Explore
the connections between new forms of ecological identity and
stewardship, social justice and community in Israel. Work alongside
Palestinian-Arab, Bedouin and Jewish Israelis who are striving for a
just and lasting peace. Gain hands-on experience in ecological design,
green building and sustainable agriculture and put permaculture into
action in a Bedouin Village in the Negev Desert.
Through engagement with a holistic
approach to world issues that encompasses inner, cultural, and outer
processes, you will broaden and deepen your understanding of sustainability
and ecology. Hands-on experience with habitat restoration, local
organic food production, teaching in village schools, working with
village action groups and more, help build a growing theoretical
understanding of issues relating to global sustainability.
Learn
from experts about cutting-edge ecological building techniques such as adobe,
straw bale, and geodesic domes, as well as permaculture design. Engage in peace
dialogues with marginalized groups around their experience and ideas
for creating peace and justice in the region. This program emphasizes
critical thinking, open-mindedness, consensus decision-making,
community living and non-violent communication in order to explore
sensitive international, community and personal dynamics.
 Kibbutz Lotan is located in Israel's southern Arava valley, an
extremely arid environment with an average of 30mm rainfall a year. The
community is based on Reform Zionist Jewish values and is committed to
renewing Judaism, equality, economic cooperation, ecology and
community. Most of the Living Routes classes will take place within the
environmental education park and eco-neighborhood/campus.
Neve
Shalom ~ Wahat al-Salam, or "Oasis of Peace", is an intentional
bi-national community of Israeli Jews and Palestinian Arabs with
Israeli citizenship. The village is located equidistant from Jerusalem
and Tel-Aviv/Jaffa. They have several educational projects including
the School for Peace, a bilingual, bi-national elementary school, and
a pluralistic spiritual center.
Read more about Kibbutz Lotan »
Read more about Naveh Shalom»
Peacebuilding and Social Justice (Judaic and Near Eastern Studies 390L) (4 cr.)
Students explore social and environmental justice issues in Israel/Palestine from a variety of Israeli and Palestinian and Bedouin perspectives and learn tools for building a just peace.
Group Dynamics (Communication 352) (4 cr.)
Students learn service learning methodologies and skills for living in community. They create their own learning community while living in and contributing to social and development projects in kibbutzim, traditional villages, towns and bi-national intentional communities.
Permaculture Design (Plant and Soil Sciences 298B)(4 cr.)
Theoretical and practice-based course focusing on the context, skills and tools required for the design of sustainable human habitats in different environments. Using new ecological knowledge, students help lead a process of needs-assessment and design projects that will make a difference in village lives.
Sustainable Building (4 cr.)
Foundation course emphasizing theory and practice-based learing. Students focus on the skills, methods and materials associated with ecological design and construction, appropriate technologies, and the building of sustainable communities
Earn 16 transferable credits through the University of Massachusetts
Amherst
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