University Open Air: The Poetics of the Atlantic: Water in Some French and Francophone Literature and Films
In Fatou Diome’s The Belly of the Atlantic, we will examine how the artist's craft poetics of the Atlantic to explore themes such as immigration, destruction, and self-discovery. We might draw parallels with literary and visual works featuring water/bodies of water, such as That Time of Year Marie Ndiaye, Atlantics (Mati Diop), Stranger by the Lake (Alain Guiraudie/18+), A Screaming Man (Mahamat Saleh Haroun).
Beauty and Ugliness : A Short Film Project, Part II
As in part I, class participants are encouraged, but not required, to bring materials—postcards, photos, audio, objects, etc.—of beauty that the class can use as an opportunity to talk about perceptions of beauty and ugliness. Feel free to bring different materials for the second session. This section of the class is part of a short film process documenting these discussions about beauty and ugliness. Participation in Part I is not a requirement for participation in Part II.
*For more information or if you have questions, please email Vanessa Baish at vbaish@bklynlibrary.org.
Nadia Bongo is a French language and literature teacher. With a Ph.D. in French Language and Literature from Aix Marseille Université, she taught French Language, Literature, and Research for the French Academy for six years. She feels fortunate to have two passions: teaching and writing. In Spring 2021, Nadia was a Brooklyn Poets fellow and Poet of the Week that Fall. Her work has appeared in the NYPL zine, Newtown Literary, Litro magazine online, and elsewhere.
*In cases of rain, classes will be either moved to the Prospect Park Boathouse or canceled. Registered patrons will be notified by email on the morning of each course day and are also encouraged to check the UOA webpage and BPL Presents’ Facebook and Twitter pages for updates.
University Open Air is generously supported by The Morris & Alma Schapiro Fund.

101 East Drive
Brooklyn, NY 11225