The History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict

Subject 671-395 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1.5-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Usually 12.5 points of first-year history or first-year Jewish studies.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Dvir Abramovich

Contact

Dvir Abramovich

dvir@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: The Arab-Israeli conflict remains one of the most complex dilemmas facing the new century. This course will trace the history of this conflict, from the beginning of Jewish nationalism to the present. Issues to be studied include Jewish migration to Palestine; the impact of the Holocaust; the Declaration of the State of Israel and the first Arab-Israeli war; the birth of the Palestinian refugee problem; the 1967 War and the rise of the PLO; the Jewish settler movement; terrorism and counter-terrorism; the peace process from Camp David to Oslo and beyond; and the Intifadas of 1987 and 2000. Students should leave the subject able to analyse the current situation in Israel with a sensitivity to the historical complexities and competing claims of the different sides of the conflict.
Objectives:
  • understand the history of the Arab-Israeli-conflict from the late-nineteenth century to the present and identify the key historical events and people in the conflict;
  • analyse the causes and effects of each of the Arab-Israeli wars and examine the most recent developments in the conflict and possibilities for the future;
  • understand the origins and development of the State of Israel and identify key historical milestones in the history of Zionism, from its beginnings to the present;
  • examine the origins and history of the Palestinian refugee problem from 1948 onwards and comprehend the history of the Palestinians and Palestinian nationalism in the twentieth century;
  • understand the Oslo peace process and its breakdown;
  • interpret and analyse the two Palestinian Intifadas.
Assessment: A research assignment of 2000 words 45% (due mid-semester), a reflective essay of 2000 words 45% (due at the end of the semester) and class participation 10%. Hurdle requirement: students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to be pass this subject.
Prescribed Texts:
A subject reader will be available at beginning of semester
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;
  • show critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument;
  • demonstrate understanding of social, ethical and cultural context through the contextualisation of judgements, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Arabic Studies Major
Hebrew Major
History
History Major
Islamic Studies
Jewish Studies
Jewish Studies Major

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