The Maghreb in Global History

Course Objective

At the end of the course students can:

Understand key political, social and cultural debates and analytical concepts in the history and anthropology of the Maghreb.

Interpret and assess a selection of (translated) primary sources (e.g. archival sources, ethnographies, oral traditions and oral histories, documentary films) relevant to the course topics.

Reflect on key (sensitive) scholarly debates regarding migration, gender, colonialism, nationalism, and religion in the Maghreb and take up an informed position on them.

Course Content

This course introduces students to key debates in the history and anthropology of the Maghreb (with emphasis on Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia), while continuously connecting the region to world history at large. The course reflects on the history of both disciplines in the region and offers critical insights into the construction of historical and ethnographic knowledge. It provides insight into political, social, and cultural issues that have caught the attention of historians and anthropologists, such as Islam and religious minorities, gender, colonialism and the colonial legacy, nationalism, language and ethnicity, migration and development, and revolts and revolutions.

Additional Information Teaching Methods

Lectures and seminars, 4 contact hours in total per week. Students should come to class prepared to actively discuss the readings.

Method of Assessment

Class participation

Written exam