Language and Culture in Contemporary North Africa

North Africa (Maghreb) is often described as a crossroads of many cultures - Arab, Berber, African, European, and others. Over the course of this semester, we will discuss important issues facing this region, including democratic reform efforts both before and following the Arab spring, Berber language movements and other language debates, colonial and post-colonial struggles, and social and cultural debates surrounding gender and religion. Through readings of key literary, historical, political, and cultural texts, as well as viewing important documentary and fictional film productions, we will examine this fascinating region from multiple vantage points.

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