Netherlands Institute Morocco
Minor Culture and Society in Morocco
During the autumn semester (September–December), NIMAR offers an English taught minor that focuses on the study of Morocco from both a social sciences and humanities perspective. The semester teaches ethnographic research skills in a Moroccan setting.
In addition, the semester provides an in-depth introduction to Moroccan society for students who wish to develop their expertise in contemporary Middle Eastern or North African societies.
Programme
During the Culture and Society in Morocco programme, students acquire skills and practical experience in conducting ethnographic research within the Moroccan context. An important component of this is the field research project, in which students carry out their own research in a Moroccan setting during the final five weeks of the semester. Through excursions and guest lectures, students also gain substantial insight into Moroccan society and culture. In addition, students have the opportunity to develop their language proficiency in Moroccan Arabic or French.
Lectures by Moroccan and foreign academics in disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, history, and political science. Topics include urbanisation, gender, Islam, migration and social movements; Including series of on-site visits. Excursions to various sites of cultural interest and social organisations in the surroundings of Rabat-Casablanca, and a five-day fieldwork trip to a rural area.
Familiarises students with different research methods such as (participant) observation, interviews, and working with focus groups. Weekly practical assignments for observations and interviews serve as preparations for the students’ own research projects; Including “ Research Design”, which helps students to formulate step by step their own research projects.
Moroccan Arabic or French classes with a focus on conversational skills, but also covering grammar and vocabulary.
An independent field research project during the last part of the term. Under supervision of a lecturer students do research and report on their research in a research paper. They may do this individually, or in small groups of two or three students.
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 Tanger -
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: September – December (submission of research report in January)
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.
More information on how to register for a minor.
For enrolment or further information about the study programmes contact: nimar-stuco@hum.leidenuniv.nl.