Morocco: Multiculturalism and Human Rights

"I was drawn to SIT Morocco because of the heavy concentration on language. Today, my Arabic is polished, professional, and competent, which has opened many doors. I’m now considering a research Fulbright in Morocco knowing I could pursue my academic interests with the confidence of being able to communicate well. I LOVED every part of the SIT Morocco program."

-- Asil Yassine, Austin College

Study ethnicity, culture, and political development in Morocco

A worker at the women’s cooperative Marjana squeezes argan oil from the paste

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This program examines human rights, religion, politics, and cultural diversity in Morocco contextualized within the broader region and beyond. A particular focus on gender issues includes looking at women’s roles in contemporary Moroccan society and Moroccan feminism.

Students examine current challenges shaping Morocco and the Arab world: authoritarian rule, democratic transition, economic liberalization, civil society, Islamic movements, and the constitutional reforms following the 2011 Arab Spring.

Lecture topics include:

Interplay between authoritarianism and human rights
Tensions between secular and religious approaches to individual freedoms
Liberal reforms (proposed and enacted) in areas such ethnicity, women’s rights, and state violence

Students acquire an in-depth appreciation of a rich and rapidly changing society. Review program syllabi.

The program’s homestays allow students to share daily life with Moroccans and practice their Arabic language skills. The village stay in the north includes community service and group field assignments.

The program typically visits Midelt, Merzouga Dunes, Ouarzazate, Essaouira, Marrakech, Chefchaouen, Fnideq, and the enclave of Ceuta. Students consider Morocco’s cultural, historical, and ecological diversity and the role Morocco has played—historically and to the present day—in relation to Africa and Europe.

Program lecturers are drawn from Morocco’s leading academic and civil society institutions including:

Mohammed V University
Ibnou Tofail University
Center for Cross Cultural Learning
Consultative Council for Human Rights
Central Entity for the Prevention of Corruption
National Observatory for Human Development
Jewish Museum
League of Muslim Scholars

Visit the faculty page for a complete list of in-country resources and program partners.

Asif Majid (University of Maryland, Baltimore County) studied on the SIT Morocco Human Rights program in spring 2012. He recently published a book entitled This Moroccan Life that was informed by his research and experiences on this program. Learn more.