Topics in Israel Studies (280-4-1)
Topic
Jews and Arabs in Palestine/The Land of Israel
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
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-325: Mon, Wed 12:30PM - 1:50PM
Overview of class
This course will delve into the intricate social and cultural dynamics between Jews and Arabs in Palestine/The Land of Israel from the late 19th century to 1948. Contrary to prevailing assumptions, which often depict this period as marked solely by mutual rivalry, violence, and conflict, this course aims to challenge this narrative. Through the lens of a Relational History approach, we will explore diverse interactions beyond political rivalry, examining shared identities and joint experiences. We will also examine various daily encounters and collaborations that unfolded between ordinary Jews and Arabs across different public spheres such as mixed cities, the education system, business and the labor market, political organizations, leisure venues, and more. Using primary historical sources, we will analyze the myriad ways in which Jews and Arabs formed personal, and at times even romantic, relationships against the backdrop of the escalating national struggle.
Registration Requirements
None.
Learning Objectives
• To increase the understanding of the complex and multifaceted relationship between the Jewish and Arab communities.
• To shape an informed historical opinion upon a contested historical period and encourage critical thinking in relation to it.
• To be familiarized with recent scholarly developments, methods, and approaches in the historiography of Jewish-Arab relations in Palestine/The Land of Israel.
• To encourage active participation in class discussions and in critical evaluation of primary and secondary sources.
Evaluation Method
Attendance/Class Participation: 20%
Discussion posts: 15%
Midterm Paper: 25%
Final Project: 40%
Class Materials (Required)
Materials will be provided by the instructor.
Class Attributes
Historical Studies Foundational Discipline
Historical Studies Distro Area