International MA Program in Maritime Civilizations
The University of Haifa's International Master's Degree in Maritime Civilizations offers students an exceptional opportunity to learn about the history and archaeology of maritime societies, as well as the natural environment in which they developed and currently exist. Students will explore a variety of fields pertaining to maritime civilizations and the marine environment, including coastal and underwater archaeology and micro-archaeology, marine biology and ecology, maritime history, and maritime geology and geomorphology.
The interdisciplinary curriculum offers advanced courses and research training to students interested in exploring human-sea interactions in a dynamic learning environment. The learning experience combines classroom courses, day fieldtrips, hands-on laboratory practice, as well as field-based courses and research. Field activities are an integral part of the program. They expose students to hands-on applied science, a variety of research methods including modern approaches to micro-archaeology, first-hand acquaintance with the sea through research cruises and under-water excavations, and an introduction to the challenges of marine studies.
Students will be required to participate in field activities. Special emphasis is placed on coastal settlements, harbors, ships and seafaring as part of the maritime heritage of the Mediterranean. The program also addresses the ecological and geomorphological dynamics in the eastern Mediterranean and their influence on the interaction between man and the sea in ancient and modern times. This program is based on active research carried out in the field and the laboratories at the Department of Maritime Civilizations and the Leon Recanati Institute for Maritime Studies. The language of instruction is English. Student experiences are available at the "Sea Us" blog.
The Study Program
The study program includes three core (required) courses (total 6 credits): Introduction to Maritime Civilizations A (covering the Bronze and Iron ages of the southern Levant, ca. 5000-500 BCE), Introduction to Maritime Civilizations B (covering the Hellenistic and Roman periods in the region, ca. 500 BCE-200 CE), and General and Coastal Geoarchaeology (covering general geology, coastal geomorphology and the interaction of these natural materials and processes in relation to formation and preservation of coastal and underwater archaeological sites and materials).
The program further includes a variety of elective courses, such as Submerged Prehistoric Settlements, Survey Methods at Sea, Ceramic Petrography and Maritime Trade, Research Cruise, Coastal and Underwater Archaeology Field School, and more. Additionally, students are required to take seminar courses and participate in field trips.
The program includes two tracks: All students start in "Track B" that is a one-year intensive study focused on courses (total of 36 credits). Those who choose to move on to "Track A" will complete 32 credits in their first year of studies and stay for additional two years in which they will conduct supervised research and write a thesis (dissertation). Selection of supervisor/s and research subject is done throughout the first year of studies. For faculty members and their research interests see below under "Faculty and Research".
NEW! Certificate of Coastal and Underwater Excavator: The Department of Maritime Civilizations in the University of Haifa is the only is Israel that teaches coastal and underwater archaeology and conducts routine practical instruction of students in this field. The department has the option of certifying students formally, and with recognition of the Israel Antiquities Authority, as "Coastal and Underwater Excavators". This is an elective option for students studying in the department and does not replace obligatory courses of the regular study program.
ISCED Categories