This class on the francophone/multilingual West African country of Senegal, taught by Iwani, will be offered twice this summer:

• Option 1 will take place on Mondays at 5:00PM at the New Orleans Center for Francophone Cultures (602 Toulouse St. in the French Quarter), spanning from Monday July 6 until Monday August 24

• Option 2 will take place on Tuesdays at 4:00PM at the L’Union Française building (4522 Prytania Street, uptown), spanning from Tuesday July 7 until Tuesday August 25

This thematic French course offers an in-depth and engaging introduction to Senegal, a key country in West Africa and a central voice in the Francophone world. Through a cultural, historical, and linguistic lens, participants will explore Senegal as it was shaped over time, as it is lived today, and as it is expressed in French. The course is open to all levels of French (B1 to C2). Content, vocabulary, and oral interaction are adapted to each participant’s level, allowing beginners and advanced learners to benefit equally while sharing a common cultural framework.

The student will receive an accessible and dynamic approach around: authentic materials (maps, images, audio excerpts, testimonies), guided discussions and structured exchanges, a clear thematic progression throughout the semester. No specific background knowledge is required beyond a curiosity for Francophone cultures. 

This class requires a minimum B1 level as the class is mainly in French.

Topics covered during the semester

History of Senegal: From pre-colonial kingdoms to independence

Geography: Regions, climate, the Senegal River, Dakar

Languages: French, Wolof, and other national languages

Culture and society: Family structures, traditions, social values

Music and arts: Mbalax and contemporary cultural figures

Gastronomy: Iconic dishes and food culture

Economy and modern society

Senegal and the Francophone world: The role and varieties of French

Course objectives

By the end of the semester, participants will: expand their cultural and social vocabulary in French; improve listening comprehension through authentic content; gain greater confidence speaking French, regardless of level; develop a well-rounded and nuanced understanding of Senegal, beyond stereotypes.

This course is ideal for: students who want to practice French in a cultural context; learners interested in African and Francophone cultures; professionals and students seeking broader global perspectives; anyone wishing to combine language learning with cultural discovery.