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Harvard Summer Program in Jerusalem, Israel

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Jewish history from antiquity to the present

Faculty: Shaye J. D. Cohen and Jay M. Harris
(8 credits: UN, GR) Limited enrollment

Dates: July 1–30, 2008
Application deadline: April 15
Cost: $6,000

Jerusalem—sacred city and modern metropolis—is one of the world’s most enchanting cities, where one encounters almost simultaneously the ancient, the medieval, and the modern. To experience Jerusalem—central in different ways to Jews, Christians, and Muslims—is to experience history in all its complexity. At the same time, Jerusalem is about more than history and conflict; it is pulsing with all the chaotic vibrancy of a great modern city.

This program is ideal for students who would like

Course of Study

The Harvard Summer Program at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem offers an intensive introduction to both the Jewish world of late antiquity—the period of the emergence of Judaism and Christianity as we know them—and the world of modern Jewish history, especially the chapters dealing with modern Jewish nationalism and the emergence of Israel. Students take the following courses.

NELC S-142 Study Abroad in Jerusalem: From the Maccabees to the Mishnah
Shaye J. D. Cohen
An introduction to the world of ancient Judaism (ca. 200 BCE to 200 CE). Topics include Hellenism and Judaism, the Maccabean revolt, Roman rule, sects (Pharisees, Qumran, early Christians), the destruction of the temple and its consequences, and the emergence of rabbinic Judaism.

Prerequisites: none

NELC S-152 Study Abroad in Jerusalem: Zionism and the Emergence of Modern Israel in Historical Perspective
Jay M. Harris
This course studies the emergence of modern Jewish nationalism and the modern state of Israel. Beginning with a brief overview of Jewish life in Europe—the birthplace of modern Jewish nationalism—the course moves on to the emergence of the Zionist idea(s) and critical chapters in their realization. We take advantage of our situation in Jerusalem to better understand the challenges, successes, and failures of Jewish national hopes and aspirations.

Prerequisites: none

Course Credit

For Harvard College students, these courses count as two half-year courses (4 credits each) of degree credit.

Transfer credit. Harvard Summer School courses and credits are accepted toward degrees at most colleges and universities. Since degree requirements vary among schools, students are advised to obtain transfer credit approval from their home institutions before registering for Harvard Summer School courses.

Faculty

Shaye J. D. Cohen, Nathan Littauer Professor of Hebrew Literature and Philosophy, Harvard University

Jay M. Harris, Harry Austryn Wolfson Professor of Jewish Studies, Harvard University

Application

Students must be at least 18 years old to apply. The application materials, outlined below, are due April 15:

Applications should be addressed as follows:

Nicole García
Office of International Programs
University Hall, Ground Floor South
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA 02138 USA

Students are notified of admission decisions by mid-March.

Cost

The cost of the program is $6,000, plus a nonrefundable $50 application fee. In addition, students are responsible for a health insurance fee (approximately $150; waived if students have US insurance that provides coverage outside the United States) and their transportation to and from Israel. The program fee covers the following:

Payment Deadlines

For admitted students, a nonrefundable deposit of $600 must be received by April 15 to secure a place in the program. Payment in full is due by May 15. A $100 late fee will be charged for payments received after this date.

Funding

Harvard College students are eligible for scholarships through the Harvard Office for International Programs (OIP). Students may consult the OIP website’s money page or contact the OIP for details. To apply for a study abroad scholarship through OIP, you will need to provide information about the program’s budget. Download* the program budget.

The Harvard College Financial Aid Office summer study webpage also provides information about assistance.

Other Harvard students may be eligible for financial assistance through their Harvard financial aid offices. Students enrolled at other institutions should consult their respective financial aid offices.

Accommodations

While in Jerusalem, students stay in the newly opened student village at the Mount Scopus campus of Hebrew University. This is a short bus or cab ride from the city center, with its plethora of restaurants and shops. Students are responsible for providing their own linens.

Additional Information

Contact Jay M. Harris, jharris@fas.harvard.edu.

Students with disabilities should contact the disability services coordinator as soon as possible: (617) 495-0977, (617) 495-9419 (TTY), or disabilities@dcemail.harvard.edu. Request-for-accommodation forms and supporting diagnostic documentation must be submitted by April 25. More information about disability services, including request forms and guidelines for documentation, will be online by early February 2008.

Students applying for admission to Harvard’s study abroad programs should understand that although the University provides reasonable assistance and support to facilitate the participation of qualified students in its programs (including students with disabilities and health impairments), some of our programs are located in parts of the world where accommodations may not be readily available. Students are encouraged to be forthcoming with the disability services coordinator about any specific needs and functional limitations so that the Summer School can collaborate with those students in a way that fosters their safe participation and allows them to fully appreciate any barriers that they may face, depending on the location and rigors of the particular program.

Harvard Summer School is aware of the risks associated with international travel. Should the US Department of State issue a travel warning for any of the countries in which a study abroad program is planned, the program in that country may be canceled.

* Adobe’s free Acrobat Reader is required to view or print PDF forms.