Morocco & al-Andalus (Spain)
Berber Culture: Ancient, Medieval, Modern
HIST 483-50
13 – 28 May 2012
Applications Ready: Applications are now available either through Dr. Isaac (Ruffner 226A) or in the swivel racks outside the Study Abroad offices (2nd floor, Barlow Building). Please note that the application has an essay component. This can be a standard style, double-spaced essay. Also: the application comes with two recommendation forms. In addition, applicants will also need to fill out and sign the Health Report & Release, plus the full Conditions of Participation form. Applications are due to Dr. Isaac by 14 November 2011.
Financial Deadlines: Payments must be made out to Longwood University and deposited with the cashiering office. At the moment, the overall fee (not counting the tuition for HIST 483!!) appears to be floating at $3600, but we're still working to bring it down where we can.
Proposed Schedule
| Dates | Locations | Sites of Interest / Topics du jour |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2012 | Longwood | Assigned readings, films, and preparations for a bit of cultural immersion/shock |
| 13 May | Depart Washington area airport | |
| 14 May | Arrive Casablanca; visit, then Marrakesh by evening | Visit to Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca; Overnight in traditional riad |
| 15 May | Marrakesh | Guided visit through medinah (Saadian tombs, Bahia Palace, Ali ben Youssef Qur‘anic School, souks, gardens) |
| 16 May | Marrakesh | High Atlas Mtns (lunch & visit with Berber family); Tin Mal Mosque; Night back in Marrakesh |
| 17 May | Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzatate – Skoura | “Hollywood of Morocco”; Overnight stay in centuries-old casbah |
| 18 May | Tinjedad – Sahara Desert | Berber Museum in Tinjedad; Camel Trek; Overnight in the desert |
| 19 May | Khamlia–Ziz Valley Oasis–Errachidia | Gnawa Music in freed slave village; lunch with local family |
| 20 May | Midelt–Ifrane | Dinner with family and traditional music (Ahidouss local band) |
| 21 May | Ifrane–Fez | Light hike through cedar forest; visit to local women’s co-operative |
| 22 May | Fez | Guided visit through medinah (9000 streets and alleyways...famed tanneries & more); lunchtime Arabic calligraphy workshop! |
| 23 May | Moulay Idriss – Volubilis – Chefchaouen | Tomb of Idriss; Ancient Roman capital’s ruins |
| 24 May | Chefchaouen | Lunch in village; Artisanal pottery workshop |
| 25 May | Ferry: Tangiers to Algeciras | |
| 26 May | Cordoba | Visit to the ruins of the old Muslim city; the Cathedral-Mosque |
| 27 May | Alhambra – Malaga | Palaces of Emperor Charles V and the last Muslim rulers in Spain |
| 28 May | Depart Malaga for USA | |
| 8 June | Final Paper Due |
U.S. Consulate in Casablanca (Info for U.S. Citizens)