French Francophone Philosoph

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

This course focuses on the dialogues between French and Francophone intellectuals by exploring some of the main philosophical currents, concepts, and texts of French and Francophone 20th century thought. Throughout the semester, students will build a solid background in theoretical analysis as well as a deeper understanding of French and Francophone intellectual history. Among various theories, we will explore the dialogues between Sartre, Césaire, and Fanon; the rereading of Bergson by Senghor; Edouard Glissant’s understanding of Deleuze’s philosophy; and the work of African philosophers such as Achille Mbembe and Souleymane Bachir Diagne. Among the questions that we will ask are: What does existentialist or vitalist philosophy become for African or Caribbean philosophers? Can francophone thinkers rely on French philosophers and theories to free themselves from inherited postcolonial power relationships? What are the epistemological and political implications of thinking in French? How can we understand the discipline of philosophy through the lens of empire as delineated by this linguistic grouping? Throughout the course of the semester, students will continue to develop their abilities to reflect and comment upon theoretical texts and expand upon their writing skills. The course offers two tracks: one in English and one in French. Students who choose the French track will read the material and complete written assignments in French.