POL/IRL 318 Palestinian Israeli Conflict

This course addresses the causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its transformation from the 19th century to the present. It provides an in-depth understanding of the conflict by exploring its history, the narratives and evolving positioning of the parties involved. We will follow a timeline beginning with the inception of the conflict, studying the events that lead to the 1948 War. Further, we will examine the various armed confrontations that pitted Israeli against its neighboring countries as well as the various attempts at peace. We will do so by addressing international, historical and political developments. A particular focus of the course will be the Israeli and Palestinian societies, their history and their culture. This class is a reading- and discussion intensive course. Students are expected to participate actively and to prepare presentation on selected readings. An interdisciplinary approach will be favored throughout the course.