Israel State and Society from Coursera

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.

Zionism - The ideological roots of Israel's state and society

The state of Israel was established in 1948, as the nation state of the Jewish people. Yet, many of its current features can be traced back to the Jewish religious longing to return to Zion (or Jerusalem), and to the national political movement known as Zionism. In our first lesson we go back to the origins of the Zionist ideology and the political institutions it generated and examine how they have shaped Israeli society over the years with a special interest in the Zionist vision of Theodor Herzl.

Building a nation, constructing a memory: on sacred time and space in the Israeli society

Zionism has brought together Jews from different countries, all over the world; Jews who have lived in this territory for generations, and the Arab inhabitants of the land. These groups have differed in their history, national narratives, and vision for the future of the country. They spoke different languages, and told their children different stories about the things that connect them to the land. This class tells the story of the nation building process and the (partially) successful quest to construct a national identity in this divided society.

Who are the Israelis – Demographic dynamics and their social consequences

This session presents the different groups comprising the Israeli society, and the changes in their composition over time. It also presents what had been considered the "demographic problem," and the reasons for the country's high fertility rates.

Israel's political system

The Israeli political system reflects the country’s complex social mosaic and contested history. This class provides the foundation for a better understanding of Israel's political system and its institutions.

Israel in the Middle East – War and peace

This session will offer a brief historical overview of Israel's place in the Middle East. It tries to highlight the main dynamics, which keep feeding the Jewish-Arab conflict.

Israel as a Jewish state - Can a state be both Jewish and democratic?

The lecture addresses the appellation "Jewish and Democratic State" from a variety of perspectives and disciplines: historical, political, philosophical, and theological ones. A special focus is place on the way gender outplays in the country, given its Jewish nature.

Jewish-Arab relations in Israel – Conflicts and integration

Arab-Palestinian citizens constitute the largest national minority in Israel. Despite the formal and legal integration into the Israeli society of the Arab residents, security concerns and doubts regarding their loyalty to the new state, have shaped the complex relationships between the Arab minority, the Jewish majority, and the state, throughout the years. This class discusses the history of the Arab minority in Israel and its contemporary state

A society of immigrants – multiculturalism and social stratification

Israel is a society of immigrants. It was shaped by waves of Jewish immigration beginning in the late 19th century. At first, most if the immigrants arrived from Eastern and central Europe. After the founding of the state, however, waves of immigrants from the Middle East and North Africa have transformed Israel's social and cultural fabric. In the following decades, new waves of immigration from Ethiopia and the former Soviet Union have continued to add to the social complexity of Jewish society. This class will address the internal cleavages within the Jewish majority in Israel, their socio-economic consequences and the state’s attempts to bridge cultural differences, and close the occupational and educational gaps between the groups. We will specifically focus on how one of those groups - the immigrants from North Africa, have culturally coped with the marginalization they have experienced in Israel through Saints' Impresarios.

A nation in uniforms – the social consequences of the unending conflict

The military in Israel plays a crucial role in the country's politics, economy and society, due to its engagement in an ongoing armed conflict. Military service is universal for Jewish men and women. It is often the front door to the local labor market, allowing the upward mobility of some, and the exclusion of others. This lesson will examine the role of the IDF in shaping the Israeli society from two complementary perspectives: the role of the army in shaping gender identities; and its place in the production, reproduction and transformation of the social (ethnic and national) hierarchies.

From state-building to neoliberalism: the role of the state in Israel’s economy

This session will present Israel's economy and its transformation from statist centralized economy to a neo-liberal one organized around its leading high-tech industry. It will explore the social consequences of this process in terms of growing inequality and recent social protest.

Determinants of voting behavior in Israel

This session will address the question of voting in a society so riddled with external and internal conflicts, and in a political system offering so many options,: "how does the Israeli voter decide?" It will provide both sociological and psychological models of electoral behavior, examining the roles of social cleavages and political communication in determining votes.

Is there an Israeli identity?

As a young society of immigrants and natives, the development of a relatively coherent and identifiable Israeli identity and culture seemed almost impossible. Yet, many Israelis and foreign commentators argue that such a distinct identity has indeed been created. In this lesson we will explore the swift evolution of an Israeli identity and culture. We will ask what are the origins of this identity and which groups are included (and which groups are marginalized) in its construction. We will consider the possibility that the Israeli culture revolves around cultural traumas associated both with the Holocaust and also, more deeply, with the Jewish predicament of persecution and exile. An analysis that sees Zionism as the solution for the existential fear that is associated with this collective trauma. We will also talk about trauma and its effects in contemporary politics.

Jerusalem, the microcosms of Israeli society – History, politics and everyday life

Jerusalem is among the most contested cities in the world, characterized by an unremitting struggle for territorial control—neighborhood by neighborhood and even house-by-house. Juxtaposing the city history and its complex Geography, this class will tell the story of Jerusalem as a microcosms of the Israeli society and its place in the middle-east.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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