POLS 225 - The Arab-Israeli Conflict

Credits: 5
Explore the Arab-Israeli conflict from its inception until the present. Students will examine key political processes in the development and persistence of the conflict.. The conflict will be explored through key political science concepts including: state and institution building, ethnic conflict, nationalism, economic development, and conflict management.

Prerequisite: Eligible for ENGL& 101 or instructor’s permission.

Satisfies Requirement: Social Science

Course Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this class will be able to:

Explain and analyze the origins of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Explain and analyze the evolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Identify the key actors who have been involved in the conflict.
Analyze the social and political development of Israelis, Palestinians, and the various states that are involved in the conflict.
Be able to apply key concepts in political science to various aspects of the Arab-Israeli Conflict
Understand key Palestinian and Israeli narratives concerning the conflict.
Articulate the key goal and visions of the main groups that are involved in the conflict.
Identify the role European colonialism played in shaping and sustaining the conflict.
Explain and analyze the main factors that have led to the failure of the peace process.
Understand the key challenges and dilemmas that Israelis and Palestinians face today.
Exhibit policy analysis and conflict management skills that can be applied in government, non profit, and other policy or research oriented careers.
Demonstrate a strong intercultural knowledge regarding diverse ethnic, religious, and political groups across the Middle East.

Program Outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge of politics and government in the United States and/or across the world.

College-wide Outcomes

Critical Thinking - Critical thinking finds expression in all disciplines and everyday life. It is characterized by an ability to reflect upon thinking patterns, including the role of emotions on thoughts, and to rigorously assess the quality of thought through its work products. Critical thinkers routinely evaluate thinking processes and alter them, as necessary, to facilitate an improvement in their thinking and potentially foster certain dispositions or intellectual traits over time.
Responsibility - Responsibility encompasses those behaviors and dispositions necessary for students to be effective members of a community. This outcome is designed to help students recognize the value of a commitment to those responsibilities which will enable them to work successfully individually and with others.
Written Communication - Written Communication encompasses all the abilities necessary for effective expression of thoughts, feelings, and ideas in written form.