POL378H1S L0101

Topics in Comparative Politics II

Jews and Power

Themes

The rich human fabric comprising contemporary Israeli society is divided along multiple identity-based lines. It is divided nationally (between Jews and Palestinian Arab citizens of Israel), religiously (between religious and secular Jews, Muslims and Christians), and ethnically (between Ashkenazi, Mizrahi and Ethiopian Jews). Other salient identity markers separate new immigrants from the older ones and residents of “Israel proper” from residents of Israeli settlements in the occupied territories. In this course, students will learn about the complex web of cross-cutting identities within Israeli society and how these identities are (re)shaped by power. We will pay special attention to the interrelations of political power, identity politics, and public policy in Israel.

Prerequisites: 1.0 credit in POL/ JPA/ JPF/ JPI/ JPR/ JPS/ JRA courses

Format and Requirements

Quizzes, essay proposals, final essays, and final test

Prerequisites

1.0 credit in POL/ JPA/ JPF/ JPI/ JPR/ JPS/ JRA courses