Students in MAPMES must complete seven graduate level courses, plus two language classes in either Arabic (recommended) or Hebrew*. They must write two seminar length papers. Each of the nine courses is worth four credits. Students who do not have an academic background in Middle East studies (two B.A level courses that focus on the Middle East) will be required to attend one introductory course. Courses meet for four academic hours every week, throughout the semester. In addition, students take a final exam comprised of three take-home exams from three previous lecturers in the program. 80% of the final grade for the MAPMES degree is based on the nine courses and 20% on the final exam.

Students may opt to write an MA thesis in place of the final exam. In order to do so they have to attain at least two grades above 90 in non-language courses, as well as an 85 average in all their courses. In this case 50% of the final grade will be based on the courses and 50% on the thesis. In most cases, students preparing a thesis spend an additional summer or semester on research and writing. Please note that writing a thesis requires an additional charge of 5% of the regular (Israeli) tuition fees (see section: Tuition Fees).

 With the program director's approval, students may enroll in graduate courses (in Hebrew) in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Students may also take up to two BA courses (in Hebrew or English) in other departments of the faculty.

 During one of the school recesses, the department organizes an optional intensive study-tour to a neighboring country, which in recent years has included travel to Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Turkey, and Andalusia (Spain). The study tour does not count as a course with credits.

 *Students who choose to take Hebrew language courses and have noprior knowledge of this language need to take, prior to the fall semesters, an intensive Hebrew course (ULPAN). Those who have no prior knowledge and choose not to attend the ULPAN can nottake Hebrew courses during their studies in the program.

Students who choose to take Hebrew language courses and do have prior knowledge of this language need to contact the program coordinator in order to determine their appropriate level placement and dates.

**Note that The Overseas Program courses start earlier than the regular academic year. Please check the OSP website for the exact date. Students will notbe allowed to participate in OSP classes (Hebrew and other courses) after they had already started.