Two new courses on Israel in the Spring. No permission required to register for these courses.
JSTU-J 204 Social & Historical Topics in Jewish Studies (3 cr.) Daphne Tsimhoni
Topic: The Arab-Israeli Conflict
TR 4:00-5:30
Important note: This course will begin on Tuesday, January 29 so there will be no free drop period.
Since its inception, the Arab-Israeli conflict has dominated the political agenda and many aspects of life in Israel, the Middle East, and beyond. This course will introduce the students to the origins of the conflict in the late nineteenth century, the British pledge for a Jewish national home and the British mandate for Palestine, the development of the conflict from a local to a regional one, involving the Arab states. We will study the establishment of the State of Israel, the 1948 war and the creation of the Palestinian problem in its various aspects; both the 1956 Suez war and the Six Days 1967 war and their impact on Israel and the Middle East.
We will discuss the emergence of the PLO and the Palestinian organizations, the first Lebanon war, the road to the first Palestinian uprising (intifada), and to the peace accords. We will conclude by discussing the wars and the prospects for peace.
The course will be based on historical studies, various documentation, documentary films, and websites.
Course requirements: two midterm take-home exams and a final essay.
JSTU-J 304 Social & Historical Topics in Jewish Studies/3 cr./ Daphne Tsimhoni
Topic: Jews, Muslims, & Christians in Israel #25561
TR 6:30-8:00
Important note: This course will begin on Tuesday, January 29 so there will be no free drop period.
Established as the nation state of the Jewish people, Israel has an ethno-religious, socioculturally diverse population. This course will introduce students to this diversity and its impact on Israeli politics and society. We will explore the historical origins of this complexity: The religious significance of the Holy Land, the preservation of Ottoman and British mandatory traditions, the 1948 war and the mass immigration to Israel from Europe and the Middle East. We will examine the socio-cultural and religious diversity within the Jewish majority that extends far beyond the common division between western European (Ashkenazim) and Middle Eastern (Mizrahim) and the Palestinian Arab minority that is no less complex and includes Muslims, Christians, Druze and smaller communities.
Based on socio-historical research and documentaries, we will discuss the following issues: Is the breach between the Jewish majority and the Palestinian Arab minority in Israel bridgeable? Is there a 'demographic issue' in Israel? and if so, what is its impact on Israeli politics? Who are the 'Arab Jews'? Can they form a bridge between Jews and Arabs? Is there an Israeli identity? What are its components?
Course requirements: two midterm take-home exams and a final essay.
Fulfills: Jewish Studies History & Society course or Religion & Thought course; S&H
