Embedded Files
IDH 4200 Course Overview: Exploring Al-Andalus
This course explores the rich historical and cultural history of Al-Andalus, uncovering how shared heritage shaped the Maghreb region and continues to inspire cultural preservation and coexistence today. Students examined the profound impact of Moroccan and Andalusian interactions on a variety of topics including but not limited to language, religion, architecture, music, and literature. Throughout the course, students engaged in discussions, readings, and creative projects that investigated the ongoing revival of Andalusian heritage through a variety of topics. The course also explored the historical migrations and exchanges of communities across the Mediterranean, analyzing how periods of both harmony and crisis shaped cultural identities and local traditions. The course emphasized the study of artistic, literary, and scholarly contributions from Al-Andalus, as well as contemporary efforts to preserve and revive this rich cultural legacy. By the end of the course, students have gained a comprehensive understanding of the interconnectedness of geography and culture while also reflecting on how lessons from Al-Andalus contunues to inform modern perspectives on multicultural coexistence and heritage preservation.
About our Instructor
Raja Benchekroun is the Founder and Director of Arabic Khatawaat and a Language and Culture Instructor at the University of South Florida Honors College, where she integrates Arabic language learning with cultural immersion and experiential education. An active Fulbright Alumna and member of the Moroccan Youth Council for Diplomatic and International Cooperation, she brings extensive experience in higher education, international education, and virtual exchange, designing innovative curricula, study abroad programs, and professional development training for diverse learners. She holds master’s degrees in Communication Studies and Business Leadership and in Liberal Arts with an interdisciplinary focus, with additional graduate work in Instructional Technology and teacher training. Through her work with the U.S. Department of State’s NSLI-Y Programs and her volunteer efforts supporting refugee and multicultural communities, she is committed to advancing global understanding, inclusive education, and transformative learning experiences.
Hands-On Activities That Shaped Our Learning Journey
I Notice, I Wonder, It Reminds Me Of...
Our class stepped outside to explore the USF campus, paying attention to textures, colors, and sounds we often miss. We walked through different areas, took photos, and recorded what we noticed and wondered along the way.
Women of Al-Andalusia
This page describes the significant role Andalusian women played in shaping education, scholarship, and cultural life in the Islamic world. It traces how their efforts strengthened libraries, expanded access to learning, and helped preserve important texts that later shaped global intellectual history.
Documentaries
This page highlights the documentaries we viewed to deepen our understanding of Al-Andalus architecture. Each film provided visual context for the materials, techniques, and cultural influences that shaped the region’s architectural legacy.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse