Diplomacy Studies

The dynamics of the contemporary, complex, interconnected and highly-charged international environment present new challenges and opportunities for scholars, policy analysts and decision makers, both at the international level and in the context of the Middle East. This situation is especially relevant with regard to the Greater Middle East and the Mediterranean region, which are fraught with chronic tension, cleavages and conflict among (as well as inside) their national entities, and which face several acute social and economic crises.

Against this backdrop, the new MA Program in Diplomacy Studies is primarily intended to elucidate the role of diplomacy as a main vehicle and mechanism for systematically addressing the broad cluster of questions and issues that impinge upon the entire region, and which cannot, therefore, be effectively dealt with exclusively from a narrow unilateral or bilateral vantage point.

This focus on the role of collaborative diplomatic mechanisms is designed to provide the students with new insights, concepts and analytical tools for fully understanding the enhanced functions of diplomacy in this new setting. At the same time, it is intended to enable them to identity more effectively solutions to a broad-range of political, cultural and economic problems with which they are faced as officials and decision-makers.

The core of the Program will be the simulated analysis of concrete diplomacy-oriented decision-games and action-games. In the course of this simulation, the students will experiment with a wide-range of diplomatic and strategic concepts, techniques and scenarios in a controlled and structured effort to emulate real time crisis-situations, with emphasis on the mechanisms and tools for mitigating and defusing them. It is hoped that the lessons drawn from this experience in simulation will sensitize the students to the usefulness of various diplomatic tools and techniques as means for promoting international stability and collaboration.

The Diplomacy Studies program is intended to provide its students with:

• up-to-date diplomatic methods
• new bargaining techniques
• new historical data
• new comparative perspectives
• new communication theories
• new insights on simulation theories and practice

With special emphasis on the actual dynamics of diplomatic processes as they unfold in the contemporary Middle East.

Curriculum

The program in Diplomacy Studies is a structured program and consists of three consecutive semesters, each comprised of twelve hours of study, divided into three courses (two required and one elective):

Semester A: Two introductory courses in diplomacy studies (with a focus on the patterns, methods and style of the new diplomacy), and in cultural diplomacy.

Semester B: Two advanced courses which apply to the contemporary Middle East the theoretical concepts and tools introduced and developed in the first semester.

Semester C: Implementation of the insights, concepts, theories and data provided in the first two semesters as the platform and springboard for simulating the dynamics of multilateral diplomacy. Emphasis is placed on the role of diplomatic methods and strategies in the quest for conflict resolution and regional stability. This semester also includes both a monographic course on Israel's diplomacy and a workshop on the practice of public diplomacy. This workshop will be unique in that it will involve both practitioners and diplomats as guest lecturers.

During the program the student must submit a final assignment prior to graduation.

The final project is 30% of the final grade.

Fall semester 2014-2015 Course Schedule

Required courses

• Cultural Diplomacy: Norms, Images,

• and Discourse in International Relations and Crisis Management (205.5502)

• The New Diplomacy: Structure, Technology And Processes (205.4692)

Elective courses

• UN Model (217.4018)

• Political Islam (217.4024)

• Theories and Issues in Intergroup Conflict (217.4001)

• The Media in Peace and Conflict Management (217.4008)

Spring Semester 2014-2015 Course Schedule

Required courses

• Human Rights, Ethics and Diplomacy (205.4694)

• Diplomatic Simulation: Workshop (205.4693)

Elective courses

• UN Model (217.4018)

• Paths to Peace: Conflict Management, Conflict Resolution, Peacebuilding, and Reconciliation (217.4006)

• The Arab–Israeli Conflict : History and Diplomacy (205.4690)

• Foreign Policy and Diplomacy in Practice: Workshop (205.4695)

