Israel State and Society from Coursera

Each of the 13 sessions is focused on one aspect of the Israeli society. Every session starts with a general introduction of the issue at hand, hosting one expert or more, who share their most recent studies and insights on that specific field. Every 15 minutes, or so, the students are asked to answer an informative quiz of comprised of a single question. Upon the completion of each class, an online chat will be opened. Students studying for credit are expected to participate in it, ask relevant questions and answer questions about the required readings for this class.

Students will graduate from this course with a better understanding of the Israeli society, better knowledge of the Israeli history, politics and economy, and better acquaintance with the varying groups of which the Israeli society is comprised.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

Israel is a country that draws a lot of public attention around the globe. Nevertheless, both those who support Israel and those who are critical of its geopolitical standing and policies, usually have a very limited knowledge about the Israeli society and its political system. This course presents Israel from multiple perspectives - political, social, economic and cultural - in an attempt to expose the learners to a cutting edge academic research on the country. Each of the 13 sessions is focused on one aspect of the Israeli society. Every session starts with a general introduction of the issue at hand, hosting one expert or more, who share their most recent studies and insights on that specific field. Every 15 minutes, or so, the students are asked to answer an informative quiz of comprised of a single question. Upon the completion of each class, an online chat will be opened.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Introduces the history, politics, and culture of a country often discussed in international news media

Covers a diverse range of subjects on Israel's history, culture, political system, and society

Examines various perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Emphasizes the social and cultural dynamics of Israel's diverse population

Provides a comprehensive overview of Israel's political system and its role in the region

Taught by experts in Israeli studies, offering insightful perspectives and research

Reviews summary

Comprehensive look at israeli society

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and insightful overview of Israel's state and society. Students found the content to be deep and well-structured, appreciating the inclusion of cutting-edge academic research and insights from various expert guest lecturers. The course covers a wide range of topics, from historical roots and politics to social dynamics and cultural identity, providing a nuanced understanding of the country's complexities. While some noted the required readings were substantial, they were generally considered valuable for gaining deeper knowledge. The course is perceived as well-presented and thought-provoking, suitable for those seeking a serious academic engagement with the subject matter.

Addresses complex, contested issues.

"The course presented different academic viewpoints on contentious issues."

"I felt the material was handled thoughtfully given the sensitivity of the subject."

"It doesn't shy away from difficult aspects of Israeli society."

Essential for in-depth understanding.

"The readings are crucial for a deeper dive into the topics."

"While extensive, the required articles were very informative."

"I highly recommend engaging with the readings."

Delivered by leading academics.

"Learning from guest lecturers who are experts in their fields was fantastic."

"The lectures were insightful and brought academic depth."

"I really enjoyed the perspective shared by the different experts."

Explores many facets of Israel.

"The course provided a comprehensive overview of Israel's history, politics, and society."

"I appreciated the breadth of topics covered, from economics to cultural identity."

"Each session added a new layer to my understanding of the country."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Israel State and Society with these activities:

Revisit high school level Mathematics

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Understanding Functions, Graphs, and matrices will significantly enhance your ability to follow the lessons.

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Review 'Israel: A Concise History' by Martin Gilbert

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of Israeli history from its ancient roots to the present day, giving you a solid foundation for understanding the country's complex political and social landscape.

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Review 'The Outbreak' by Frank Snowden

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Snowden provides a historical perspective on the spread of infectious diseases, highlighting the role of globalization and interconnectedness in shaping pandemics.

View Epidemics and Society on Amazon

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Five other activities

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Practice answering quiz questions

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The quizzes will help you assess your understanding and identify areas for improvement.

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Access the online quiz platform provided in the course.
Take each quiz multiple times.
Review your answers and identify any incorrect or uncertain responses.

Start a personal journal to track your learning journey

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This course is exhaustive. Journaling will help you track your progress, identify areas where you need reinforcement and provide an opportunity for reflection.

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Choose a dedicated journal or notebook for your course journey.
Reflect on the day's lesson after class or at the end of each week.
Write down key points, summarize in your own words, and note any questions or areas where you need further clarification.
Review your journal entries regularly to reinforce learning and identify patterns.

Join a study group with classmates

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Collaborative learning can foster deeper understanding and provide different perspectives on course material.

