Harvard Summer Program in Jerusalem, Israel
At a Glance
Dates:
June 22–July 27, 2010
Application deadline:
February 5
Cost:
$6,120
Accommodations:
Dorms
Slideshow
Contact
- Jay M. Harris, e-mail
Harvard College students can attend the study abroad fair to learn more about this program.
Jewish history from antiquity to the present
Faculty: Shaye J. D. Cohen and Jay M. Harris
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 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 Macabees to the Mishnah (32528)
Shaye J. D. Cohen.
(4 credits: UN, GR) Limited enrollment
An introduction to the world of ancient Judaism (circa 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 (32548)
Jay M. Harris.
(4 credits: UN, GR) Limited enrollment
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
See Study Abroad Credit Information.
Faculty
Shaye J. D. Cohen, PhD, Nathan Littauer Professor of Hebrew Literature and Philosophy, Harvard University
Jay M. Harris, PhD, Harry Austryn Wolfson Professor of Jewish Studies and Dean of Undergraduate Education, Harvard University
Application
Students must be at least 18 years old, have completed at least 1 year of college or be a first-year student, and be in good academic standing to apply.
The application materials, outlined below, are due February 5:
- A completed online application (available in early December) that includes:
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee
- A supplementary statement describing interest in the program, relevant coursework, and travel experience abroad (previous travel is not a prerequisite)
- Official transcripts (sent directly to the address below; unofficial transcripts are accepted for Harvard College students only)
Transcripts 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 late February or early March.
Cost
The cost of the program is $6,120 and a nonrefundable $50 application fee. This 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)
In addition to the program fee, students are responsible for:
- A health insurance fee ($175; waived if students have US insurance that provides coverage outside the United States)
- Transportation to and from Jerusalem
- The cost of passports and visas (if the latter is needed)
- Any immunizations
Program directors will advise students of likely additional expenses. A sample budget for estimating expenses will be available soon.
How to pay and funding options
See How to Pay for payment deadlines, deposit amounts, and more information including funding options for Harvard College students.
Accommodations
While in Jerusalem, students stay in the 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. See Students with Disabilities for more information.