General Description

The program covered a wealth of content from philosophy and the humanities, social sciences, education, urbanism, political science, and public policy, and included experiential learning and other learning methods. Materials were carefully chosen so as to provide participants with a broad basis and with content that is relevant to their work, communities, and region. Studies included theoretical lectures with discussions; collaborative text study, workshops for processing the content studied, individual assignments, educational field trips, a two-day retreat, and in-depth study of specific subjects. The program ran for two years, with classes meeting one day a week for a total of 450 hours of study.

Program of Study

The curriculum was based on four main axes of study that enable combinations of different kinds of content:

1. Identity and Values: Clarifying values and worldviews and formulating a vision, both individually and as a group.

2. Region and Place: The central characteristics and challenges associated with the places and regions in which the fellows are active, including social, communal, economic, and cultural characteristics.

3. Governance, Policy, and Local Government: Understanding the frameworks for action, the complexity of governance, and how the impact of leadership can be increased by working to change policy at the local and national government levels.

4. Leadership and Practice: Different types and patterns of leadership, examined via both theoretical study and encounters with prominent leaders, as well as study of the challenges and dilemmas involved in values-based leadership.

A key element in the program was a project undertaken by each fellow, which was designed to bring about change in education, society, and community in the Negev.

Program Director

Kassim Alsraiha

Faculty Member

Dr. Rotem Bressler-Gonen