Expand your legal education by studying in one of the world’s most fascinating countries — Israel.
Contact Us: (434) 592-5300
When you take our Israel and Middle Eastern International Law and Policy course, you can experience Israel for yourself while earning credit toward your J.D. degree. In addition to on-campus study, you’ll get to tour the cities of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Tiberias. You’ll also visit the Knesset and the Israel Supreme Court, and journey to historic sites like the Garden of Gethsemane, the Dead Sea, and the Mount of Beatitudes.
- Israel Tour Highlights
Space is Limited, Call to Sign Up Today.
Tour Details
- Dates: May 16-20 9a.m.-12:45p.m. (on campus). Travel will take place in late May.
- Credit hours: 1
- Cost: TBD (covers airfare, transportation, lodging, meals, and admissions fees)
- Tuition: $0
Israel and Middle Eastern International Law and Policy Course
Through our Israel and Middle Eastern International Law and Policy Course – (LAW 740), you’ll gain a greater understanding of the challenges Israel and the Arab inhabitants and nations face through our study tour’s lectures, readings and visits to legal and historic sites.
Study the following:
- History of Israel
- Middle East
- Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religions
- Israeli and Arab conflicts and coexistence
- Political, legal structure and issues in Israel, the United Nations, and U.S. international policy
What You Will Learn
The Israel and Middle Eastern International Law and Policy Course will cover a wide range of topics including the following:
- Historical and Biblical history of Israel leading up to the British Mandate (1920-1948)
- Zionist Movement
- Declaration of Independence in 1948
- Foundation of Israel
- History of the United Nations in relationship to Israel
- Arab-Israeli conflicts
- Geo-political issues
- Radical Islamic factions and the West
Course Requirements
Students are required to read more than 700 pages of material and will be given a final exam at the conclusion of the three-week program. You must be prepared for each class, actively participate in discussions, and attend class regularly. You may only miss 3.5 classroom hours during the program. This course is Pass/Fail.
The final exam is mainly in essay format and will require you to critically analyze and apply the information you learned during the program.
Externship Opportunity
Following the completion of your course studies, you may choose to remain in Israel and serve in an externship position. The eight-week externship program will give you ‘live-client’ and other real-life practice experience. Previous externships have been coordinated with the assistance of the Prime Minister’s office and have involved the following programs:
- Project Heart with the Jewish Agency
- Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs
- NGO Monitor
Contact Suzanne Caruso for more information on the externship program.
Note: there are potential additional costs associated with an externship.
Our Experienced Faculty
Professor Rena M. Lindevaldsen
Rena Lindevaldsen, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Law, has been actively involved in developing the Israel Study Tour and participating in the initial intensive course, “Israel and Middle Eastern International Law and Policy,” which included a tour in Israel.
A student of Hebrew, Dean Lindevaldsen has worked alongside former Professor Alexander Bligh and former School of Law Dean Mathew Staver to develop the academic content for the Israel Study Tour.