General Admission Requirements An undergraduate degree in political science from an accredited university in Israel or abroad, official transcript and copy of diploma. Students in other disciplines will be considered provided they complete the academic prerequisities.A minimum of 3.0 GPA, 80% (Israeli system) or equivalentTOEFL scores (if applicable)Statement of Intent/Personal Essay (500-750 words)Curriculum Vitae/RésuméTwo recommendations from relevant academic faculty membersMedical forms (international students only)Copy of valid passport and six passport-sized photos (international students only)Exceptions to the admissions requirements: Under certain exceptional circumstances, the committee may be willing to consider applicants that do not meet the minimal admissions requirements. Such applicants may submit a request for special consideration explaining why they believe their application merits consideration despite their not meeting the minimum requirements. The request must be submitted in writing and approved by the committee before a full application is submitted. The committee will not review applications not meeting the requirements unless a request for special consideration has been approved. Academic Prerequisites Students who have not completed an undergraduate degree in political science will be required to successfully complete the following introductory courses before the first semester of the program:1. Introduction to International Relations 2. Introduction to Political Science/GovernmentTOEFL Scores Candidates, who are not native speakers of English or have not previously studied at an institution of higher education where the language of instruction is English, must submit official TOEFL scores or equivalent. This requirement applies to Israeli as well as international candidates. The minimum TOEFL score required for admission is 89 on the internet-based test. Please contact the admissions office at infograd@univ.haifa.ac.il .or information regarding exemptions from the TOEFL exam. English Language Requirements TOEFL paper-based test score : 570 TOEFL iBT® test: 89

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• Flexible study schedule
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Financial Aid

Merit-Based Financial Aid

The Diplomacy Studies program will award a few scholarships each year. The scholarships will be given at the end of the fall semester on the basis of students' academic accomplishments.

Need-Based Financial Aid

Each year a limited number of students will be granted financial aid based on need. Students who are in financial need are encouraged to submit an application.

In addition to the financial aid application, students must submit the following:

• Letter explaining your financial situation.
• U.S. Applicants Only: Copy of your Student Aid Report. (The Student Aid Report is received after completing the FAFSA-Free Application for Federal Student Aid. For information about completing the FAFSA please visit www.fafsa.ed.gov. To ensure that the University of Haifa receives a copy of your Student Aid Report, please be sure to list the University of Haifa on your FAFSA. The University of Haifa's Federal School Code is G10456.)

Your application will be returned to you if any pertinent information is left blank or if you do not submit all requested supporting documentation by the deadline stated in the guidelines.

The Financial Aid Committee will not look at a scholarship application unless the applicant has completed his or her application to the International School and has been accepted. You are welcome to submit an application for financial aid at the time you submit your application for admission. However, your financial aid application will only be reviewed after the semester deadline.

Application deadline: April 15 for full-year programs

Financial aid awards will cover between 10% - 30% of tuition fees.

MASA Scholarship Program

The Jewish Agency for Israel in partnership with the Israeli government is proud to offer a scholarship opportunity entitled "MASA," which means "Journey" in Hebrew. The program is designed to provide financial assistance to Jewish students who want to participate in a long-term Israel program (minimum of five months, meaning either fall and spring semester or one semester plus Intensive Ulpan before the start of semester). Jewish students ages 18-30 are eligible for the scholarship.

All eligible students are guaranteed a scholarship for their long-term program in Israel. The amount of the scholarship depends on the student's age, country of origin, and financial background.

Students can apply for a MASA scholarship by completing the application on the MASA website. Upon completion of the application, a PDF file of the application will be sent to you via e-mail. You will need to print the completed application, sign it, and then return the scholarship application to the International School at the University of Haifa. The International School will then confirm your acceptance to the program and send the application to the Jewish Agency. In order to qualify for this scholarship, you must have already completed your application to the International School at the University of Haifa and been accepted. You are welcome to submit your MASA scholarship application to the University of Haifa at the same time as your application for admission.

MASA applications must be received by the MASA office no less than 60 days before the start of the program. Because applications must first be sent to the International School, students should plan to have their application received in Haifa no later than 70 days before the start of the program. All students who receive a scholarship from MASA are required to study Hebrew and participate in the Volunteer Program as well as social activities.

Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Cultural and Scientific Relations Division of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers scholarships for the University of Haifa's Intensive Summer Ulpan as well as the year overseas program or a research grant. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a citizen of one of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada (Quebec Province), China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Lithuania, Latvia, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland and Turkey.
• Hold a B.A. or B.Sc. Degree (or higher) and have a good record of academic achievement.
• Be a citizen of the country where he/she applies for the scholarship and be under the age of 35.

