Abstract
This seminar will focus on transnational natural resources in the Middle East focusing on Israel and its neighbors. One class session will be devoted to experiential learning, Herp Day (see below) in which you’ll be allowed to observe and in some cases hold animals similar to those found in the Middle East, snakes, toads, frogs, salamanders and turtles (attendance at Herp Day is optional if you have concerns about being close to these animals but please be honest and email me prior to class). The purpose of the course is to introduce you to natural resources and management of resources that cross international borders of Israel . Students will gain familiarity with the geography, flora and fauna of Israel and its neighbors. We will explore various aspects of management of natural resources in the region via case studies (lectures, readings, and discussions); highlighting the problems occurring when resources are “owned” by more than one country. If we can arrange things, we will have discussions and question and answer sessions via Skype with experts in transnational natural management in the region.