The Emergence of the Modern State of Israel

This course explores the emergence of Zionism and the Israeli state from the late nineteenth century until today by looking at some of the foundational movements and moments in Israeli history. Themes you’ll explore include the attempt to create a secular Jewish identity in the form of the New Jew/Sabra, expressions of alienation and discrimination, the perceived ethnic gap, and religious-secular tensions in Israeli society, and Jewish-Arab tensions. In addition, you will learn about the evolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict and its impact upon Israeli society. The course will conclude with an examination of the so-called judicial upheaval and the latest round of confrontation in the region.

Your learning will begin with an examination of the Zionist idea within the context of late nineteenth-century Europe. Together, we will explore how competing visions of the Jewish state responded to the realities following the First World War. We will then turn our attention to the internal and external dilemmas that have faced the Israeli state, with the aim of discussing issues from its founding through the recent war in Gaza.

Structure

This course meets Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays for three hours per day. Extended tours meet on Sundays.

Check out the summer course schedule below.

Course Components

• Lectures and class discussions
• Three short essays
• Film screenings
• Site visits to Tel Aviv, Mount Herzl, Haredi neighborhoods in Jerusalem, and Ma’aleh Film School

View the syllabus.

See July Session summer schedule below.

You’ll be invited to participate in a wide array of trips, tours, and activities offered by the Office of Student Life. From a tour of the Old City to a trip to the Dead Sea to checking out the local festivals, you’ll build your own unique impressions and memories of Jerusalem and Israel. While residing in HebrewU dormitories with other international and Israeli students, you’ll have a chance to form new friendships and get involved in campus life. A team of multilingual Israeli students, called madrichim, is also there to help you adjust to your new surroundings and give you tips on things to do. Learn more about student life at HebrewU.

Apply by: April 15, 2025
Arrive on campus: June 30, 2025
Program length: Four weeks

For payment deadlines, see here.

Application fee: US$ 120
Tuition: US$ 2,200
Housing: US$ 850*

* depending on availability

Learn more about fees, cost of living, and paying for the program.

Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships based on demonstrated need or merit are available.

Students who complete their application to this program by February 16, 2025 and who also complete payment by March 16, 2025, will be eligible for a 10% early bird discount on the program tuition. In the event that a student applies for more than one summer course, the 10% early bird discount will be applied to one of the summer.

This course is open to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as to mature learners with an academic background. You must be currently registered at or have been accepted to a recognized college or university or have successfully completed at least one year of study at an accredited institution of higher education. English-language fluency is also required.