Frequently Asked Questions


General Questions:

Q: What can I learn from the Summer Institute?

A: After the Summer Institute for Israel Studies, which includes a two-week seminar at Brandeis University and a one-week study tour in Israel, you will be able to create and teach courses in Israel Studies at your home institution. During the Brandeis residency, you will attend seminars given by distinguished Israel Studies scholars, in disciplines such as Israeli history, politics, sociology, literature, cinema, music, and more. You will discuss foundational and current Israel Studies scholarship, and learn about debates within the field. In Israel, you will meet with scholars, government officials, writers, artists, public intellectuals, and community leaders. You will visit cultural and historical sites, and you will have the opportunity to contextualize what you heard in the Brandeis portion of the Institute.

Q: Are there additional Seminars and opportunities to learn about Israel Studies after the Institute is done?

A: The Schusterman Center regularly hosts seminars specifically designed for Fellows. Additionally, Fellows are welcome at all programs at Brandeis during the academic year. Fellows also have access to all of Brandeis’ online library resources at any time.

Q: Do I need to speak Hebrew to participate in the Institute at Brandeis or in Israel?

A: No. Most Fellows do not have any Hebrew language background, though some have been functional or fluent in the Hebrew language. Hebrew language proficiency is not required.

Applying to the Summer Institute:

Q: How do I apply to be an Institute Fellow?

A: All of the application requirements can be found here. Your first step will be to fill out an application cover sheet. You will also need to provide a current CV, a personal statement explaining your background and interest in Israel Studies, your plans for introducing an Israel Studies course at your home institution, and whaat you expect from your participation in the Institute. You will also need two letters of support. One should be from your department chair or a senior administrator stating your home institution’s interest in developing a new course in Israel Studies.


Q: When is the application due?

A: The application is due February 1, 2008.


Q: When will I be notified if I am accepted?

A: You will be notified by March 14, 2008.

Other Summer Institute Fellows:

Q: Where do other Fellows come from?

A: Fellows come from colleges and universities across the United States and the world. Click here for a complete listing of Fellows’ home institutions.


Q: Which disciplines do Fellows come from?

A: Fellows come come from all disciplines in the humanities and social sciences, including history, political science, geography, film studies, literature, Bible studies, economics, sociology, anthropology, Middle Eastern Studies, international relations, and other disciplines.