Introductory Topics in Middle East and North African Studies (290-4-1)

Topic

Jews and Arabs in Palestine/The Land of Israel, 18

Instructors

Maayan Hilel
Crowe Hall, 5-155
Office Hours: MW 5:00 – 6:00

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-343: Mon, Wed 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

Arabs and Jews in Palestine/The Land of Israel

This course examines the social, cultural, and everyday interactions between Arabs and Jews in Palestine/the Land of Israel from the late nineteenth century until 1948. The course adopts a relational history approach to recover a more nuanced understanding of this highly contested period. Focusing on encounters, interactions, and forms of cooperation and frictions, students explore shared experiences, intersecting identities, cultural exchanges and competitions that shaped Arab-Jewish reciprocal relations in daily life. Course topics include life in mixed cities; education systems; business collaborations; tourism; labor unions and political organizations; leisure spaces; and other sites of intercommunal contact. Drawing on a wide range of primary historical sources, students critically analyze how Arabs and Jews navigated diverse public and social spaces, illuminating often-overlooked dimensions of their intertwined histories.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, students will be able to:
• Demonstrate an understanding of the complex and multifaceted social, cultural, and political relations between Arab and Jewish communities in Palestine/LI during a formative historical period.
• Identify and assess major scholarly debates, methodological approaches, and recent historiographical developments in the study of Palestine/Land of Israel.
• Critically analyze primary historical sources, situating them within their historical contexts.
• Critically read and assess secondary scholarship, identifying central arguments, methodology, and the use of evidence.

Evaluation Method

Class Participation: 20%
Ten In Class Multiple Choice Quizzes:20%
Midterm Paper: 25%
Final Project: 35%

Class Materials (Required)

Materials will be provided by instructor.

Class Attributes

Historical Studies Foundational Discipline
Historical Studies Distro Area