Israelis & Palestinians: Conflict, Peace

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

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

This subject will examine the Israeli-Palestinian narrative through a multi-disciplinary perspective that will explore the political, social, historical and cultural issues central to this long and intense conflict. The subject will provide a clear chronological and textual foundation for examining the conflict’s origins, evolution, ramifications, as well as the quest for peace. Also examined will be Palestinian and Israeli society in the 20th Century with a focus on the rise and development of Palestinian and Israeli nationalism, including intertwined themes of identity, collective memory, trauma and loss-- themes that bind Palestinians and Israelis together. This interdisciplinary subject will assess the causes and effects of the wars in the region, the involvement of external powers, the negotiations and agreements between Israel and the PLO, the impact of the conflict on the lives of the two nations, the issue of settlements within the framework of international law, the phenomenon of terrorism and counter-terrorism and the status of Jerusalem and its holy sites. Evaluating the prospects of resolution, the subject will probe contemporary instances of interfaith dialogue and programs that call for peaceful coexistence. The course will utilise primary and secondary sources, including film and literature.

Students who complete this subject will:

• have a sound and comprehensive grasp of the Israeli- Palestinian conflict from its inception in the 20 th century to contemporary times and be familiar with the the central events and figures in this dispute;
• examine the root causes and consequences the conflict and analyse the most up-to-date developments in the conflict and the pathways for resolution;
• understand the origins and evolution of the Zionist movement and Jewish nationalism as well as the emergence of Palestinian nationalism, identity and society;
• evaluate the influence and impact of external powers in shaping the conflict between the two peoples;
• understand the various negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, including the Oslo Accords, The Camp David and Taba Peace talks;
• examine and analyse the two Palestinian Intifadas and the Gaza War;
• understand the thorny status of Jerusalem and the settlements in the conflict and in the discussions for a final and permanent status treaty;
• probe reconciliation and interfaith programs between Israelis and Palestinians.

• a research assignment of 2000 words due mid-semester (45%)
• a research assignment of 2000 words due end of semester (45%)
• tutorial participation throughout the semester (10%)

Hurdle Requirement:

• students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject
• all pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject

Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. After five working days late assessment will not be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.

Subject readings will be available on-line.

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

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science

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.