Recent years have witnessed an unprecedented growth of scholarly interest in Israeli history, politics, society and culture. The program is designed for students who wish to deepen their understanding of the Israeli experience from a wide perspective, and see it against the larger backdrop of twentieth century Jewish history, and Middle Eastern politics and society.
Taught in English over three semesters, the MA Program in Israel Studies will examine Israeli society from a variety of perspectives, including aliyah and migration, economics, politics, culture and religion, and the ties between Israel and Jewish communities abroad. The multidisciplinary curriculum will include courses in history, international relations, sociology, political science and religious studies, in addition to weekly meetings with representatives from different sectors of Israeli society.
Courses will be subdivided into the following three academic categories:
• History of Zionism and the State of Israel, 1881-1967
• Jewish Diasporas in the 20th Century: A Transnational Perspective
• Contemporary Israel: Sociology, Minorities, Law and Culture
The field campus is one of the highlights of the program at the University of Haifa. Students, together with academic program staff, will spend three days and two nights in one of the country's historically rich regions. Possible locations include the Lower and Upper Galilee, the Negev, Jordan Valley, Beit She'an Valley, Jerusalem and its surroundings. Students will be able to explore the areas' complexities in the past and present, and meet public figures and Israeli citizens with the aim to develop dialogue and familiarity with Israeli society.
Both a thesis and non-thesis track will be offered.
Substantial scholarships are available -- for additional information please contact infograd@univ.haifa.ac.il.
