This course brings together Césaire's poetry and critique of colonial master narratives with African oral culture. Césaire often referred to African culture, but its presence is more symbolic than real in his poetry. In this course, we use Césaire's work both as justification and introduction to African oral law and literature. What is the value of African communal symbolic work in our culture, a culture that was, like us, originally African, but which has been re-created in the image of racial capitalism. Students will be invited to attend exhibits and talks related to the course. They will also be expected to submit a digital portfolio which will include both analytical and creative work.