Spring 2010

MES 325 • ISRAEL: POLICY/SOCIETY/FOREIGN RELATIONS

Course Description

The course outlines the history of the Jewish community in Palestine since the beginning of the 20th century and of the state of Israel since its foundation in 1948. The course focuses of the circumstances that led to the birth of Israel; the experience of a state-building; the internal and external challenges its leaders and citizens had to face. It discusses political and parliamentary life in Israel , the Israeli society and its characteristics till the beginning of the 21st century.

Grading Policy

Class Participation 15% Mid-term Exam 25% Final Paper 35% Final Exam 25%

Texts

Howard M. Sachar, A History of Israel from the Rise of Zionism to Our Time (Alfred A. Knopf, New york, 2007), paper back edition.

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