FS24 MW 12:40 – 2:00 p.m., 3 cr

This course offers fresh views of the recent political history of the Arab and Francophone worlds from a subaltern angle. Drs. Valentina Denzel and Sadam Issa guide students through the relationships between the Arab world, the Francosphere –and beyond– by analyzing a variety of cultural artifacts and media, from the 20th century to the present day. Works studied include cartoons, comics, graphic novels and film. The course material is aimed at students with interests in the Arab and Francophone area studies. However, the class will also appeal to students of foreign languages and cultures, political science, history, and gender studies. Moreover, in addition to reflecting on two diverse cultural and linguistic areas, students will delve into intersecting themes and topics, including immigration, discrimination, feminist and LGBTQ causes, body image and dehumanization.

For more information on the course itself, contact Prof. Denzel (vdenzel@msu.edu) or Prof. Issa (sissa@msu.edu). For help enrolling, contact Jennifer Gansler (gansler@msu.edu).