MSU Jewish Studies at Hebrew University in Jerusalem

Summer 2008 closed

June 26 – July 30, 2008

Sponsored by Jewish Studies and the College of Arts & Letters, James Madison College, and the College of Social Science; in cooperation with the Rothberg International School at Hebrew University; arranged through the Office of Study Abroad ( OSA). The Hebrew University and the Rothberg School are “open to all persons without distinction of race, sex, religion, political opinion, or national or social origin.”

What's this program about?

MSU’s Israel Studies Summer Program at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem enables students to earn eight credits in the arts and humanities or social sciences while living and studying in Israel. The program is designed for students interested in learning first-hand about the history, society, and culture(s) of Israel through the Rothberg School’s new Israel Studies Institute. The Program offers opportunities for students to earn credits applicable to courses in three sponsoring MSU colleges. Students at other colleges and universities are also welcome to apply through MSU for credits to be transferred to their home institutions.

Where does it take place?

Academic courses and housing are at the Mt. Scopus campus of the Hebrew University, one of Israel’s leading universities and a research institution renowned world-wide. Courses are in English and are held at the Rothberg International School within a new, modern and air conditioned facility. Students on the MSU program will live in the Hebrew University dormitories along with Rothberg School students from several continents and Israelis who will be attending the summer session at Hebrew University.

What can I study?

The Program consists of two required 4-credit courses. Students must enroll in both courses, for a total of 8 credits:

SPIS201 The Emergence of the Modern State of Israel

(Dr. David Mendelsson) 4 cr.

This course surveys ideological, political and social developments in the Jewish community in Palestine/Israel from the origins of the Zionist movement to the contemporary State of Israel. Topics include the evolution of the Zionist idea, the notion of the New Jew, political developments in the pre-State period; the struggle for the state; social, ethnic and religious issues; and the Arab-Israel conflict. The influence of these issues on Israeli collective identity are examined. Classes include formal lectures, discussions based on assigned readings, and on-site visits. S, M, W, Th, 9:30-12:15 am; T half or full day excursions. (Counts as IAH 211D Area Studies and Multicultural Civilizations: The Middle East—Focus on Israel, or as MC 290: The Making of Modern Israel.)

The Land of Israel in Historical Context: Jerusalem

(Professor Marc Bernstein) 4 cr.

In this course, we will be taking full advantage of our presence in Jerusalem to delve into the city’s rich past, exploring the present, and looking to possible futures while analyzing some of the major events in its history, the place of Jerusalem in the imagination, and its significance over the millennia as a source for tremendous cultural innovation and as a bitterly contested locus of contention. We will look at attempts by successive settlers and conquerors to destroy or, alternatively, co-opt and adapt the symbols and structures of the preceding civilization, and the ways in which both physical and intellectual and ideological elements managed to survive. Central to our considerations will be the notion of constructed and collective memory and the role of sacred space and the competition over it. A critical component of the course will be field trips to diverse archaeological and cultural treasures close at hand. S, M, W, Th, 2:30-5:15 pm. (Counts as ISS 330B: Asia: Social Science Perspectives, or MC 390: Special Topics—Israeli Society and Culture)

Extracurricular activities

Activities outside the classroom are an integral part of the program. The courses themselves will include considerable on-site learning, with regular excursions on Tuesdays. The program will also have its own activities, including guided trips to the Old City of Jerusalem and to Caesaria/Tel Aviv/Jaffa, trips to selected cultural events, and a final program dinner. The Hebrew University campus itself is a short taxi ride from the heart of Jerusalem. Students will have opportunities to meet other students from around the world as well as from Israel at Rothberg lectures, events, and activities. At all times, students will adhere to security guidelines designed to maintain their safety. Failure to do so may result in dismissal from the program by the program leader.

What are the requirements?

Students must be of at least sophomore status and in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 2.5 at the time of application. Meeting this minimum grade point average does not, however, guarantee admission.

Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.

Where will I live?

Students on the MSU program live in the Hebrew U. dormitories with Rothberg School students from several continents along with Israelis attending the summer session. The Hebrew U. is a short taxi ride from the heart of Jerusalem, a meeting place of three civilizations. All Israeli Studies Insitute excursions on Tuesdays are arranged by the Rothberg School and undertaken in Hebrew University buses. Bruce Magid, Director of the MSU Security and Risk Committee, visited Hebrew University in June 2005, toured with the director of security, and recommended that MSU resume sponsorship of the program. Provost Kim Wilcox approved renewal, citing the “decrease in security incidents in Israel and the increased security measures at our program locations.” The program was cancelled midway in summer 2007 due to the Israel-Hezbollah war in Lebanon, ran successfully in 2007, and is reapproved for 2008.

Who can tell me more about this program?

Professor Marc Bernstein
Program Director
A-602 Wells Hall
(517) 432-6209
msb@msu.edu

Kenneth Waltzer
Director, Jewish Studies Program
301 Linton Hall
Phone: (517) 432-3493
E-mail: waltzer@msu.edu

Do I need a passport or visa?

A valid passport is required for entry into Israel. U.S. citizens do not need a visa.

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport both to enter other countries and to return to the United States. If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date. If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of twelve weeks is usually required for processing. During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required. Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, county/municipal offices and some post offices. They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit http://studyabroad.msu.edu/passports.html

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose. The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early. It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.

