MA in Middle Eastern studies at The University of Haifa

 

The University of Haifa offers an international MA program in Middle Eastern and Islamic studies. This program is targeted at international students and is studied in English. The program’s focus is enhancing the understanding of political, cultural and ideological aspects of life in the Middle East.

 

Students combine academic courses with hands on experience in organizations and get a well-rounded picture of the studied issues.

 

The tools gained during the international MA in Middle Eastern studies can assist graduates to broaden their research skills and develop careers in governmental organizations, NGOs, the security industry and other social and political paths.

 

 

Courses in this program allow students to learn important aspects of the culture and society of the Middle East and focus on the modern period.

 

The courses encompass various disciplines including politics, sociology, religion, economics, history and culture. They use this knowledge to analyze past and present events in the Middle East and deepen their knowledge of the different communities in the north of Israel.

 

In addition, they take part in internships on institutions and organizations in relevant topics in the north of Israel and gain hands on experience.

 

 

This is a one-year program. Students may choose between a thesis track and a non-thesis track.

 

Students take part in courses and dedicate the first hours of the day to language studies in Hebrew or Arabic.

The international program is comprised of three semesters. The fall semester contains 5 basic courses - 12 weekly semestrial study hours, among them a practicum class and field trips. In the spring semester students take part in 4 mandatory courses, including seminars and field trips. The final semester (summer semester) focuses mainly on preparation to the final exam and finishing written assignments.

 

The international MA program includes several field trips. Students visit main cultural and historical sites via a guided tour and participate in lectures by local leadership and discussions with community members. Through these excursions they can get a better understanding of historical matters as well as present challenges in these communities.

 

 

Among the courses in this program:

 

Iran in the Middle East

Arab - Jewish relations

Israel’s peripheral groups

 

Civil society organizations

History and society in Syria

Minorities in the Galilee region

The Arab world and Islamic fundamentalism

 

 

The head of this program, Dr. Ido Shahar, is a anthropologist and historian who’s research focuses on legal aspects in Muslim society and the Palestinian society. In addition, he specializes in the social history of the Middle East.

 

 

Admission requirements to this program include:

 

BA in Middle Eastern studies or other subjects in the humanities - diploma and transcript

GPA of 2.6 and above (76%)

TOEFL exam scores - those without a degree studied in English may be required to take an English proficiency exam. The required TOEFL scores are 570 for the paper exam, 230 for the computerized test or 89 for the internet-based test

 

Candidates whose undergraduate degree was not in Middle Eastern studies will be required to study in 2 online courses before the end of the 1st semester -

 

Modern Middle East

Introduction to Islam

 

 

Graduates receive a master’s degree (MA) in Middle eastern and Islamic studies from The University of Haifa, faculty of humanities.