Netherlands Institute Morocco
Linguistic and Cultural Diversity in Morocco
In the spring semester, NIMAR offers university and university of applied sciences students two English-taught tracks worth 30 ECTS each. In both tracks, the emphasis is on enhancing language and linguistic skills, yet they also provide an in-depth introduction to Moroccan culture and society.
Students may choose a track that focuses on intensive acquisition of Modern Standard Arabic and Moroccan Arabic, or a more research oriented track that combines a stronger emphasis on Moroccan Arabic with ethnographic research and fieldwork.
Programme
The programme provides students with thorough training in Moroccan languages and an understanding of Moroccan culture and society. This semester can serve as a study-abroad semester for various Dutch university or university of applied sciences programmes in the second or third year. Students in the Arabic Language and Culture track markedly improve their proficiency particularly in Modern Standard Arabic, and in Moroccan Arabic. Students in the Modern Middle Eastern Studies track engage more intensively with Moroccan Arabic, in addition to acquiring skills and practical experience in ethnographic research and fieldwork.
Moreover, all students gain substantial understanding of Moroccan society and culture through excursions and guest lectures. Both tracks include an Amazigh Week, during which Amazigh cultures and languages take centre stage. Should there be sufficient interest, NIMAR can also offer French language instruction (intermediate level or higher) in the spring semester. Contact us for more information.
Track I: Arabic Language and Culture
Moroccan Culture and Society (5 EC)
Lectures on various topics by Moroccan experts, covering history, politics, migration, religion, and gender, spanning over a century of Moroccan history.
Excursions (5 EC)
Study trips to cultural and societal sites, including fieldwork in rural Morocco, with reflective reports on assigned readings.
Moroccan Arabic (5 EC)
Intermediate level course focusing on speaking assignments, discussions, and presentations.
Modern Standard Arabic Fiction (5 EC)
Reading short stories in Modern Standard Arabic to familiarize students with Arabic literature and improve reading skills.
Modern Standard Arabic Non-Fiction (5 EC)
Reading various media texts and watching videos in Modern Standard Arabic to improve grammatical knowledge, reading, and listening strategies.
Modern Standard Arabic Writing (5 EC)
Training in writing skills in Modern Standard Arabic, including translation from English to Arabic.
Track II: Modern Middle Eastern Studies
Moroccan Culture and Society (5 EC)
Lectures on various topics by Moroccan experts, covering history, politics, migration, religion, and gender, spanning over a century of Moroccan history.
Excursions (5 EC)
Study trips to cultural and societal sites, including fieldwork in rural Morocco, with reflective reports on assigned readings.
Ethnographic Research (5 EC)
Intensive training in qualitative research methods, including creating a research project and conducting fieldwork, with in-class and written assignments.
Moroccan Arabic or French (10 EC):
Beginner or intermediate level Moroccan Arabic language instruction (with French language instruction being at intermediate or higher), with a focus on conversational skills, but also covering grammar and vocabulary.
Modern Standard Arabic Reading (5 EC)
Taught at beginner's and intermediate levels, focusing on vocabulary expansion, grammar, and overall reading and listening skills improvement.
Prior to the semester students are invited to take a placement test with the relevant language teachers so that the instructional level can be set.
Excursions
Unique to both of NIMAR’s semesters abroad are the numerous excursions to cultural and political organisations, NGOs, archaeological sites, museums and more, as well as the five-day trip to southern Morocco. Students receive guided tours and information from experts, and also have the chance to explore the surroundings and conduct research on their own. These excursions acquaint students with the diverse facets of Moroccan society.
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During an excursion to Salé -
During an excursion to Tangier -
During the 5-day excursion to Skoura -
During the 5-day excursion to Skoura -
During the 5-day excursion to Skoura
More impressions of the excursions and what it is like to study at NIMAR can be found on our social media.
Practical Information
Duration: February – June
Credits: 30 EC
Language of instruction: English
Costs: To cover the costs of excursions, guest lectures and other activities that are part of the study programme, NIMAR charges a one-off fee of €500 at the start of the semester.
For enrolment or further information about the study programmes, contact: nimar-stuco@hum.leidenuniv.nl.