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Rabat
Morocco, officially the Kingdom of Morocco, boasts an impressive
coastline that stretches for many miles along the Atlantic Ocean, past the
Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean Sea. Slightly larger than the state
of California, Morocco’s landscape is rather diverse. The Mediterranean climate
makes land near the coastline ideal for farming and agriculture, while the
southeast part of the country is in the Sahara Desert. The impressive Atlas
Mountains run the length of Morocco, dividing these two landscapes with their
towering 13,000-foot peaks. The people of Morocco are even more diverse than the
terrain. People have come to Morocco from the East, South, and North, and today
a top priority is to preserve the country’s cultural heritage. This diversity
translates into many facets of Moroccan culture including literature,
multilingualism, music, cuisine, art, architecture, and religion. Morocco has
been very successful at combining its Berber, Jewish, and Arabic traditions with
French and Spanish lifestyles, making this kingdom a veritable cultural melting
pot.
The School for International
Training’s Morocco: Culture and Society program is based in the capital city of
Rabat, located on the coast of the Atlantic at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg.
Students on this program study Arabic and have many opportunities outside the
classroom to practice their language skills, such as during lectures and field
visits, and with their host family. Students also gain a deep appreciation of
Morocco’s rich and rapidly changing society as they study subjects of a wide
range including musical traditions, Moroccan folklore, political challenges,
Morocco-U.S. relations, human rights, the role of Islam, Moroccan Judaism, and
Moroccan feminism.Dates: Fall semester:
early September to mid-December
Spring semester: early February to mid-May.
Fields of Study: Arabic language, Moroccan culture
and society, history, politics, religion, gender issues.
Eligibility: Candidates are required to have
completed a college course with Middle East North African content.
Number of Students: Approximately 3 Pomona
students; total program enrollment 25 per semester.
Academic Program: The program begins with a one-week
orientation at the Center for Cross Cultural Learning located in Rabat’s Old
City. After the initial orientation, the following components of the academic
program begin: Arabic Intensive Language Study (1.5 Pomona credits); Culture and
Society Seminar (1 Pomona credit); Field Study Seminar (0.5 Pomona credits); and
an Independent Study Project (1 Pomona credit).
The program also includes educational
excursions to the imperial cities of Fès, Meknès, and Marrakech, as well as the
desert area of Zagora. The program also visits universities and non-governmental
organizations throughout the country.
There is no P/NC option on this program.
Living Arrangements: Students will
live in a homestay in Rabat for eight weeks and will spend one week in a
homestay in a rural village. Other accommodations during the program include
hostels and small hotels.
Faculty Liaison: Ken Wolf
Internet Link:
http://www.worldlearning.org/ssa_mor.htm
Weather and Time in Rabat
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