Courses by Field
Fall 2013
Past and Recurring Courses
Academic Courses
Faculty at Brandeis teach a range of courses on Israel studies across several Brandeis departments. In Fall 2013, the following courses focus on Israel, backed up by multiple Brandeis courses that include an Israel studies element.
* All Israel Studies courses are offered via Brandeis departments and programs; the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies is not a degree-granting program.
Fall 2013
Israel Studies
Israeli Art and Visual Culture: Forging Identities Between East and West
Gannit Ankori - Fine Arts
An examination of the visual arts created in Israel since the beginning of the twentieth century. Combines a chronological overview of major trends with an in-depth examination of select case studies of individual artists and specific themes.
Conflict and Peacemaking in the Middle East
Shai Feldman - Politics
Evolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the efforts to resolve it. Focuses on key documents and developments with particular emphasis on the Palestinian-Israeli dimension, and the different narratives adoped by the parties on the conflict.
Myra Kraft Seminar in Israel
Rachel Fish - NEJS
An intensive examination of contemporary issues in Israeli society and its relationship with Diaspora communities. Required course for Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program.
Israel: Religion, State, and Society
Yehuda Mirsky - NEJS
Explores the relations between pluralism, religious resurgence, secularism and democracy in our time through readings in history, literature, philosophy, sociology, theology, and law. Focuses on one fascinating, contentious and deeply consequential place: The State of Israel.
Love, Sex, and Power in Israeli Culture
Ilana Szobel - NEJS
Explores questions of romance, gender, marriage, and jealousy in the Israeli context by offering a feminist and pschoanalytic reading of Hebrew texts, works of art, and film.
Introduction to Israeli Literature, Film, and Culture
Ilana Szobel - NEJS
Examines trends and myths in modern Hebrew literature. Looking at both central, established and edgy, new stories, poems and films, the course examines various aspects of the way Israelis talk to each other and the world, and presents a multilayered - often conflicting - picture of Israeli culture through different voices and mediums.
Conflict and Controversies in Israeli History
Ilan Troen and Tuvia Friling - NEJS
From early scenarios to contemporary debates, Zionist society has experienced solidarity and discord. Explores tensions caused by ethnic diversity, religious/secular friction, Arab/Jewish rivalry, and the dilemma of defining a state that is at once Jewish and democratic.
Language-based Studies
Advanced Hebrew language courses at Brandeis include an active Israel Studies component, Click here for a listing.
Past and Recurring Courses
For a listing of past and recurring courses with an Israel Studies focus, click here.