JMU Summer in Israel

Summer 2008: July 19 - August 6 (tentative dates)

Program Location

This summer program takes place in Israel, a vibrant, Biblical land and spiritual home of three monotheistic faiths. It is a journey of a lifetime to be in one of the most sacred sites, such as the Wailing Wall (Judaism), the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Christianity) and the Temple Mount (Islam), and to visit Bethlehem, Nazareth, Haifa, and Caesarea. A stop at the waters of the Dead Sea and the Sea of Galillee for a quick dip will help to experience why floating is more fun than swimming. Both seas claim some health benefits as well!

The program is coordinated with the Galillee College (internationally well-known institution for its major role "to build bridges of peace" through its various interuniversity programs), at their study center in Kibbutz Mizra near Nazareth, northern Galilee. The present security situation in Israel is very good, and Kibbutz Mizra is a safe haven.

Academic Program

The purpose of this program is to experience the daily lives of Israelis to gain a deeper understanding of how their socio-religious cultural systems affect their identity. It is a spiritual land for half the world’s population and was the meeting place for conquerors from both East and West. The participants will experience and reflect upon the major events that took place in the land and demonstrate an understanding of broader cultural and historical issues of the past and the present. Students will learn about three patriarchal religions that originated in the Middle East, with particular focus on the Holy Land, Israel. The program is balanced between classroom lectures and field trips by which the significance of the land becomes self-evident in the forming of these traditions. Students will have the opportunity to meet with other international students, local scholars and families, attend cultural programs, and dine out to improve their awareness of Israel’s socio-religious life.

Instructional methods include lectures, guided tours, journal assignment and/or papers.

Tentative course offerings:
A total of six credits counting toward:
GHUM 252 Cross-cultural perspectives - Israel, 3 credits
RELI 300 Middle Eastern Monotheism, 3 credits

Please click here for course syllabi.

Accommodations

Students will reside near the study center on Kibbutz Mizra, a beautiful campus with cottages, conference facilities, computer labs, playgrounds, shops and a large dining hall, serving three meals daily. Group meals will be provided.

Program Costs

For the current projected costs for this program, please click on the following link to the Fees for JMU Study Abroad Programs page.

Application

For more detailed instructions and to download the application, please click on the following link to the Applications and Forms section for JMU Short-Term Programs.

Deadline is extended to January 10, 2008. However, it is recommended that students apply as early as possible.

For More Information

For additional information about the JMU in Israel program, please contact the program director:

Dr. Cherian Pulimootil
Assistant Professor of Religion
Philosophy & Religion Department
Tel: 540-433-2483
E-mail: cheriapp@jmu.edu