Abstract
To examine – on the ground and via class discussions – the evolution, facts,
and narratives that drive the ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict broadly, and the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict in particular. This course takes full advantage of being in the field to experience why and
how issues such as strategic depth, terrorism, the occupation, Palestinian self-rule, Jerusalem,
water, and the “Right of Return” are related to the overlapping history and geography of the
region.
Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, students should be able to discuss and
evaluate: The history of the conflict and peace making attempts over the past 100 years; the
economic, political, religious, and historical issues and successes of Arabs in Israel; the historic
and current relations between Israel and neighboring states and other regional actors; the current
state of Palestinian self-governance; and the influence of religion, economics, history,
nationalism, and geography broadly and in relation to specific issues (including Jerusalem, the
Golan Heights, rockets, terrorism, the legacy of the Holocaust, and the separation barrier).