Human Rights in Maghrebi Lit

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

In an era where human rights activism is considered the domain of political protest, journalism and social media, what role does literature play? Through the novels that we read and through class discussions, students will discover the historical and cultural contexts that have made certain human rights issues particularly controversial in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Issues discussed will include: language rights as an aspect of human rights, the freedom to practice religion, laws against torture and inhumane treatment in prison, the equality of men and women before the law, and the right to work and to social protections while unemployed. Throughout the semester, we will discuss the contribution of literature to raising awareness and imagining change. Readings will include: Ahmed Marzouki Tazmamart, cellule 10 Maissa Bey Surtout ne te retourne pas Abdellah Taïa L’armée du salut Mohamed Nedali Triste jeunesse Tahar Ben Jelloun Par le feu And others Prerequisites: FREN 151 and 1 course between FREN 161-262, or FREN 250/FREN 251, or instructor's permission