Gender Studies

This page is updated for the academic year 2023-2024.
Information for the academic year 2024-2025 will be updated in the coming days.
 

Introduction

Gender Studies strive to place gender at the center of discourse as an analytical category that should be addressed and analyzed. The foundation of Gender Studies stems from the understanding that the terms “feminine” and “masculine”, as they are known and presented, are not solely of biological origin, but stem mainly from evolving structural processes of a social, political, and cultural nature. As such, understanding these processes and following their changes and interests is of the utmost importance.

Gender Studies are critical in essence, examining social, legislative, cultural, and religious orders, as well as the power forces that they entail, the manner in which they construct masculinity and femininity, and their related gender hierarchy – as well as alternative means of interpretation that could create gender justice. Gender Studies are also interdisciplinary by nature, as gender is present in all fields of human existence, and as such is relevant to all sciences, including the humanities, social sciences, Judaism, nature, and law.

Graduate Studies, MA

The Gender Studies MA Program offers two study tracks:

Track A – Research track with thesis. On this track, students receive broad theoretical knowledge on gender and instruction for conducting academic research as an MA thesis.

Track B – Research track without thesis. On this track, students receive in-depth interdisciplinary knowledge on gender, without submitting an MA thesis. Students can choose between theoretical studies and the unique Gender in the Field Program, that combines theory with practical experience.  

Students on both tracks can choose to focus on Masculinity Studies or on Body and Sexuality Studies. For more information, please contact the program’s offices.

Track A (With Thesis)

Admission Requirements

The research track is open to people who completed their bachelor’s degree with honors (GPA 86 and higher) in any field of study.

The Study Program

The program includes 17 annual-based credits (AC), i.e., 34 semester-based credits (SC).

The program is comprised of mandatory core courses and methodology courses, as well as elective courses from a long list of courses that are offered to students on the program by various departments at the university.

Students are also required to participate in two seminars: the department seminar, and one MA research workshop.

Students must submit their thesis research proposal by the end of their first year of studies (and no later than by the end of the first semester of their second year).

Layout of the Track A Study Program

1. Core Courses – mandatory, 5 AC (10 SC). The aim of these courses is to instill knowledge and create a broad basis for understanding the essence of gender discourse in the various disciplines and joint encounters. These courses deal in the following topics: Gender and Society – Introduction to Feminist Theories, Culture and Gender, and Judaism in Light of Gendered Criticism.
2. Methodology Courses, 3 AC (6 SC). First year Feminist Methodology Course (lecture + tutorial) and second year Advanced Feminist Methodology Course (lecture + tutorial).
3. Elective Courses, 5 AC (10 SC). Students may choose from a range of courses in the department and from other departments at the university (in line with the student’s research topic and subject to approval from the Head of the Gender Studies Program and the master’s degree unit within the School of Graduate Studies).
4. Seminars, 4 AC (8 SC). Students on the research track must write and submit two seminar papers during their second year of studies. The seminars will be chosen from a range of seminars offered by the program and/or the university (subject to approval from the Head of the Gender Studies Program and the master’s degree unit within the School of Graduate Studies).
5. Academic Literacy for Graduate Students, MA, PhD (mandatory, no academic credits granted). The course instills academic capabilities that are needed for graduate studies, including academic articles, critical reading, working with theories, and creating a discussion.
6. MA Research Workshop (mandatory, no academic credits granted).     The workshop provides necessary tools for conducting academic research and assists students in writing a research proposal.
7. Department Seminar (mandatory, no academic credits granted).         Each year, the department holds a joint student-academic staff seminar, for learning about new research studies and up-to-date projects in a range of fields. The Department Seminar plays a significant role in the study program and participation is compulsory.
8. Writing a Research Thesis. The research study will be conducted and written with the personal instruction of a supervisor from the program or from another department within the university (subject to approval from the Head of the Gender Studies Program and the master’s degree unit within the School of Graduate Studies). For more information, please read the guidelines issued by the School of Graduate Studies in the Introduction Chapter.
9. Final Exam. The final exam is based on the student’s thesis paper and on the bibliographic references that are used as the basis of the thesis.

Track B (without thesis)

This track is suitable for students who wish to acquire an MA without writing and submitting a thesis paper, through theoretical studies or through the Gender in the Field Program that combines social activism training on gender-related topics and includes a practical project.

Admission Requirements

The research track is open to people who completed their bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 80 and higher in any study field.

The Study Program

The study program includes 20 AC (40 SC) and is comprised of core courses, methodology course, elective courses, seminars, and the department seminar.

