The Academic Study Program requires participation in the following:
3 Methodology Courses: Each course surveys the problems and principal
research methods associated with a specific field of study or discipline.

5 Lecture Courses: In these courses specific issues of Hebrew Culture are
examined from different points of view. Experts of different Jewish and
general academic disciplines and of the creative arts will present and
discuss contrasting theories relating to these problems.

4 Semesters of Tutorials: Weekly meetings with a personal tutor for
critical reading of selected texts in Jewish studies, the social sciences
and the humanities. Students will also be required to write essays and
prepare individual research projects.

4 Semesters of Bet Midrash: Study in small groups - havrutot - that
progress at their own pace under the guidance of the Bet Midrash
facilitators. The Bet Midrash method encourages the concept of a studying
community, promotes tolerance and enables students to develop tools of
textual analysis and interpretation.

2 Seminars: Each seminar will deal with a specific question from two
different points of view taking into account a broad view of central
problems and concepts.

2 Courses on 20th Century Philosophers: The courses familiarize students
with the ideas of the most significant Jewish and non-Jewish thinkers of
the 20th century.

1 Writing Workshop: The workshop teaches writing skills and editing of
academic papers.
Alma Colloquium: Once every two weeks students and faculty members
participate in a joint seminar dealing with issues in contemporary Jewish
society. Students are required to prepare papers on relevant research
problems.

Descriptions of courses

The following descriptions of a number of selected courses illustrate the
main thrust of the Academic Study Program. Courses may change annually. A
full updated list for any current year is available on request.

Cultural and Social Studies: a Methodological Introduction
The course discusses the main theories and research methods relating to
20th century study on culture and society - from Weber to Bourdieu.

Identity in Multicultural Society
This course examines conceptual and historical perspectives on identity and
multiculturalism, and their significance to Israeli society.
It includes discussion on Jewish and Palestinian nationality, religion,
sexual identity etc.

Reading the Book of Genesis
Comparison between interpretations of Genesis - a text that is open to
alternative readings by different cultures.

Pluralism in the Middle Ages
The course explores various models of relation towards the religious and
the ethnic "other" in medieval cultures, focusing on philosophical,
theological and legal perspectives.

Inquiry, Truth and Morality
Introduction to a range of philosophical approaches to the concept
"inquiry", and the links between epistemology and ethics.

The Palestinians: History, Society and Culture
A survey of social, cultural and economic developments within Palestinian
society from 1948 to the present. The course analyses the influence of
Israeli occupation on all aspects of Palestinian society.

Revolution and the "New Man": The Zionist and the Russian Revolutions
This course compares the concepts of the 'New Man' as represented in
Israeli society and culture, and the 'New Man' in post-revolutionary
Russian society.

Ghandi and Buber
Mahatma Ghandi's ideas concern the concepts of non-violence and duty to
love "the other". Martin Buber's writings deal with the relationship
between "I and Thou". This course explores the central texts of both
thinkers and the relation between their ideas.

Historiography of Jewish Studies
A study of key chapters in Jewish history from chronological and
methodological perspectives, using Jewish historiography to examine Hebrew
literature.