Morocco - A Nearby Faraway Place IP
Fall (3 to 6.5 hours) | Registration opens 8/13/2026 12:00 AM EDT
This registration page is for the in-person option for this course.
The course begins with early Morocco, focusing on the Amazigh (Berber) peoples and the country’s role as a crossroads of civilizations. It then explores the arrival of Islam and the rise of early dynasties, including the influence of leaders such as Idris I and the growth of cities like Fez. Learners will also consider Morocco’s golden age, when powerful empires and trade networks connected the region to Africa and Europe. The second session shifts to modern Morocco, covering the impact of European colonial rule and the path to independence under Mohammed V. It also examines political development under Hassan II and Mohammed VI, as well as current social and economic trends. Participants will gain an understanding of Morocco today, including life in cities such as Casablanca and Rabat, alongside ongoing challenges and opportunities. The course encourages discussion and reflection, helping learners connect historical developments with present-day realities.
This course will combine lecture with class discussions.
Susan Brink
Susan Brink has traveled throughout the US, Southern Africa, MENA, and Europe. North Africa, with its melding of the ancient and contemporary, is one of her great travel interests. Her company, Genuine Morocco, was founded on the principle that traveling in a new culture is best when the classic monuments are melded with contemporary culture and experiences. Based in Norwich, Vermont, she brings a passion for cultural understanding and firsthand insight into the complex nature of both Moroccan history and contemporary culture.