Layout of the Track B Study Program - Theory

1. Core Courses – mandatory, 4 AC (8 SC). The aim of these courses is to instill knowledge and create a broad basis for understanding the essence of gender discourse. These courses include Gender and Society – Introduction to Feminist Theories, Gender and the Welfare State, and Judaism in Light of Gendered Criticism.
2. Methodology Courses, 1 AC (2 SC). A feminist methodology course that provides tools and experience for conducting feminist qualitative research.
3. Elective Courses, 11 AC (22 SC). Students may choose from a range of courses offered by the department or other departments at the university (subject to approval from the Head of the Gender Studies Program and the master’s degree unit within the School of Graduate Studies).
4. Seminars, 4 AC (8 SC). Students must complete two annual research seminars from a range of seminars offered by the department or other departments in the university (subject to approval from the Head of the Gender Studies Program and the master’s degree unit within the School of Graduate Studies).
5. Academic Literacy for Graduate Students, MA, PhD (mandatory, no academic credits granted). The course instills academic capabilities that are needed for advanced degrees, including academic articles, critical reading, working with theories, and creating a discussion.
6. Department Seminar (mandatory, no academic credits granted).         Each year, the department holds a joint student-academic staff seminar, for presenting new research studies and up-to-date projects in a range of fields. The Department Seminar plays a significant role in the study program and participation is compulsory.   

Layout of the Track B Study Program – Gender in the Field Program

1. Core Courses – mandatory, 4 AC (8 SC). The aim of these courses is to instill knowledge and create a broad basis for understanding the essence of the discourse on gender. These courses include Gender and Society – Introduction to Feminist Theories, Gender and the Welfare State, and Judaism in Light of Gendered Criticism.
2. Methodology courses, 1 AC (2 SC). A feminist methodological course that provides tools for conducting applicable research.
3. Elective courses, 9 AC (18 SC). Students may choose from a range of courses offered by the department and other departments at the university (subject to approval from the Head of the Gender Studies Program and the master’s degree unit within the School of Graduate Studies).
4. Seminar, 2 AC (4 SC). One annual research seminar from a range of seminars offered by the Program or other departments in the university (subject to approval from the Head of the Gender Studies Program and the master’s degree unit within the School of Graduate Studies).
5. Academic Literacy for Graduate Students, MA, PhD (mandatory, no academic credits granted). The course instills academic capabilities that are needed for advanced degrees, including academic articles, critical reading, working with theories, and creating a discussion.
6. Practical Workshops, 2 AC (4 SC). Organized workshops that take place during the semester vacations for first and second-year students. These workshops combine theory and practice and address a range of topics (each workshop is worth 0.5 AC, 1 SC; four workshops in total).
7. Workshops for Consolidating Projects (mandatory, no academic credits granted). Special course for first-year students aimed at developing and constructing individual projects and in preparation of the applicable seminar, Incubator for Feminist Activism for second-year students.
8. Final Project, 3 AC (6 SC). Unique seminar for the Gender in the Field track. As part of the Incubator for Feminist Activism seminar, students initiate and conduct a project (practicum) covering 4-6 weekly hours. The course accompanies the students’ field activity and link it to relevant theories. Finally, students submit their final project (worth one seminar paper), based on analysis of their practical experience from a theoretical perspective. The course also includes an exercise and individual instruction.
9. Academic Literacy for Graduate Students, MA, PhD (mandatory, no academic credits granted). The course teaches academic capabilities that are needed for graduate studies, including academic articles, critical reading, working with theories, and creating a discussion.
10. Department Seminar (mandatory, no academic credits granted).         Each year, the department holds a joint student-senior staff, for becoming familiar with new research studies and up-to-date projects in a range of fields. The Department Seminar plays a significant role in the study program and participation is compulsory.

Additional Requirements for Both Study Tracks

Prerequisite Courses

Students who did not take the “Introduction to Sociology” course during their bachelor’s degree will be required to complete this course during their first year of studies on the program (no SC).

Languages

Track A students must successfully pass the university admission test in English during their 1^st year of studies. Students can take the test after submitting, their application, before embarking on the program.

For details about this exam, course levels that are to be determined, and criteria for achieving an exemption, please refer to the Introduction Chapter.

Track B students must successfully pass the Department’s internal admission test in English for graduate students.

Courses in Judaism

Master’s students must comply with the university’s requirements regarding courses in Judaism (please refer to the Introduction Chapter).

Application Requirements

In addition to registering online for the master’s Gender Studies Program at Bar Ilan University, applicants must also submit their academic transcript with details of courses and grades from their undergraduate studies. These must be submitted to the Program’s Registration Committee together with a current CV and a completed Application Questionnaire. The questionnaire can be accessed via the Program’s website.

Scholarships

Students on both study tracks can apply for a scholarship to help with tuitions fees, through the university. In addition, each year the Gender Studies Program awards a number of prizes to outstanding students based on their academic achievements.

Thesis-Completion Track for MA Graduates

This track is for students who completed their MA in Gender Studies (or similar discipline) with distinction, but without submitting a thesis, in an academic institution that is recognized by the Council for Higher Education.

Successful culmination of this track confers authorization of thesis completion and a corresponding grade.

