Structure and Curriculum
One of the unique features
of the Institute of Jewish Studies is the way its curriculum
is structured. The curriculum of
IJS is a one-year program consisting of eight
three-week modules and a study
tour of Israel. During each module,
full-time students take three courses, each complete in itself.
After one year of study, full-time students will then have
completed 24 separate courses, plus participation in a
study tour of Israel.
 The modular
structure enables students
to learn quickly and build upon their knowledge. Another
of the benefits of
this structure is that it will enable many people to attend
IJS for short-term study (e.g., only one concentrated module
for three weeks). Such students apply for modules when
courses of particular interest are offered. While students
can attend
any classes in any module, those who begin the year in
September or January have the best experience. IJS graduates
who have
successfully completed 36 hours of the program receive
a Certificate from PBU signifying that they have successfully
completed the IJS program. The courses at the Institute
of
Jewish Studies are generally grouped into four areas--biblical,
doctrinal, historical, and practical.
An added benefit to the structure of IJS is class unity
and community. The IJS class is limited to a small number
of highly-motivated students. This contributes greatly to
academic learning as well as the development of supportive
relationships with other students and faculty. This is facilitated
by the IJS students studying together in every class throughout
the year. This fellowship is also enhanced by many "out
of the classroom" experiences that students have with
faculty.
Throughout the year, field trips are scheduled either to
faculty homes, where students meet in
a family atmosphere for dinner, fellowship, and a learning
experience, or to various places which further enhance the
student’s learning, such as the Holocaust Museum in
Washington D.C., Historic Philadelphia, the Tabernacle in
Lancaster, Pa., and the University of Pennsylvania Museum
of Archaeology and Anthropology.
Accreditation
As part of Philadelphia Biblical University, the Institute
of Jewish Studies is accredited regionally by Middle States
Association of Schools and Colleges. On the national level,
the university is an accredited member of the
Association for Biblical Higher Education. The university is recognized
officially
by all appropriate federal agencies and is approved for
veteran’s
education. IJS courses may then be transferred into PBU
or to any other institution. The number of credits transferred
will depend on the college and major chosen.
(Return to top of Page)
|