For more information about visas visit http://studyabroad.msu.edu/visas.html

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations or medications for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program’s itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

For further health information & recommendations visit http://studyabroad.msu.edu/health.html

How much does it cost?

The program fee is $2,313 and includes the following:

Amounts not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include:

E-mail access is available in two computer rooms at the Rothberg School, free of charge, and nearby cafes and some dorms have wireless connections.

The program fee includes required accident and sickness insurance through HTH Worldwide Insurance Services. This policy provides for supplementary health insurance; assistance in locating the nearest, most appropriate medical care; and medically necessary evacuation. Also included is required health insurance through Hebrew University, operated by the Me’uhedet Fund. This local insurance entitles students to treatment at the Student Health clinic in the dormitory complex on Mount Scopus as well as hospitalization at the nearby Hadassah Hospital, across from the dorms. A health card distributed by Rothberg must be picked up by students and presented for services.

Students may request a cost sheet which estimates these additional expenses not included in the program fee by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

Approximately two months before the program’s departure date, students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee. Students will also be e-billed for tuition and fees, based on the number of credits taken, once they have enrolled in courses. (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)

*Check http://www.ctlr.msu.edu/studrec/ for current tuition, fees and taxes. MSU students pay the same amount they would pay to study at MSU; non-MSU students pay the Lifelong Education rate, regardless of state of residence.

Program fees, dates, and arrangements may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU’s Office of Financial Aid.

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing. This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the program, including airfare.

If you are a non-MSU student, please request financial aid from your home university. If your university is unable to award you financial aid, contact the MSU Office of Study Abroad to apply for loans only and you will be provided with instructions on how to proceed.

For further information about financial aid visit http://studyabroad.msu.edu/finaid/index.html

Additionally, MSU students applying to any credit-bearing study abroad program are eligible for OSA scholarships. Some scholarships are based exclusively on academic performance; others are based on a combination of academic performance and financial need. Requirements are listed in the scholarship application. The deadline to apply for these scholarships is March 1st for summer, academic year and fall semester programs.

A generous endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, as well as additional resources provided through the Forest Akers Endowment, MSU Alumni Association, the Australia-Pacific Council, Eleanor and Charles Greenleaf Sr., Brigitte and Thomas Huff, the Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Fund, the Kellogg Foundation, Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.

MSU Jewish Studies will work with eligible students to help secure scholarship funding. Jewish Studies administers the Julie and Ed Levy Jr. Student Leadership Scholarships for Study in Israel ($2000 summer scholarships) and the Ed and Dot Slade Israel Study Scholarships ($1500 summer scholarships). It also administers additional funds for Israel scholarships. These scholarships are available to Jewish and non-Jewish students. Application forms and scholarship information are available at www.jsp.msu.edu. Applications are due March 1, 2008.

Is it safe to go?

MSU, the Office for Study Abroad, the Jewish Studies Program, and the Hebrew University take students’ safety extremely seriously. While all study abroad programs, and particularly those undertaken in the Middle East, have inherent risks, it has been determined—after careful study and analysis—that studying in Israel does not pose undue risk. However, all participants will be required to sign a behavior contract regarding safety guidelines. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in immediate removal from the program.

The MSU Jewish Studies program originated during the late 1990s and ran in 1998 and 2000. The program was suspended for several years during the Al-Aqsa uprising, but was renewed upon petition and a site visit during 2005. The program ran in summer 2006, but was cancelled midway due to the war in Lebanon. After review by the MSU Risk and Security Assessment Committee, the Provost approved renewal for 2007, citing the “decrease in security incidents in Israel and the increased security measures at our program locations.” Security on the Hebrew University campus is tight, with entrance through guarded gates and a security perimeter under video surveillance. All excursions are conducted with an armed guard, where needed, and go only to areas deemed safe by the Hebrew University Rothberg International School administration, which is in constant consultation with Israeli security officials. Conditions in Israel will be monitored at all stages of the program preparation and operation. In the unlikely event of a security flare-up MSU will review the situation and facilitate evacuation if necessary.

How do I apply?

You can apply online or download an application form by visiting http://studyabroad.msu.edu/applications/index.html

Applications must be received in the Office of Study Abroad by March 1st for summer programs. We strongly recommend that you apply early as this program may fill to capacity prior to this deadline.

Selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis - that is, applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year. Please remember that applying early and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

A $100 application fee is required. Students will receive an e-bill for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student has accepted admission into the program. Students who have accepted admission may also be billed for a non-refundable and non-transferable $200 deposit, also applied to the cost of the program.

Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.

Acceptance to all programs is based, minimally, on a faculty review of your transcript and a review of the Judicial Affairs Office records (MSU students) or Dean of Students Reference (non-MSU students).

Details about the admissions process, pre-departure information, what to know while you’re abroad, and information about returning home can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook that will be sent to you with your acceptance letter. You can also read the handbook online at http://studyabroad.msu.edu/abcs/index.html.

Program fees, dates, and arrangements may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.

In this program, students accepted must also complete a second set of applications for Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School. These applications are bundled here and the MSU program leader (Professor Marc Bernstein) acts as the admission liaison with the Hebrew University New York Office, sending the applications to the Rothberg International School, and assuring appropriate dorm arrangements on arrival.

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