Area studies typically examine the development of a particular population or region. While other, similar interdisciplinary studies, such as gender, disability, and ethnic, may have some part in course discussions, these are not considered area studies.

Israel, officially the State of Israel, is a parliamentary democracy in the Middle East, on the south-eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Israel's financial center is Tel Aviv, while Jerusalem is the country's most populous city if occupied East Jerusalem is included.

The PhD is a doctoral degree, specifically called a "doctor of philosophy" degree. This is misleading because PhD holders are not necessarily philosophers (unless they earned their degree in philosophy!). That said, PhD recipients are able to engage in thought experiments, reason about problems, and solve problems in sophisticated ways.

On-campus learning refers to attending classes in person. It typically involves going to traditional classes and lectures, participating in group activities, and engaging with faculty and peers in person. On-campus learning also often includes access to laboratories, libraries, and other campus resources such as student clubs, career services offices, and recreation centers.