Course Description:

One of the challenges to creating an informed opinion is that everything happens in a context. While one can perhaps learn the specific actions that take place in the Middle East, and particularly in Israel and Palestine, without understanding the history of the area, one cannot hope to understand why those actions take place. Further, the actions in Israel and Palestine very much impact life here in the United States. This course will attempt to consider the history of the area and understand the roots of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. Though it is an incredibly challenging topic to consider, it is imperative to understanding one of the most divisive issues of our era.

Topic Outline/Schedule:

Week 1, April 25: Transitions in the Land

Week 2, May 2: Palestine and the Origin of the Arabs

Week 3, May 16: Nationalism and the Palestinians

Week 4, May 23: Partition Plans, 1948, and the Nakba

Week 5, May 30: The PLO, the Impact of 1967, and the Settlers

Week 6, June 6: Hamas, Oslo and the Netanyahu Era