Israel and Serbia: Archaeology and Anthropology

Summer Session — 2012

Experience the past and present of a region steeped in religious tradition and cultural diversity. This program is offered in three distinctive two- to three-week modules, each with a unique focus and approach to hands-on learning. Please see the module descriptions below for specific information on themes, courses and program dates.

Open to all undergraduate and graduates students, all majors

Module I: Archaeology of Israel in Israel

Explore the past and present of Israel through tours to archaeological sites and museums, guided by Professor Arthur Bankoff, chair of the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology. This course examines the archaeology of Israel in the context of the Near East, covering the Paleolithic through the Ottoman period of history. Students will live in guest houses while traveling, and in Hebrew University dormitories while in Jerusalem.

Open to undergraduate and graduate students, all majors.

Program Dates

June 5–19

Program Fee

$2,895 (including tuition round-trip airfare between New York and Israel, housing, meals, excursions)

Courses and Credits

ANTH 2408 — Archaeology in Biblical Lands (three credits)

Module II: Comparative Studies in Culture and Transformation

This course examines the multiple dimensions of contemporary Israeli society and culture, placing Israel in a comparative global perspective. Using conceptual and analytical tools of anthropology, students will explore the implications of immigration, diversity, political systems, religion, Zionism, the Jewish diaspora, Arab-Israel conflict, the kibbutz and global culture on modern Israel. The course is led by Professor Mervin Verbit. Guest speakers will bring different points of view to bear on the class topics. Students will live in guest houses while traveling, and in Hebrew University dormitories while in Jerusalem.

Open to undergraduate and graduate students, all majors.

Program Dates

June 19–July 5

Program Fee

$1,345 (if you are already in Israel; includes tuition for three credits, housing and meals)
$2,895 (if you are arriving from the United States; includes round-trip airfare between New York and Israel, tuition for three credits, housing and meals)

Courses and Credits

CORC 3208 — Comparative Studies in Cultures and Transformation (three credits)
ANTH 3530 — The Middle East and North Africa (three credits; students who do not need a Core course may register for this concurrent course)

Module III: The Jadar Project: Archaeological Dig in Serbia

This module moves to Serbia for three weeks of archaeology and geology. Join Professor Arthur Bankoff, chair of the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, and a team of archaeologists and geologists from the United States and Serbia on a dig in northwest Serbia. This hands-on archaeological field school will survey Bronze Age sites, instructing students in GIS, surveying and the exploration of life 3,500 years ago, and includes weekend excursions to various scenic and historical sites. Students will be housed in a modern hotel close to the excavation site. Trips are taken to important sites, museums and tourist attractions. No prior experience is required. This program is available to both undergraduate and graduate students.

Open to undergraduate and graduate students, all majors.

Program Dates

July 5–27

Program Fee

$1,695 (if you are coming from Israel; includes tuition for three credits, housing and meals) + $300 Israel–Serbia airfare*
$2,895 (if you are arriving from the United States; includes round-trip airfare between New York and Serbia, tuition for three credits, housing and meals)

Courses and Credits

ANTH 3015 — Summer Anthropology Abroad (three credits)
ANTH 3470 — Summer Archaeological Field School (six credits)

General Information for All Modules

Program Fee

Students may participate in one (see fees, above) or a combination of modules to study between three and 12 credits (fees vary between $4,240 and $5,980).

Program fee includes round-trip airfare*, housing, meals, local transportation, health insurance.

Estimated Additional Fee

Airfare from Israel to Serbia: $300*

* Students who are already in Israel and plan to participate in Module III will incur this one-time expense.
** Round-trip airfare from New York to Israel or Serbia is estimated at $1,500 and will be a one-time expense for students participating in more than one module.

Financial Aid / Scholarships

SASA (contact the Student Activities Center, 718.951.5712); STOCS (available only to students participating in at least two modules); student financial aid package (visit the Financial Aid Office, 308 West Quad Center)

How to Apply

Complete and submit the Notification of Study Abroad /Brooklyn College Study Abroad application (pdf) and submit it via e-mail to the International Education and Global Engagement program or in person at the IEGE office, 1108 Boylan Hall.
Contact Professor Arthur Bankoff for the preliminary and full application.