Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Course

This course offers an academically varied, research-oriented master's degree in modern Israel studies. Students will be made acquainted with a broad range of topics incorporating Israeli history, politics, international relations, public affairs, economy, cultures and arts, set within a number of global perspectives. Both teaching and research supervision will be conducted by Monash University staff alongside overseas visiting professors. Study and research-related travel to Israel will be made available to successful candidates.

Students completing this course will demonstrate

• an ability to imbue a thorough, research-orientated scholarly acquaintance with the major themes and trajectories of modern Israeli history
• an ability to impart a critical understanding of the changing political perspectives within Israel
• familiarity with the contemporary social milieu of modern Israeli culture
• an appreciation of the intellectual history of pre-state (Yishuv) and early Israeli Hebrew thought
• a general acquaintance with a broad view of Israeli history, politics, society and culture
• an understanding of the Middle East and Israel's position within this context and the major themes of the ongoing conflict.

This course consists of one core unit and additional electives units to a total value of 72 points. Students must complete a maximum of 48 points at level four and minimum of 24 points at level five. Students who achieve a distinction average in their level four units have the option of undertaking a 24-point research dissertation at level five. All units except where indicated are worth 12 points.

Students complete:

• JWM4020 Zionism: The argument

plus a further 36 points of elective units* at level four and 24 points at level five from the following:

• HYM4195 Israelis and Palestinians between war and peace intensive summer abroad unit
• HYM4390/HYM5390 Historiography of the Arab-Israeli conflict
• JWM4030/JWM5030 Jewish history, Jewish memory
• SHM4000A/SHM5000A Research project part 1**
• SHM4000B/SHM5000B Research project part 2**
• SHM4010/SHM5010 School of Historical Studies placement**

* Up to 24 points of study abroad may be taken as part of this course.

** Standard recommended research units.

Students may apply to exit after successful completion of:

• 24 points with course 4037 Graduate Certificate in Modern Israel Studies.
• 48 points with course 4036 Graduate Diploma in Modern Israel Studies.

Master of Modern Israel Studies