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Haifa Courses – 2024 Fall

Studying abroad can be a more meaningful and invigorating learning experience than at home—both inside and outside of the classroom. You may be more curious and alert than you usually are so use this heightened energy to enhance your studies as well as your cultural and geographical explorations. You may also encounter different teaching styles and course processes; be prepared to adapt and to learn.

If you have questions about academics or courses available for this program, contact the Israel Program Advisor for more information.

Academics

USAC's partnership with the University of Haifa provides you with an array of academic offerings taught in English. You are required to take 12-18 credits per semester; however, the normal course load for international students is between 15-16 credits. Courses believed to be of most interest to USAC students are included below as a sample of what the university offers. Courses are subject to availability and approval of prerequisites which are determined by the University of Haifa.

Areas of Study at University of Haifa (subject to change)

Anthropology/Archeology

  • Intercultural Encounters: Through an Anthropological Lens
  • The Department of Maritime Civilizations
  • The Palestinian-Arab Citizens of Israel: Politics, Society, and Culture

Contemporary Israel and Middle East Studies

  • Arab-Israeli Relations
  • Parallel Narratives: Israel and Palestine Stories
  • Political Economy of the Middle East
  • Terrorism and Response

English Language and Literature

  • 18th and 19th Century British Literature
  • Arab-American Literature: Origins and Now
  • Folk Literature
  • Introduction to Poetry and Drama
  • Parallel Narratives: Israel and Palestine Stories
  • Shakespeare in Love

Fine Arts* (portfolio required)

  • Ceramics
  • Drawing
  • Lithography
  • Painting
  • Print-making
  • Sculpture

Hebrew and Arabic Languages

  • Beginning through Advanced

History

  • The Arab-Israeli Conflict
  • Women in the Arab World: Beyond Stereotypes
  • Literature of the Shoah

Political Science

  • Contemporary Arab Thought and Culture
  • Refugee's Mental Health: Global and Local Perspectives

Psychology

  • Mentored Independent Research Project
  • The Social Brain: Exploring the Brain Mechanisms Behind Social Interactions & Behavior

Religious Studies

  • Faith, Reason, and Dogma in Jewish Philosophy
  • Kabbalah versus Rationalism in Jewish Thought

*These courses function on a different schedule and students must receive permission to participate prior to the start of the course.

Study Tracks

The University of Haifa gives students the opportunity to register for one of the following study tracks: Arab Culture and Civilization, Peace and Conflict Studies, or Psychology. For the first two study tracks, you must take a minimum of two courses linked to the study track in one semester to be 'officially' registered and for it to appear on your transcript. Students wanting to do the Psychology Track must be majoring in Psychology, have a minimum 3.2 GPA, take one elective linked to the track, and enroll in the Mentored Independent Research Project.

Winter Intensive Ulpan (Spring Semester Early Start)

Language courses in both Hebrew and Arabic will be offered in the Winter Intensive Ulpan (the early start session before Spring Semester).

Internships

The University of Haifa internship program features directed work-study experiences related to your academic or vocational interests; the internships are for academic credit. The program is coordinated by a member of the International School faculty along with on-site supervisors who hold academic or professional credentials. Internships are mostly focused in the areas of social services, health services, and education, but other possibilities may be available.

Placement is not guaranteed by USAC; it will be determined by your application and supporting materials and an interview onsite with the internship sponsor. Upon admission to the International School and receipt of the internship program application, the Internship Coordinator will be in touch with you about possible internship placements. The internship awards 3 credits and requires an additional fee.

Course Descriptions

For detailed information on available courses, check out the University of Haifa International School course catalog.

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