| Core History of Israel Course |
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The AMHSI Core History Curriculum is an interdisciplinary curriculum. It is a survey course of the history of the Land of Israel and its People from the Biblical period through the contemporary period. In this course, special emphasis is placed on the chronological historic perspective and on the central role the Land of Israel has played on this history. Thus, the country and its people become the textbook and the classroom of our program. 250 class hours, both in the classroom and on-site field trips are devoted to our curriculum. Below are some of the disciplines that are covered in depth. HISTORY The Core Curriculum focuses on the history of Israel and its people. In addition, the history of Western Civilization as seen through the eyes of Israel is studied by using primary source material and class participation at many sites throughout Israel. Whereas often history is not viewed as relevant by many students, the reliving of the great moments at historical sites begins to win the hearts and minds of the student to the drama of history. The relevance to each student’s personal life becomes apparent within the first week. History becomes alive and vibrant. Each student finds himself/herself living through many events and identifying with great events and personalities of the Roman, Greek, Crusader etc. periods. Names, dates and places are clearly recognized as vital to total comprehension. Thus, students understand that facts are required to comprehend the reality of the period. The forces and concepts which have shaped history are incorporated into themes which re-emphasize history in each period. The study begins with the early activity in the Fertile Crescent and concludes with the Modern Period. SOCIOLOGY In each period of history, the socio-economic and the socio-ethnic tensions are explored to better understand the age. Beyond the dynamics of the sociology and within the periods of history, the students are organized to confront the social groupings within the State of Israel. There are many ethnic groups in Israel that have emigrated from Asia, Africa and Europe,and there are a number non-Jewish ethnic groups in Israel such as Bedouin, Druze, and others.Visits and personal meetings with some of these groups are programmed in an attempt to provide greater insight into a given period of history. The coexistence of the numerous religious denominations in Jerusalem is studied through formal and informal programming. Weekends are utilized to study the interactions of more westernized groups. Wherever possible, this is achieved with home hospitality. Discussions and informal interactions are also programmed. POLITICAL SCIENCE AND ECONOMICS Students learn the political system and the economics of Israel. Both the political system and economic structure of this country are determined by its history and cultural background. Thus, our students are able to compare them to the situation in the U.S. which is much more familiar to them. They are especially able to observe a parliamentary democracy in action. The attention of the world to this oil-rich strategic area, the problems of peace in the Middle East and the relationship of these nations to the United States are explored in depth. |
