The Arab-Israeli Conflict

Course Overview

This course will present both factual and interpretive material about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, an international dispute that has lasted for more than a century and whose significance extends far beyond the Middle East. After providing background information about the Jews and Israel and about the Arab world, including the Arabs of Palestine, the course will trace the historical development of the conflict from its origins in the late 19th century to the present. The course will also examine the most important issues associated with the conflict, giving special attention to the competing narratives advanced by Israelis and Palestinians and to the right of national self-determination asserted by each. Significant attention will be given as well to relations between Israel and the Arab states.

In discussing the many controversial issues associated with the Arab-Israeli conflict, the course will strive for objectivity and balance and will provide opportunities for the expression and evaluation of differing points of view, including not only the competing views of Israelis and Palestinians but also the important differences existing within Israel and within the Arab world. The instructor for the course has attended university and conducted research for extended periods both in several Arab countries and in Israel. Professor Tessler will also show several videos to further introduce diverse perspectives.