Palestine/Israel and the International

Key information

Start date
End date
Year of study
Year 3 of 3 or Year 4 of 4
Duration
Term 2
Module code
153400087
FHEQ Level
6
Credits
15
Department
Department of Politics and International Studies

Module overview

This module traces the politics and history of Palestine and the Arab-Israeli conflict, within a regional and international context, from the late nineteenth century to the present. It will examine Palestinian and Israeli understandings of the past and present using books, articles, documentaries, and films. The course seeks to understand how and at what costs Israeli and Palestinian nationalisms have been constructed and analyzes British and US involvement in the conflict. Key themes to be introduced and explored include imperialism, settler-colonialism, nationalism, Orientalism, violence, and revolution, all as understood by a variety of actors involved in the region.

In the first part we focus on the history of Ottoman Palestine, the emergence of the Zionist movement, the impact of the British Mandate period, the Arab revolt of 1936–39, and the 1948 war and its local, regional, and international context. In the second half we consider the 1967 war, the rise and decline of the Palestinian Revolution, and critically analyse the Oslo Accords, the Intifadas, and contemporary international activism.

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

  • On completion of this course you will be able to
  •  Demonstrate a foundational knowledge of the history of the Arab-Israeli and Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  • Understanding the roles and politics of international actors related to the Arab-Israeli conflict.
  • Apply and evaluate theoretical tools in the analysis of the Israeli-Arab conflict using concepts like nationalism, settler-colonialism, and anti-colonialism.
  • Develop their analytical and critical skills, through the ideas discussed in the lectures and through individual research.
  • Enhance their communication skills through seminar presentations and discussions in class.

Workload

This module will be taught over 10 weeks with:

  • 1 hour lecture per week 
  • 1 hour tutorial per week

Method of assessment

Assignment 1: Essay 40%
Assignment 2: Essay 60%

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules

Key staff

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