Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Notes

Synopsis

The unit examines the modern history of Israel/Palestine from the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 21st century through an analysis of Israeli and Palestinian films and literary texts. It explores the political, social and cultural impact of the interaction between Israelis and Palestinians. Themes include: representations of the homeland, development of national consciousness, representations of the conflict, opportunities for dialogue and coexistence, terrorism, prospects for peace.

Objectives

Students successfully completing this unit should have developed an understanding of:

1. The body of knowledge on the modern history of Israel/Palestine.
2. The Israeli and Palestinian understandings of their own history and culture.
3. The Israeli and Palestinian relationship to the land and the layers of meaning associated with it.
4. The debates and dilemmas surrounding the Arab-Israeli conflict.
5. The challenges and limitations Israelis and Palestinians living side by side.
6. The interaction between artistic and literary productions and the historical understanding of Israel/Palestine.
7. The craft of writing scholarly essays based on film and literary sources.

Assessment

Written work: 90%
Class participation: 10%

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor Mark Baker

Contact hours

One 2-hour lecture per week
One 1-hour tutorial per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Jewish civilisation
History

Prohibitions

HSY3135