Chérif Keïta

Chérif Keïta is the William H. Laird Professor of French and the Liberal Arts at Carleton College. He specializes in Francophone literature of Africa and the Caribbean, alongside advanced language courses. Born in Mali, his research spans social and literary challenges in contemporary Africa, focusing on the novel and social change in Mali, oral traditions, and intersections of traditional/modern music, literature, and culture in Africa.

Education

• MA, PhD from the University of Georgia

Research Interests

• Francophone African and Caribbean literature
• Impact of literature on social change in Mali
• Role of oral tradition in preserving cultural heritage
• Interdisciplinary connections between music, literature, and African cultural identity

Media Contributions

• Documentary filmmaker with a trilogy on founding figures of South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC)
• Published works on Malian social and literary issues
• Interviews and radio documentaries on the Sunjata Epic (2014), the Malian crisis (2012), and Nokutela Mdima Dube’s legacy (2013–2015)
• Featured in BBC, PRI’s The World, SABC radio, and publications like The Star (South Africa) and Africa is a Country

Teaching

• Current courses include Intermediate French (FREN 103), Francophone Cinema (FREN 236), and Francophone Literature of Africa and the Caribbean (FREN 245)
• Office: Language & Dining Center 357, Phone: 507-222-4433