Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia: The Voices of Women in Literature, Cinema and Other Arts since Independence
The 2017 NEH Summer Institute Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia: The Voices of Women in Literature, Cinema and Other Arts since Independence will be held at Oregon State University from June 26 to July 14, 2017. Because to date no comprehensive assessment has been attempted of post-colonial Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia from the perspective of the region’s cultural artistic vitality, the intent of this institute is to shed light on the significance of North African artistic expressions today. Expressions in the literary, visual and musical arts with origins in Berber, Arabic and European idioms; expressions that have adapted to modernity, postcolonialism, the reality of globalism and advances of social media. The institute will bring together leading scholars in North African studies and twenty-five college and university teachers wishing to expand their coursework or research on contemporary North Africa.
Two previous NEH Summer Institutes serve as foundations for this NEH event. The first in 2007, Berber North Africa: The Hidden Mediterranean Culture, shed light on the significance of pre-Arabic Berber culture in North African society today. Inspired by the first, the second institute in 2014, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia: Guiding Themes in Literature, Cinema and Other Arts since Independence, expanded the field of view beyond Berber culture to encompass the importance of artistic expressions across the Maghreb over the last six decades. Both institutes exposed a recurring question that the present proposal seeks to examine: why have North African women rarely been given the right to be heard since Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia gained national independence? This question, in its broadest dimensions, opens gateways to a number of disciplinary responses in the humanities.
Project Description
Two previous NEH Summer Institutes serve as foundations for this proposal. The first in 2007, Berber North Africa: The Hidden Mediterranean Culture, shed light on the significance of pre-Arabic Berber culture in North African society today. Inspired by the first, the second institute in 2014, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia: Guiding Themes in Literature, Cinema and Other Arts since Independence, expanded the field of view beyond Berber culture to encompass the importance of artistic expressions across the Maghreb over the last six decades. Both institutes exposed a recurring question that the present proposal seeks to examine: why have North African women rarely been given the right to be heard since Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia gained national independence? This question, in its broadest dimensions, opens gateways to a number of disciplinary responses in the humanities.
We will meet five days per week, from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, except for Week Two (four days because of the 4th of July holiday which falls on Tuesday). Typically, morning segments will open with a short lecture by guest speakers which will elucidate the weekly themes with reference to the assigned readings. The lecture will then be followed by general discussion so that participants can ask individual questions about the themes or the readings. The second part of the morning will consist of group activities designed by visiting scholars. Afternoons and some evenings will be left free for study and additional meetings with guest scholars to discuss curriculum development and research projects. On some evenings guest scholars will give short keynote addresses on aspects related to the Institute’s themes. In preparation for the unit on cinema, there will be screenings, in a couple of evenings, of acclaimed films from the Maghreb.
Participants will be sent several of the assigned readings prior to their arrival in order to prepare for the institute.
Eligiblilty
These projects are designed primarily for teachers of American undergraduate students. Qualified independent scholars and those employed by museums, libraries, historical societies, and other organizations may be eligible to compete provided they can effectively advance the teaching and research goals of the seminar or institute. Applicants must be United States citizens, residents of U.S. jurisdictions, or foreign nationals who have been residing in the United States or its territories for at least the three years immediately preceding the application deadline. Foreign nationals teaching abroad at non-U.S. chartered institutions are not eligible to apply.
An applicant need not have an advanced degree in order to qualify. Adjunct and part-time lecturers are eligible to apply. Individuals may not apply to study with a director of an NEH Summer Seminar or Institute who is a current colleague or a family member. Individuals must not apply to seminars directed by scholars with whom they have studied. Institute selection committees are advised that only under the most compelling and exceptional circumstances may an individual participate in an institute with a director or a lead faculty member who has guided that individual’s research or in whose previous institute or seminar he or she has participated.
How to Apply
Specific information on the institute’s eligibility guidelines and application procedures can be downloaded from "Further official information" link below this announcement. The deadline for submitting the completed application is March 1, 2017. We will notify participants by March 31, 2017. Twenty-five applicants will be selected, with consideration given to balance academic disciplines, geographical regions and types of home institution. The application must include three copies each of the completed NEH cover sheet, an application essay and a vita (not to exceed five pages), along with contact information for two professional references. The most important part of the application is the essay. In four double spaced pages or less it should contain relevant academic and personal information; reasons for applying to the North Africa Institute; professional and intellectual interest in the topic; qualifications to do the work of the institute and contribute to it; teaching and research expectations resulting from the institute; and the relation of the study to teaching.
The completed application should be postmarked March 1, 2017 and be addressed to:
Joseph Krause and Nabil Boudraa, Co-Directors
NEH 2017 Summer Institute— Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia: The Voices of Women in Literature, Cinema and Other Arts since Independence
Department of World Languages and Cultures
210 Kidder Hall
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon 97331
Tel. (541) 737-3938
e-mail: jkrause@oregonstate.edu; abil.boudraa@oregonstate.edu
For more information click "Further official information" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
http://liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/centers-and-initiatives/neh-summer-institute-2017