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Keywords

liberal arts education, democracy, Amazigh community, cultural representation, Morocco, critical multicultural curriculum

Special Issue

Winter 2025: Higher Education in Gulf Region

Abstract

This study investigates the role of liberal arts and sciences (LAS) education in fostering democratization through the representation of Morocco’s Amazigh community. Drawing on interviews and focus groups with Amazigh students at Al Akhawayn University (AUI), the research employs a qualitative framework to explore themes of linguistic identity, curriculum inclusivity, and institutional support. Findings reveal gaps in cultural representation despite AUI’s commitment to global citizenship, highlighting the need for representative curriculum, cultural programming, and faculty representing that community. The study contributes to comparative higher education by underscoring LAS institutions’ potential to advance democracy through equitable representation of marginalized groups. Recommendations include integrating Amazigh language courses, amplifying cultural events, and addressing systemic barriers to inclusion.

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