ATS3599 - Modern Israel: History, politics and society - 2017

The unit examines the history, politics and society of modern Israel from the early days of the Zionist movement to the beginning of the 21st century. Main topics include the varieties of Zionist ideology and practice, pre-independence Jewish society, the history of Jewish-Arab conflicts, constitutional and legal history of the State of Israel, and the growth of modern Israeli society. We will look at issues of identity, cultural coherence and variety, social divisions along national, ethnic, political and religious lines, Israel's international standing, and the common denominators of Israeli polity and society.

Upon successful completion of this unit students will:

1. understand major topics in the political and social history of modern Israel
2. be able to demonstrate skills in analysis of conceptual issues involved in the study of identity, social division and coherence
3. understand Israel's international standing and related issues in Middle East and international politics
4. understand the major ideologies and institutions at work in the development of modern Israeli society
5. be able to discuss and analyse the major social and political facing the State of Israel
6. demonstrate an appreciation of the complexity of Israeli society through analysis of historical, religious, ethnic, national and political determinants.

Within semester assessment: 80% + Exam: 20%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Associate Professor Mark Baker

Religious studies

Jewish studies

ATS2599