This course will cover the trajectory and development of modern Arabic literature from its beginnings in the nineteenth century through today. To this end, you will read several of the “classics” of Arabic novels and short stories. In addition, we will analyze and discuss other “less classic” trends in modern Arabic literature, including experimental genres and works by Arabs in other languages.  In addition, there will be a special section devoted to literature by Israelis, Palestinians, and Palestinian Israelis. 
The goal of this course is therefore multiple:  1) To introduce you to general trends and classic works of modern Arabic literature; 2) To delve into particular themes within modern Arabic texts; 3) To question the boundaries of this literature in an attempt to understand the ways in which it can and cannot be classified under a single rubric; and 4) to offer a special focus on Israeli-Arab and Palestinian literature.
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This class assumes no prior knowledge of Arabic and introduces you to the alphabet and to the rudiments of the standard literary language. Hide Description

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the major debates in social movement theory as well as to the politics of protest in Middle East and Israel. During the first part of the module we will learn critically evaluate the merits of different theoretical approaches to social movements and protest. We will discuss questions such as: Why do people take part in political protest? What cultural and political conditions enable successful mobilization? What role networks, media, emotions, identity and gender play in political protest? Each one of these factors has an important contribution to enabling political actors to mobilise and achieve their goals. During the first part of the module we will learn to assess their influence on the various aspects of social movement dynamic.

The purpose of the second part of the module is to familiarise students with the politics of protest in Middle East and Israel. We will apply the social movement theory to analyse major social movements in the Middle East and Israel. We will assess to what extent the theory conceived to explain the protest in the Western context can explain politics of protest in this region. Hide Description

he course will explore the relationship between conflict, politics and public opinion, while seeking to provide a theoretical basis and critical analysis of each area. One major focus will be public attitudes that lead to conflict, especially ethnic conflict, including buildup, escalation, violence and  resolution.  The other major focus will be on how public opinion affects elite decision-making with relation to conflicts and electoral behavior that influences conflict dynamics, both escalation and resolution. How does public opinion inform leaders in conflict-related policy? How do political leaders learn and use public opinion? Hide Description