First-Year Seminar (101-6-1)
Topic
Daily Life in Israel/Palestine
Instructors
Maayan Hilel
Crowe Hall, 5-155
Office Hours: Thursday 5:00 - 6:00
Dr. Maayan Hilel is an Assistant Professor of Instruction in Jewish & Israel Studies, and Assistant Director of the Crown Family Center for Jewish and Israel Studies at Northwestern University. She is a historian of the modern Middle East specializing in the cultural and social history of Palestine / the Land of Israel. Her book manuscript explores the emergence of modern leisure culture in Palestine's urban centers during the formative years of British rule (1918-1948). Relying on relational history, it examines intercommunal relations and cultural transformations within Jewish-Zionist and Palestinian-Arab societies. Through archival research in Hebrew, Arabic, and English, her research focuses on the ways in which members of marginalized social groups such as women, children, workers, and villagers participated, experienced, and interpreted major historical changes that unfolded at that time.
Meeting Info
Locy Hall 314: Mon, Wed 2:00PM - 3:20PM
Overview of class
The modern history of Israel / Palestine is usually studied through the lens of the Jewish-Arab conflict. Most historical studies in the field focus on political and military aspects and reflect the world view of the leadership and elite. In this course, however, we will examine the social history of Israel / Palestine by focusing on ordinary people such as women, children, workers, immigrants, and more. We will read memories, diaries, and autobiographies through which we will learn how major historical events were experienced and interpreted by various social groups during the formative years of the British Mandate over Palestine. Through these texts, we will also discuss central issues in the social life of both Jewish and Arab societies such as immigration, gender, and childhood. Apart from these texts we will analyze other primary sources and will get to know methodological tools for the study of history in general and of history "from below" in particular. Because this is a first-year seminar, we will also spend time each week learning about and reflecting on different aspects of your transition to Northwestern including developing study skills and skills in critical reading and writing that you can bring to future coursework in the Humanities.
Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives By the end of the course, students will:
• gain familiarity with the modern history of Israel \Palestine
• gain familiarity with the study of social history and History from Below
• reflect on their own daily life experiences
• develop skills in critical reading and textual analysis
• develop writing skills, both academic and personal
• develop presentation skills
Evaluation Method
Attendance: 10%
Class participation & Online Work: 20%
Presentations: 10%
Research Project: 30%
Paper, mid-term: 30%
Class Materials (Required)
Materials will be provided by instructor.
Class Attributes
WCAS First-Year Seminar
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for First Year & Sophomore only
Add Consent: Department Consent Required
Drop Consent: Department Consent Required