Classes!

Finally: well into the semester! Although yall recently celebrated the Purim-like holiday of Halloween, I only just finished my third week of classes. Yes, I know; that's weird to think about! (For those who do not know: Purim is a Jewish holiday in the Spring when people traditionally dress up.)

I figure, then, that now's a pretty good time to describe my classes. I actually only finalized my registration for these classes this past week, so I will have relatively little to say, and you should hear more later.

My schedule is as followed:
Monday
Hebrew: 10 AM - 12 PM
Economics of the Middle East: 12 PM - 3 PM
The Dynamics of Conflict: 3 PM - 6 PM

Tuesday
Hebrew: 8 AM - 10 AM

Wednesday
Hebrew: 10 AM - 12 PM
Terrorism and Response: 3 PM - 6 PM

Thursday
Hebrew: 8 AM - 10 AM

As you can tell, Hebrew requires some early mornings that clearly aren't too enjoyable at the start. As I am not yet in the work force; I would rather wait a year or two before waking up at 7 AM on any regular basis. Alas, I've had to settle with twice a week. One of those earliest mornings falls on Thursday, unfortunately, and a lot of people have been inclined to go out and have a good time Wednesday nights. I haven't followed yet, but I guarantee I will be tempted. That will make that Thursday even more unendurable! Also, Hebrew classes take up 8 hours in the week, which is more than I have had before in a regular semester setting. I think I'm beginning to see at least a few dividends...

Also of note, all the other classes have three hour blocks only once a week. Due to my choice of classes, then, when I have a case of the Mondays, it's not just because Monday's the day of the week. Meanwhile, Tuesdays and Thursdays often feature a nice nap after my really early class, followed by some laziness and perhaps a bit of study.

Additionally, the "Dynamics of Conflict" class is a 4 credit class, even though it meets only for 3 hours. The Hebrew class gives 6 credits, although it meets for 8 hours. Total, I will receive 16 credits for a semester where I attend class for 19 hours per week.

I'll end with a brief overview of the classes.

• At times, I still chore through my Hebrew classes. I have improved tremendously since I arrived in early August, but I am still far from fluent. So far, we have focused most of our time reading stories, an "easy" newspaper, and holding conversation, but next week we will start on some grammar. My teacher, Mina, seems really good, and our textbook utilizes more interesting stories than my summer Ulpan book.
• "Economics of the Middle East" is one of those economics class that requires only minimal math and economics knowledge. The information keeps my attention, but the teacher unfortunately does little more than make her power point presentations. Her lectures are little more than regurgitation what she put on the slides. Alas, I want an economics minor, so I will stick with this course despite any bursts of boredom.
  
• "The Dynamics of Conflict," my Peace and Conflict Honors class, started with basic overview of International Relations theory. That's nice, since I have never taken a formal class in the subject. The professor seems very knowledgeable. This class, probably more than any other class I will take as an undergrad, should give me a good overview of thought through the lens of International Relations as a discipline.
• Lastly, "Terrorism and Response" stands as my most intriguing course this semester. The professor has studied terrorism since the 1970s, and he still works as a Reserve Officer in the Israeli Defense Forces, at times helping them somehow regarding terrorist activity. He has taught while in uniform, and he says he is not supposed to, but he "has rank." He is my only professor without a PhD, but apparently he has an awesome reason for his lack. His original dissertation, he tells us, was taken up by the Israeli army as confidential information. Last class was actually canceled, because he was called to reserve duty that week. The educated guess is that he was helping the IDF in the aftermath of a rocket hitting some random Israeli land from Lebanon.