Al Akhawayn University (AUI) is proud to announce the publication of the scholarly article titled "Haram, Harmless, Confirming Islam? Teaching and Learning about New Religious Movements at a Moroccan University." This collaborative work, featured in the Wuhan Journal of Cultic Studies (Volume 2, Issue 2, 2024, pp. 178-206), is co-authored by Dr. Stefano Bigliardi and AUI students Jalal Benyougil, Maha Berrami, Kacem Chawqi, and Aya Touile.
The article offers an (auto-)ethnographic analysis of an undergraduate course on New Religious Movements (NRMs) conducted at AUI during the Fall 2023 semester. The study delves into the dynamics of teaching and learning about NRMs within the Moroccan context, providing valuable insights into students' perceptions and the pedagogical approaches employed. This research contributes significantly to the broader discourse on religious studies and education in diverse cultural settings.
Dr. Bigliardi commended his student co-authors, stating, "Jalal, Maha, Kacem, and Aya are great co-researchers and co-authors." Their collaboration exemplifies AUI's commitment to fostering academic excellence and collaborative research between faculty and students.
This publication underscores AUI's dedication to exploring complex and pertinent topics, reinforcing its role as a leading institution in promoting critical thinking and scholarly inquiry.