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Course Descriptions

Semester Course Schedule Long-Term Program Dates Short-Term Program Dates Entrance Requirements Course Descriptions

MECR 5/363 Historical and Social Settings of Modern Israel - Credit Hours: 3

Semester normally offered: Spring

Course Description

An examination of historical, social and political aspects of contemporary Israeli society, including the ideologies and groups that have played a major role in the formation of Israeli society. Emphasis is placed on social and political issues which are at the center of current debate in the country.

Course Equivalencies

This course fills equivalencies in the following areas:

  • Sociology  
  • Middle Eastern Studies
  • Political Science
  • Contemporary History

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, the student should be able to:

  • outline the various ideologies and historic events which form Israeli society;
  • explain Israel’s political system and the various parties;
  • detail the numerous societies and cultures within Israel (e.g. Arab Israelis, secular and religious Jews, women, etc.); and
  • identify and understand key political issues in Israeli society.

Field Study

A two-day interactive field study focusing on areas in northern Israel that deal with issues of borders, historical events in the founding of the State of Israel and current issues of debate such as the annexation of the Golan Heights by Israel.