Abstract
Israeli politics, society and culture offer remarkable prospects for research for historians, political scientists, sociologists, anthropologists and other social scientists. Israel contains elements of conflict and cooperation both in its domestic and international orientations and policies. As one of the most debated countries in the world, an understanding of Israel as a country and its people would be rewarding in our studies both as scholars and students.
This course purports to offer an in-depth analysis of Israel which includes reading of primary documents and publications such as the Declaration of Independence and the writings of Theodor Herzl, the father of political Zionism as well as secondary literature on the country.
You are expected to read the three required books and ready to discuss various complexities of Israel as a Middle Eastern phenomenon. In addition to in-class discussions, you will take a midterm exam which will entail an analytical essay as well as 10 questions about key concepts, parties, and leaders in modern Israel. I will provide a list of suggested readings from which you will choose one book and make an oral presentation in class. The key to successful book presentation is knowing what to include and what to exclude. In that regard make sure your presentation does not take longer than 20 minutes. Also let me make it clear that you do not need to submit the book review in written form.
As your final requirement, you will be writing an analytical research paper on a topic of interest to you subject to my approval. I will also provide a list of suggested topics but you might choose a topic which is not included in the list as well. Make sure to approach the subject as objectively as possible within the parameters of academic language, style and argumentation. I expect you to bring in your own analyses and ideas in addition to a narrative of the topic at hand.
In sum, you are expected to read, speak and write in this class. Your physical as well as intellectual presence is essential for a successful completion of the course. Try to follow current affairs by reading newspapers such as the New York Times as well as keeping a close eye on Israeli English language newspapers or websites such as Haaretz, Jerusalem Post, Ynetnews, Arutz Sheva, and Israel Hayom. The websites of these papers are easily accessed with google search.