Yale Summer Session in Ifrane & Rabat: Society and Politics of North Africa

Description

The Maghrib – Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya – has historically been a critical frontier zone linking Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. This crossroads remains strategically important with issues such as sub-Saharan and North African migration, political Islam, Arab-Berber identities, terrorism and counter-terrorism, the Sahara question, and Mediterranean trade relationships current international concerns. This program provides a thorough overview of North African history, the legacies of colonialism and nationalism, political systems and opposition, Islam in North Africa, and the Maghrib in the 21st century. Participants will also meet with local experts, interact with Moroccan university students, and be able to have a homestay with a Moroccan family. Participants choose to receive credit in either AFST, GLBL, HIST, MMES, or SOCY at the time of application.

The class will meet on Monday - Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and students should expect about 2 hours of work outside the classroom each day. Excursions and other program activities may take place during or outside of class times. (Class times may be subject to change.) 

Budget

Yale Summer Session Programs Abroad updates program budgets in late January. Please note the year listed on the button below.

Summer 2024 Budget

Trips and Activities

Trips and activities are included as examples only. 

Excursions may include trips to the Roman ruins at Volubulis; the walled medinas of Meknes and Fes; the financial and political capitals, Casablanca and Rabat; and a Saharan excursion to the Tafilelt oasis and Merzouga dunes. In collaboration with Journey Beyond Travel, a multi-day trip to oasis city of Marrakesh, the High Atlas Mountains, and the sea-side walled medina of Essaouira is also included.

Housing

Students will stay in university residence halls at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane and a homestay in Rabat through the Center for Cross Cultural Learning (CCCL).

Notes

Participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements and are expected to arrive in Morocco, either to the Rabat, Casablanca, or Fes airports, on the first day of the program, and depart no earlier than the last day of the program (see 'Dates' above); additional information will be provided upon admission.

Questions

For course content questions contact instructor Jonathan Wyrtzen. For general program questions contact the Study Abroad staff.

Important Information Before Applying

• All YSS Programs Abroad are intensive, highly structured academic programs for Yale credit and grades.
• Students may only apply to one YSS Program Abroad per summer.
• Admission is not guaranteed. Applicants should anticipate that more students will apply than there are spots available, and Yale College students should apply to a backup Non-Yale Summer Abroad opportunity.
• Ensure that your transcript reflects how you have met the pre-requisite, if applicable, prior to applying.
• Participants must commit to the full program dates. Late arrivals and early departures are not permitted.
• Participants are required to be enrolled in all program courses.
• Participants should expect evening and weekend requirements. Students who have questions about religious observance during a YSS Program Abroad are encouraged to Meet with an Adviser.
• Program-arranged housing is required for all YSS Programs Abroad. Students are not permitted to secure independent housing. Students who have housing-related questions about placements, allergies, religious observance, or disability-related access are encouraged to Meet with an Adviser.

Apply to a YSS Program Abroad