Preference will be given to research students and/or applicants who intend to study Israeli or Jewish-related subjects. Knowledge of the English or Hebrew language is required. Scholarships to the Ulpan include the cost of tuition, living expenses, health insurance, social activities, and housing. Scholarships for year-long studies include the cost of tuition, living expenses, and health insurance. To learn more about the scholarship, and to download an application, please visit the website of the Israeli Foreign Ministry. If you have questions regarding the scholarship, please e-mail: scholarship@mfa.gov.il.

American Zionist Movement Helyn B. Reich Scholarship

Each year, the American Zionist Movement grants scholarships to a limited number of students who demonstrate past pro-Israel activity and a commitment to future involvement with Israel and the Jewish community. Financial need will also be considered, though more emphasis will be placed on merit.

Elligibility:

• Applicants must be American and studying at an American college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.5.
• Applicants must have been accepted to study in Israel at Ben-Gurion University, University of Haifa, or Tel Aviv University for a minimum of one semester (Preference given to students attending for a full year).
• Applicants must be actively engaged with pro-Israel activities on their college campus and/or Jewish community in the United States.

Recipients of the Helyn B. Reich Scholarship will be expected to remain involved with the American Zionist Movement following their return to the United States.

The scholarship application must be filled out online on the AZM website. The deadline to apply is June 8.

American Jewish League for Israel

The American Jewish League for Israel provides up to $2,000 for an American student to spend the year in Israel attending one of seven universities, including the University of Haifa. Scholarships are based on merit. To learn more about the scholarship, and to download an application, please visit the website of the American Jewish League for Israel.

Bernice and Gordon Brown Scholarships

This scholarship is open to Montreal residents who have demonstrated academic excellence and community involvement. Students must study for a full year at the University of Haifa. Preference will be given to students who have not been to Israel. Candidates must plan to return to Montreal to participate in the Jewish community. Please see the website for more details.

U.S. Federal Financial Aid

The University of Haifa participates in the United States Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Programs. Students who are enrolled at a US institution of higher education can use their US federal financial aid (Stafford loans, PLUS/SLS loans) to help pay for their education at the University of Haifa. The University of Haifa is not able to provide US federal financial aid directly to students. Instead, you must continue to receive financial aid from your home university. Please visit the financial aid office and/or study abroad office at your home university for more information. Most likely your home university will ask the University of Haifa to sign a consortium agreement. This agreement allows your home university to continue disbursing financial aid while you study abroad at the University of Haifa.

Please note that sudents who are not yet enrolled in a university in the U.S. will not be able to access federal financial aid to study in the International School at the University of Haifa. The University of Haifa's OPE Identification number is 01045600 or G10456.

Please contact Karen Doryoseph at kdor@univ.haifa.ac.il for more information or to apply.

Other Financial Aid Resources

We strongly recommend that students applying to the MA programs explore the following scholarship opportunities:

• The financial aid office of your home university
• The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship and the David L. Boren International Scholarship offered by the International Institute of Education Tel: (800) 618-NSEP (toll-free) or (202) 326-7697 Fax: (202) 326-7698 E-mail: nsep@iie.org
• The Rotary International - Ambassadorial Scholarships
• Your local Jewish Federation or Jewish Community Center
• Your local synagogue, church or mosque
• Your local Israel Aliyah Center or Israeli Embassy
• Jewish organizations on your campus including Hillel
• Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst (The DAAD) - Study Abroad Scholarships for German Students
• The Balassi Institute (Hungarian Scholarship Board Office) - Study Abroad Scholarships for Hungarian Students
• "Plant Your Way to Israel" run by the Jewish National Fund
• The Global Studies Foundation offers scholarships for American Students who want to pursue foreign language training and academic studies.
• The Boren Award for U.S. undergrad and graduate students interested in International Study Abroad: http://borenawards.org/

If you have any questions please contact the Admissions Office at infograd@univ.haifa.ac.il