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, June 3: Settler Colonialism and the Origin of the Jews

Week 2, June 10: The Origin of the Arabs and the Beginnings of Nationalism

Week 3, June 17: Palestinian Identity and Partition Plans

Week 4, June 24: 1948 and the PLO

Week 5, July 1: From the Six Day War to Oslo