Admission Requirements

1. GPA of at least 90 on MA studies.
2. GPA of at least 90 on MA seminars.
3. One academic recommendation that are to be sent directly to the Program’s offices.
4. Topic for thesis paper and a supervisor’s commitment to accompany the thesis paper.

Applications that do not meet all of the above-mentioned requirements will be rejected automatically.

Admission to this program is at the discretion of the Gender Studies Program and the School of Graduate Studies.

Please note, meeting all of the above-mentioned criteria and threshold does not automatically translate into being accepted onto the program. 

The Study Program

The Thesis-Completion Track for MA Graduates lasts two years and includes the writing of a thesis paper and its grading, based on the same criteria as the Track A MA Program, as well as completion of courses worth 7 AC (14 SC). 

The Department Committee will determine the required course content and scope, according to the student’s academic background and research needs.

On this track, students are not required to complete MA English studies and Judaism courses.

Successful culmination of this track confers authorization of thesis completion and a corresponding grade.

Graduate Studies, PhD

The aim of the PhD program is to instill expansive knowledge and work tools for the independent and critical creation of new scientific knowledge, expressed through the writing of a dissertation paper.

Outstanding PhD students may submit a request for the university’s Presidential Scholarship, based on the scholarship’s guidelines and schedule. Additional scholarships may be awarded by the department, based on academic excellence.

Admission Requirements

1. GPA of 90 and higher on MA studies
2. MA thesis grade of 90 and higher
3. Two academic recommendations that are to be sent directly to the Program’s offices
4. Completed detailed questionnaire
5. Interview with the program’s PhD Academic Advisor

As the number of places on the program is limited, students are accepted on competitive grounds. The Gender Studies Admission Committee reserves the right to exercise discretion in selecting those students who have the best chances for succeeding in their studies and recommending their acceptance to the School of Graduate Studies.

Meeting the above-mentioned criteria and threshold does not mean automatic admission onto the program. 

The final decision for accepting students onto the PhD program will be reached by the School of Graduate Studies.

The Study Program

The PhD program includes prerequisite courses in Gender during the first year of studies (as detailed below), according to the student’s academic background and the decisions of the program’s Admission Committee. Students must complete these prerequisite courses during their first year of studies and with an 86 GPA or higher, as determined by the department’s Admission Committee and/or the School of Graduate Studies. In addition to these prerequisite courses during the first year of studies, students are also required to complete elective courses worth 6 AC (12 SC), that can be chosen from a range of courses offered by the program or other departments in the university, subject to the supervisor’s recommendations and approval of the Gender Studies Program. Elective courses can be completed throughout the PhD studies, in additional to writing a research proposal and doctoral dissertation, as well as courses defined by the School of Graduate Studies as mandatory (for more information, please refer to the handbook).  

Additional Prerequisites

Students without an academic background in Social Sciences will be required to complete the Introduction to Sociology course during their first year of studies.

Transition to the Third Year of Studies

Continuing to study on the program is subject to submitting a doctoral research proposal by the end of the student’s second year of studies, at the latest.

Layout of the Program

1. Core Courses – mandatory, 5 AC (10 SC). The aim of these courses is to instill knowledge and create a broad basis for understanding the essence of gender discourse in various disciplines and in their mutual encounters. These courses deal in the following topics: Gender and Society – Introduction to Feminist Theories, Culture and Gender, and Judaism in Light of Gendered Criticism.
2. Methodology Courses, 3 AC (6 SC). First year Feminist Methodology Course (lecture + tutorial) and second year Advanced Feminist Methodology Course (lecture + tutorial).
3. Academic Literacy for Graduate Students, MA, PhD (mandatory, no academic credits granted). The course instills academic capabilities that are needed for graduate studies, including academic articles, critical reading, working with theories, and creating a discussion.
4. Research Instruction A and B for Doctoral Students (mandatory, no academic credits granted). The instruction is divided into two parts. Part A is taught during the second semester of the first year, while Part B is taught once every other week throughout the second year of studies. This instruction instills the necessary theoretical and scientific tools for writing a doctoral research proposal and for conducting academic doctoral research.
5. Department Seminar (mandatory, no academic credits granted).         Each year, the department holds a joint student-academic staff seminar, for presenting new research studies and up-to-date projects in a range of fields. The Department Seminar plays a significant role in the study program and participation is compulsory.
6. Elective Courses, 6 AC (12 SC). Students may choose from a range of courses in the department and from other departments at the university (in line with the student’s research topic and subject to approval from the Head of the Gender Studies Program and the master’s degree unit within the School of Graduate Studies. Students may complete these elective courses at any point during their PhD studies.

Courses in Judaism

Students must comply with the university’s requirements for PhD students (please refer to the Introduction Chapter).

Changes and Updates to the Study Programs

The study programs presented in this document are in line with the programs that are offered for October 2022. Subject to academic activities for approving the study programs, changes and updates may be made to these programs. Ongoing updates about the study programs will be posted on the department's website.

For more information, please contact us at +972-3-5318230, via email,
or through the Gender Studies Program website.