109-210 Israeli Politics and the Jewish World

25 points of Arts subjects or permission of the subject coordinator.

This course will examine and focus on Israel's politics, society and culture, with special attention to Jewish communities beyond Israel and their ethnic and religious diversity. Among the topics considered will be assimilation, secular-Orthodox tensions, the Law of Return, the evolution of the orthodox, reform and conservative religious movements, the Ashkenazi and Sephardi dispute, the Rabin assassination, post-Zionism and Holocaust denial. Also considered will be the implications of these events and factors for Judaism and Israel in the 21st century. The course will engage a number of significant Jewish thinkers and their critical and theoretical reflections on present and future perspectives, as well as short stories, prose, poetry newspaper and magazine articles, films and music. At the end of the course students should possess a critical understanding of current cultural, social and political trends and issues.

• understand the social and historical background to culture. noting the political aspects of social and literary works and events;

• have written communication through essay writing and class presentation;

• be able to deliver oral presentations and understand cross cultural aspects through group discussions.

A written essay of 4000 words 70% (due at the end of semester), a 20-minute oral presentation 20% (commencing at the beginning of semester and due at the end of semester) and class participation and team exercises throughout the semester 10%.

Materials supplied by the department.