About SIIS
At the Summer Institute for Israel Studies, faculty from universities in North America and around the world participate in seminars at Brandeis and in Israel that will help them design courses in Israel Studies for their home universities.
At Brandeis
During the first two weeks, Institute Fellows spend two weeks in residence at Brandeis and participate in seminars taught by distinguished Israel Studies scholars. These seminars focus on Israel’s society, history, politics, economics, culture, foreign affairs, and diplomacy. Fellows will be required to present syllabi for the courses they plan to teach on their home campuses.
In Israel
In Israel, Institute Fellows meet with scholars, government officials, writers, artists, public intellectuals, and Jewish and Arab community leaders. Fellows also visit select historical and cultural sites. Participation in this portion of the Summer Institute is highly recommended but optional. Click here for a list of select Summer Institute Faculty in Israel.
Fellowships
Brandeis University will cover travel expenses, meals, and accommodations at Brandeis and in Israel. Fellows participating in the full course of the Summer Institute will receive a stipend of $2,500. Fellows participating solely in the Brandeis seminar will receive a $1,500 stipend.
Brandeis Israel Studies Resources
We have created a vast online resource center known as Jellyfish which allows our fellows to access SIIS syllabi, journals, articles, archives, websites and more. Institute Fellows can also take advantage of Brandeis University’s library resources, including full use of Brandeis’ electronic databases. Click here to connect to the Brandeis University Library.
The Institute includes Israel Studies Seminars held throughout the year. Fellows from all Summer Institute cohorts are invited attend these Seminars, and participate in an Israel Studies academic community at Brandeis and beyond. This community includes Brandeis permanent and visiting faculty in Israel Studies, Brandeis post-doctoral fellows, and members of Israel Studies centers and associations worldwide.
Institute Fellows’ Academic Homes
Fellows have come from universities in the United States and across the world. Institutions range from small liberal arts colleges, to Jewish and Christian academic institutions, U.S. military academies, large research universities, and the Ivy League. Click here for a complete list of Fellows’ institutions.