College Seminar (101-7-1)
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
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-325: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM
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, which reflect the world views of the leadership and elites. In this course, however, we will examine the social and cultural history of Israel / Palestine by focusing on daily life aspects of ordinary people such as women, children, workers, and immigrants. We will read primary sources through which we will learn how major historical events were experienced and interpreted by both Jewish and Arab societies. Because this is a first-year seminar, we will also spend time 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.
Registration Requirements
No registration requirements.
Learning Objectives
This course is both an exploration of an important topic and a forum for you to hone the skills and habits of mind you'll need to succeed at Northwestern. Some of those—e.g., analyzing evidence, identifying and evaluating arguments, and presenting ideas orally and in writing—may be fairly obvious. As Important, however, we'll also spend time discussing how to navigate this very complicated place and how to keep your balance when things get tough—which they will!
Evaluation Method
Class participation: 25%
Readings/Discussion posts on Canvas: 15%
Mid-term paper: 25%
Research/Final project: 35%
Class Materials (Required)
Materials will be provided by the instructor.
Class Attributes
WCAS College Seminar