International Programs / Study Abroad

Morocco

Summer Intensive Arabic Language Program 

DePaul offers a summer intensive language program for students interested in learning Arabic at the cultural and geographical connection point between two continents. Students partake in intensive language study in the centuries-old city of Fez, Morocco at the Arabic Language Institute in Fez (ALIF).  The program begins with some pre-trip course meetings during Spring Quarter for a course on Moroccan society and culture taught by a DePaul faculty member.

 

COURSES     

  Students on the Morocco program will study either Modern Standard Arabic and/or Moroccan Arabic intensively for six weeks.  For their coursework at ALIF, students will be registered and recieve credit for three Arabic language classes at DePaul.  Class size is kept low in order to allow for more individualized attention and increased opportunities for participation and practice in the classroom.  Classes are based on language proficiencies and often include experiential learning opportunities and assignments outside of the classroom. Students with no previous Arabic experience must have successfully completed at least one course related to the society, culture or history of North Africa or the Middle East with a grade of B or above.

ANT 240/GEO 233: Morocco’s Cities—reading Islamic, colonial and transnational patterns in urban form:
This course combines the perspectives of Geography and Anthropology in an investigation of Morocco’s cities. The course explores the genesis, form, functions, and social-cultural forces that shaped Morocco’s cities and the lives of their inhabitants. Topics covered in the course may include the relationship between religion and urban form in the emergence of "Islamic Cities"; French colonial urban planning in Morocco; the emergence of new transnational spaces through migration and globalization; the gendered use of public spaces; and the tension between urban conservation and economic development. Students will complete the reading and preliminary research for their final paper during the Spring Quarter prior to travel, attend weekly guest lectures or excursions on-site in Morocco and complete their final paper before the start of Autumn Quarter. This course is co-taught by Dr. Sharon Nagy (Anthropology) and Dr. Alex Papadopoulos (Geography).

Students may enroll in this course either as ANT 240 fulfilling a Self, Society and Modern World requirement OR as GEO 233 fulfilling an Understanding the Past Requirement.

In addition, students take a 4 credt course during the Spring Quarter in preparation for the travel. This course is taught by a DePaul faculty member in his/her field of expertise.

In 2011, the Spring Quarter course will be The Dynamics of the Moroccan Diaspora (PSC 395) taught by Dr. Christina Rivers (Political Science).

ARB101 Basic Arabic I

ARB102 Basic Arabic II

ARB103 Basic Arabic III

ARB104 Intermediate Arabic I

ARB105 Intermediate Arabic II

ARB106 Intermediate Arabic III

ARB198 Arabic Language Study

ARB201 Advanced Arabic I

ARB202 Advanced Arabic II

ARB203 Advanced Arabic III

ARB298 Arabic Language Study

ARB398 Advanced Arabic Language Study I

ARB398 Advanced Arabic Language Study II

ARB398 Advanced Arabic Language Study III

ARB398 Advanced Arabic Language Study IV

Circumstances, such as an unexpected event abroad or a curriculum change at a host institution, may require DePaul University to make changes to the program. DePaul University reserves the right to cancel or alter programs and courses without notice.

 

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

In Morocco, students will be housed with families either in the Medina of Fez or the Ville Nouvelle. This allows them to practice Arabic learned in class and to gain a unique insight into Moroccan culture and lifestyle. Participants are provided with three meals a day. 

EXPENSES

In addition to DePaul tuition for 16 credits, costs include a specific program fee. For updated information on specific program expenses, click here:

Cost Information

The program fee covers housing, three meals per day while in the home-stay, study abroad health insurance, wireless access at ALIF, cell phone rental and excursions to Meknes and Rabat.

For Morocco, students must plan their budgets to cover airfare, passport and visa fees, local transportation, supplies, books, cell phone usage and personal expenses.

DePaul University reserves the right to adjust program fees. Program fees are based on actual costs of the prior year and projections for the current year. Inflation and fluctuating exchange rates make it impossible to state a fixed cost.

APPLICATION

There are no language prerequisites to participate in this program. However, students must have at least a 2.5 GPA. To apply to this program, students must submit:

• A complete DePaul Study Abroad Program application form

• Two (2) academic recommendation forms from faculty familiar with your academic work.

• An official copy of your transcripts. At DePaul, these may be requested on Campus Connect in the Students section under Request Official Transcripts.

DePaul University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion sex or handicap in admissions, employment or the provision of services. Inquiries regarding this policy should be addressed to the Director of Human Resources, 1 E. Jackson Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60604.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 15

Download Application