_SI_ZALACZNIK_1.pdf
Course coordinators
Mode
Learning outcomes
K_W10
The student:
- possesses extensive knowledge of the history and geography of the Francophone world and is able to identify key locations on a world map;
- has a well-organized understanding of the most important historical, political, economic, and cultural processes that shaped the French colonies and the relationships between them and the metropolis;
-understands basic postcolonial and decolonial concepts.
K_U03, K_U04, K_U05
The student:
-is able to identify various types of cultural products (language, art, music) and conduct their critical analysis and interpretation using typical methods;
- is able to read with comprehension, interpret, and analyze selected cultural texts, historical sources, documents, travel accounts, and audiovisual materials;
- is able to independently use a variety of information sources and techniques for searching, selecting, and critically analyzing data necessary for active participation in classes.
K_K01, K_K02, K_K04:
The student:
- recognizes the significance of the history of colonization in the formation of the contemporary, globalized world, with particular emphasis on neocolonial abuses;
- demonstrates sensitivity to the experiences, mentalities, and perspectives of (neo)colonized societies and cultures;
- understands the significance of local artistic, digital, and media production as a tool for social resistance.
Assessment criteria
Assessment methods and criteria:
- participation in discussions
- 2 tests
- oral presentation
- attendance and active participation in class (more than two absences will result in additional questions during the final test)
Detailed requirements for course completion will be presented during the first class.
Teaching methods:
- individual and group work
- guided discussion
- analysis and interpretation of texts, video materials, and songs
Bibliography
Les DROM-COM (Dom-Tom) français: http://www.axl.cefan.ulaval.ca/francophonie/dom-tom.htm
J. Cauna, "Au temps des isles à sucre", Paris, Karthala-ACCT, 1987.
R. Chaudenson, "Les créoles", Paris, PUF, 1995.
J. Girod de Chantrans, "Voyage d'un Suisse dans différentes colonies d'Amérique pendant la dernière guerre ...", Paris, J. Tallandier, 1980.
P. Pluchon, "Les négriers. Le commerce des esclaves africains", Paris, l'école des loisirs, 1981.
L. Sala-Molins, "Le Code Noir", Paris, P.U.F., 1993.
L. Hurbon, "Dieu dans le vaudou haïtien", Paris, Payot, 1972.
A. Valdman, "Le français hors de France", Paris, Champion, 1979.
Audiovisual material (fragments of films, songs, documentaries).
A detailed syllabus and a list of works to be analyzed, including theoretical sources, will be provided during the first class.