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Connect with classmates through the course forum or social media.
Form a study group with 2-4 peers.
Schedule regular meetings to discuss course material, work on assignments together, and quiz each other.

Attend a guest lecture or panel discussion on a related topic

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Guest speakers can provide unique insights and perspectives that complement the course material.

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Create a visual timeline of a key historical event explored in class

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Visualizing historical events can reinforce your understanding of the sequence of events, key players, and their relationships.

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Choose an event or topic covered in class.
Research the event thoroughly using credible sources.
Organize the information chronologically and identify key milestones or turning points.
Select a visual format such as a timeline, infographic, or interactive map.
Create the visual timeline using appropriate tools or software.

Career center

Learners who complete Israel State and Society will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Diplomat

Diplomats represent their countries in foreign nations. They work to build relationships between countries and to resolve conflicts. This course may be helpful for those interested in a career in diplomacy, as it provides a deep understanding of the history, politics, and culture of Israel, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the country.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts develop and evaluate public policy. They use their knowledge of social, economic, and political issues to make recommendations to policymakers. This course can provide you with the knowledge and analytical skills needed to succeed in this field, as it covers a wide range of topics relevant to public policy, including the Israeli political system, economic development, and social welfare.

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International Development Specialist

International Development Specialists work to improve the lives of people in developing countries. They design and implement programs that focus on economic development, education, health, and other areas. The course provides a foundation for understanding the challenges and opportunities facing developing countries, and it can help build the skills needed to design and implement effective development programs.

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Historian

Historians research and write about the past. They use primary and secondary sources to reconstruct historical events and to interpret their significance. This course can help build a foundation for understanding the history of Israel and the Middle East, and it can be useful for those interested in a career in historical research or teaching.

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Sociologist

Sociologists study human societies. They use research methods to collect data on social behavior and to develop theories about how societies work. This course provides a foundation for understanding the social structure of Israel and the challenges facing Israeli society. It can be useful for those interested in a career in sociology or social work.

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Political Scientist

Political Scientists study politics and government. They use research methods to collect data on political behavior and to develop theories about how political systems work. This course provides a foundation for understanding the political system of Israel and the challenges facing Israeli society. It can be useful for those interested in a career in political science or public administration.

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Journalist

Journalists research, write, and report on current events. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the Israeli State and Society, including its history, politics, and social issues. Taking this course can help build a foundation for understanding the complexities of the Middle East and enable you to more effectively report on and analyze current events in the region.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists study human cultures. They use research methods to collect data on cultural practices and to develop theories about how cultures work. This course provides a foundation for understanding the culture of Israel and the challenges facing Israeli society. It can be useful for those interested in a career in anthropology or cultural studies.

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Museum curator

Museum Curators oversee the collections of museums and historical sites. They research, interpret, and display artifacts and specimens for public education and enjoyment. This course may be useful for those interested in a career in museum studies, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the history and culture of Israel.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of nonprofit organizations. They work to raise funds, develop programs, and manage staff. This course can be useful to those interested in a career in nonprofit management, as it provides a broad overview of the Israeli nonprofit sector, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing nonprofit organizations.

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Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They use research methods to collect data on economic behavior and to develop theories about how economies work. This course provides a foundation for understanding the economy of Israel and the challenges facing Israeli society. It can be useful for those interested in a career in economics or finance.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people overcome social problems. They use counseling, therapy, and other methods to help people improve their lives. This course provides a foundation for understanding the social problems facing Israeli society and the challenges facing social workers in Israel. It can be useful for those interested in a career in social work.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students at all levels, from preschool through college. They develop lesson plans, teach classes, and assess student learning. This course provides a foundation for understanding the history of Israel and the challenges facing Israeli society. It can be useful for those interested in a career in teaching.

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Librarian

Librarians help people find and access information. They work in libraries, schools, businesses, and other organizations. This course provides a foundation for understanding the history, culture, and society of Israel. It can be useful for those interested in a career in library science.

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Political Consultant

Political Consultants help plan and execute political campaigns for candidates running for elected office. Israel has a complex political system, and the course can help you understand how Israel's political system operates, how voters make decisions, and the role of the military in shaping the Israeli identity. This knowledge may be useful if you plan to advise political candidates running for office.

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