Modern Israel: Politics, Society, Culture

(Same as Middle Eastern Studies M142.) Examination of evolution of Israel—its changing society, volatile domestic and foreign politics, and dynamic culture—from its foundation in 1948 to present, in context of global political and cultural change and changing Jewish world. Tension between Israel’s conception of itself as Jewish state and fact that it is home to wide variety of ethnic and religious groups and to great diversity of cultures; that it was envisaged as safe haven for Jewish people but has been characterized by insecurity and ongoing war; that, founded as democracy, it contends with multiple strains on its democratic system, such as tensions between Jews and Arabs, secular and religious Jews, and disparate ethnic groups.

P/NP or letter grading.