19114 - Cajuns and Créoles: An Introduction to Francophone Louisiana

Course Overview

Just a few generations ago, the majority of Louisianans spoke French. In recent years, that has rapidly declined. The Cajun and Creole dialects of French and many of their traditions have become endangered despite thriving culinary and musical movements. We’ll explore the cultural heritage of French-speaking Louisiana. First you'll start with the history and legends of the French colonial presence in Louisiana that included the exiled Acadians—Cajuns—from Nova Scotia in the mid-18th Century. Then you'll continue with the new American state that featured a unique mélange of French, Native American, African, and Spanish traditions. Finally, you'll look at Louisiana today and how the school system, demographics, popular culture, and the economy have accelerated the decline of French.

Additional Information

 

For Live Online sections of this class, your participation with camera and audio are required.