The M.A . Degree

The objective of MA studies in the Department of Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology at BIU is to enrich students with a comprehensive knowledge of the history and archaeology of Land of Israel, focusing on a particular historical era, and to enable students to critically examine archaeological and historic source material and studies. Additionally, we aim to provide our students with the tools, techniques and methodologies, to enable them to engage in research in their chosen field of specialization.

The Department of Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology offers both MA study tracks with an MA thesis and without as well as a specific course of study designed for tour guides and teachers.  Students specialize either in a historical period or particular topic relevant to the field.  The length of MA studies in our department is one academic years (two days program) or two years (one day program).

 

MA Program

 

Tracks:

There are two tracks in the MA program:

Track a: Studies and dissertation

Track b: Studies only without dissertation. There is a special program for teachers and tour guides in this track.

 

Prerequisites:

  1. BA in Land of Israel studies as a major or expanded topic.
  2. Students with a BA in similar topics as well as a minor in Land of Israel Studies can apply and may be required to take extra courses and field trips.
  3. Average of 80 and above in their BA
  4. Medical authorization that the student can participate in field trips and field research.

 

Track A - with dissertation

Required Courses and Seminars (12 yearly hours as defined below):

4 yearly hours - 2 seminars in the student's area of specialization in the MA

2 yearly hours - courses or seminars in the student's area of specialization in the MA

3 yearly hours - courses or seminars in other periods/topics and departments

1 yearly hour - participation in the department colloquium (required)

2 yearly hours - course on research methods (16-061-01; 16-060-01)

The department chair may, as recommended by the student's advisor, to require the student to take introductory courses in this or other departments - if the student lacks the required background to conduct his research.

 

Additional requirements:

Field trips or field research depending on the topic of research and interests

 

Knowledge of Languages:

  1. English for MA
  2. Additional foreign language, modern or ancient, according to the student's field of study and research requirements.

 

Jewish Studies:

According to the general requirements at BIU for MA students.

 

Instructions for writing the dissertation

See the instructions of the Advanced Students Authority

 

Final Exam:

An oral exam based on the dissertation.

The proposal for the dissertation must be submitted by the end of the 1st year in the program.

 

Track B - without dissertation:

Required Courses and Seminars (20 yearly hours as defined below):

8 yearly hours - various courses, including 2 seminars, in the student's area of specialization in the MA

6 yearly hours - courses or seminars in the student's secondary area of specialization in the MA

5 yearly hours - courses or seminars in other periods/topics and departments

1 yearly hour - participation in the department colloquium (required)

 

Additional requirements:

Field trips

 

Knowledge of Languages:

English for MA. Students of universities and colleges who have completed their English requirements in the BA level with be exempt from studying English

 

Jewish Studies:

According to the general requirements at BIU for MA students

 

Final Exam:

An exam based on the topics studies will be determined in the department.

 

Special Program for Teachers and Tour Guides - Track without a dissertation

 

Prerequisites

BA in Land of Israel Studies or a BA in similar topics, as well as a teaching certificate, with an  average of 76 and above in their BA

 

Required Courses and Seminars

As in track B above but less two hours in lieu of participation in field trips (18 yearly hours):

Studies will be on one or two days a week

The track is recognized by the National Teachers' Association and the Yedah Foundation

 

Track in Conservation Studies and Landscape and Heritage Development

 

A joint MA study program of the Department of Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology and of the Department of Geography and Environment

 

Prerequisites:

  1. BA in Land of Israel studies as a major or expanded topic
  2. Students with a BA in similar topics as well as a minor in Land of Israel Studies can apply and may be required to take extra courses and field trips
  3. Average of 80 and above in their BA
  4. Medical authorization that the student can participate in field trips and field research

 

Track A - with dissertation

Required Courses and Seminars (14 yearly hours as defined below):

4 yearly hours - practical courses

6 yearly hours - optional courses

 

Knowledge of Languages:

English for MA

 

Jewish Studies:

According to the general requirements at BIU for MA students

 

Instructions for writing the dissertation

See the instructions of the Advanced Students Authority

 

Final Exam:

An oral exam based on the dissertation.

The proposal for the dissertation must be submitted by the end of the 1st year in the program.

 

Track B - without dissertation

Required Courses and Seminars (22 yearly hours as defined below):

4 yearly hours - practical courses

6 yearly hours - theoretical courses

12 yearly hours - optional courses

 

Additional Requirements:

Field trips in the department

 

Knowledge of Languages:

English for MA. Students of universities and colleges who have completed their English requirements in the BA level with be exempt from studying English

 

Jewish Studies:

According to the general requirements at BIU for MA students

 

Final Exam:

An exam based on the topics studies will be determined in the department.

 

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For more information about this program click here

     

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    For additional information

    Department Office: 03-5318299 (fax 03-6354941)

    Email: deptle@mail.biu.ac.il

    www.biu.ac.il/JS/le/

    Home page: http://lisa.biu.ac.il

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