Week 1: Introduction to the Francophone World
- Topics:
- What is Francophonie?
- Origins, definitions, and history.
- The Francophone system (cultural, linguistic, and political dimensions).
- Objective: Understand the concept of Francophonie and its historical significance.
- Activity: Group discussion on students’ perceptions of the French language globally.
Week 2: West Africa – General Overview
- Topics:
- Geography and history of West Africa.
- Politics and economy.
- Languages and religions.
- Objective: Discover the general characteristics of Francophone West Africa.
- Activity: Map analysis and discussions on linguistic diversity.
Week 3: West African Countries (Part 1)
- Focus Countries:
- Benin: Transportation and the Zémidjans.
- Burkina Faso: Traditional chieftaincies.
- Ivory Coast: Music – zouglou and traditional dances.
- Objective: Identify cultural and economic specificities of each country.
- Activity:
Week 4: West African Countries (Part 2)
- Focus Countries:
- Guinea: Football and cultural beliefs.
- Mali: The griots and oral traditions.
- Niger: Daily life and the camel's cultural importance.
- Objective: Explore unique traditions and social practices.
- Activity:
Week 5: Central Africa
- Topics:
- Geography and history of Central Africa.
- Politics and economy.
- Languages and religions.
- Focus Countries:
- Cameroon: Traditional savings practices.
- Gabon: Traditional medicine and natural remedies.
- Objective: Understand cultural and economic relationships in Central Africa.
- Activity:
Week 6: The Great Lakes Region
- Focus Countries:
- Burundi: Agriculture and rural life.
- Democratic Republic of Congo: The rumba and its cultural significance.
- Rwanda: Local justice systems – the gacaca tribunals.
- Objective: Identify political and cultural realities of the Great Lakes region.
- Activity:
Week 7: The Indian Ocean Region
- Focus Countries:
- Madagascar: Beliefs surrounding death.
- Mauritius: Commerce and economic development.
- Mayotte: Traditional housing and social responsibility.
- Objective: Explore the strategic and cultural importance of Francophone islands.
- Activity:
Week 8: Midterm Examination
- Topics: Cover material from Weeks 1 to 7.
- Format: Written exam (multiple-choice, short answers, and essay questions).
- Objective: Assess students’ understanding of the material covered so far.
Week 9: The Arab World (Part 1)
- Focus Countries:
- Egypt: Cinema – its richness and dynamism.
- Morocco: Traditional medicine and cultural healing practices.
- Objective: Explore Francophone contexts in North Africa and the Middle East.
- Activity:
Week 10: The Arab World (Part 2)
- Focus Countries:
- Tunisia: Women’s role in society and gender equality.
- Mauritania: The traditional fishing lifestyle.
- Objective: Understand key social and cultural dynamics in these regions.
- Activity:
Week 11: The Caribbean
- Focus Countries:
- Guadeloupe: Rum production and its economic impact.
- Martinique: Zouk – an Afro-Caribbean cultural rhythm.
- Haiti: The Haitian diaspora and its cultural influence.
- Objective: Explore the linguistic and cultural diversity of the Caribbean.
- Activity:
Week 12: North America
- Focus Countries:
- Louisiana: Jazz music as a symbol of liberation.
- New Brunswick: Festivities and cultural traditions.
- Quebec: The July 1st “moving day” phenomenon.
- Objective: Understand the specificities of North American Francophonie.
- Activity:
Week 13: Europe
- Focus Countries:
- Belgium: Brussels – the center of Europe.
- Luxembourg: Cross-border work and its economic impact.
- Switzerland: Direct democracy and political traditions.
- Objective: Study the European Francophone diversity.
- Activity:
Week 14: Southeast Asia and the Pacific
- Focus Countries:
- Cambodia: Religion and beliefs.
- French Polynesia: Oral traditions and cultural spirituality.
- New Caledonia: Celebrations and traditional festivals.
- Objective: Explore cultural and historical ties between France and the Asia-Pacific region.
- Activity:
Week 15: Conclusion and Project Presentations
- Topics:
- Course recap and key takeaways.
- Presentations: Students present projects on selected Francophone regions or topics.
- Objective: Synthesize knowledge acquired throughout the semester.
- Activity: Peer review and class discussions on key discoveries.
Week 16: Final Examination
- Topics: Cover material from Weeks 9 to 15.
- Format: Written exam (multiple-choice, short answers, and essays).
- Objective: Assess comprehensive understanding of the entire course.
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