Harvard Summer Program in Jerusalem, Israel
This page contains content from the Summer School 2009. For current information, visit the Harvard Summer School website at www.summer.harvard.edu.
Information on the programs being offered summer 2010 will be available online in early September.
Jewish history from antiquity to the present
Faculty: Jay M. Harris
(8 credits: UN, GR) Limited enrollment
Program dates: June 25–July 29
Application deadline: February 27
Cost: $6,120
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:
- An introduction to ancient and modern Jewish history, centered in Jerusalem
- To broaden their perspectives on global politics and the creation of national narratives
- To spend a summer getting to know one of the Middle East’s most beautiful cities
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.
NELC S-162 Study Abroad in Jerusalem: “Israel” and Jewish Identity from Ancient to Modern Times
This course is a study of the history of the term “Israel” and Jewish identity from biblical times through the emergence of Christianity until the rise of modern Jewish nationalism. We examine the dialectical relationship between sacred texts and modern politics and see how each informs the understanding of the other. We take advantage of the setting to visit archaeological and historical sites throughout Israel. Note: this course is an integrated treatment of material previously covered in NELC S-132, S-142, and S-152 and may not be taken for credit by students who have taken those courses.
Course credit
For Harvard College students, this program counts as one full-year course (8 credits) of degree credit and satisfies the Foreign Cultures Core 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
Jay M. Harris, Harry Austryn Wolfson Professor of Jewish Studies and Dean of Undergraduate Education, Harvard University
Application
Students must be at least 18 years old to apply. The application materials, outlined below, are due February 27:
- An application form (applications for this program are no longer being accepted)
- Official transcripts (sent directly from schools to the address below; unofficial copies of transcripts are accepted for Harvard College students only)
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee
- A supplementary statement describing interest in the program, relevant coursework, and travel experience abroad (not a prerequisite)
Applications should be addressed as follows:
Matilda West
Study Abroad Coordinator
Harvard Summer School
51 Brattle Street
Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
Students are notified of admission decisions by mid-March.
Cost
The cost of the program is $6,120, plus a nonrefundable $50 application fee. In addition, students are responsible for a health insurance fee ($165; waived if students have US insurance that provides coverage outside the United States) and their transportation to and from Israel. The cost of the program covers the following:
- Tuition
- Room and some meals
- Access to libraries and computer services at Hebrew University
- Access to Hebrew University Health Services
- Course materials (other than books)
- Excursions (including meals when appropriate)
Program directors will advise students of likely additional expenses.
Payment deadlines
Harvard Summer School online services allows accepted students to make payments or deposits with a valid credit card.
Students can also mail their payment, along with a completed Study Abroad Payment Form (available in Forms), to:
Student Financial Services
Harvard Summer School
51 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
For admitted students, a nonrefundable deposit of $612 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 funding through the Harvard College Office of International Programs (OIP), as well as a variety of centers around campus. All Harvard Summer School study abroad programs qualify for summer funding. Programs of eight weeks or longer in duration (including extensions of Harvard Summer School Programs approved by faculty members) qualify for Rockefeller International Experience Grants; programs of shorter duration qualify for other summer grants.
Students may consult the Funding Sources Database for more information on all sources of funding. Please note that the funding application deadline for summer grants and Rockefeller International Experience Grants is February 27.
To apply for any study abroad funding, students need to provide information about the program’s budget, submit an application through the Common Application for Research and Travel (CARAT), as well as supplementary documents to the relevant center, if necessary. Additional information on the funding application process is available through CARAT.
Also see the Harvard College Financial Aid Office summer school page for 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 15. See the Disability Services page for more information about disability services, including request forms and guidelines for documentation.
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.