- Region
- Middle East & North Africa
- Term
- Summer
- Student Year
- Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior
- Courses Offered By
- College of Arts and Letters, College of Science
2024 Program Dates: May 19 - June 7
This 3-week, 3-credit, faculty-led summer program at Notre Dame Jerusalem will connect Notre Dame students with the history and culture of Jerusalem through the lens of neuroscience. In Dr. Branco’s course, “Neuroscience of Belonging”, you will learn about the basic tenants of social neuroscience. When do we consider ourselves ‘in’ any given group? How do we treat others inside and outside of our chosen groups? How are we wired to display the most noble human characteristics, such as love, trust, altruism, and empathy? Alternately, what is going on in the brain when we are cruel, deceitful, or violent? We will explore these questions by reading primary literature within social neuroscience. These scientific endeavors will be expanded by outings that highlight the Middle East’s unique historical, social, and religious context to the idea of ‘belonging.’ To that end, we will take part in multiple excursions exploring Israel’s holy sites, exploring Galilee, and learning from the people who call this region their home.