About this course: This course deals with the Israeli politics, economy, society and culture, since its creation in 1948 till today. It analyzes the construction of the Israeli historical narrative as an identity-building narrative, intending to inculcate a collective memory to a diverse society. We will focus on key events and essential components that shaped the Israeli society from the fifties till the present. We will also discuss the changes that the Israeli society experiences in its almost seventy years of existence and how it affects its politics and culture. Among the topics we will discuss issues such as immigration, economic transformation, political upheaval, religious Zionism and post-Zionism, privatization and Americanization, Holocaust increasing role in shaping Israel's identity, diversity and multiculturalism, as well as the enduring conflict with the Palestinians and the Arab world.
Created by: Tel Aviv University
Taught by: Professor Eyal Naveh, General History
General History professor at Tel Aviv University and at the Kibbutzim College of Education
Taught by: Professor Asher Susser, Senior Research Fellow
Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies
| Level | Beginner |
| Commitment | 5 weeks of study, 1-2 hours/week |
| Language | English, Subtitles: Hebrew |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Israeli Society: The First Years 1948-1967
In the first two decades of its existence the new state of Israel faced many challenges. Israelis at this period faced economic difficulties, insecure boarders, political challenges and social upheavals. Led by the Labor party, the new state absorbed huge num...
13 videos, 2 readings
Graded: Evaluate your knowledge
WEEK 2
Israel, Between War and Peace 1967-1979
From the late Sixties until the late Seventies Israeli society experienced two major wars that had a huge impact on life in the country, as well as one peace agreement that altered the status of Israel in the area and reinvigorated hope for a better future.
9 videos, 2 readings
Graded: Quiz
WEEK 3
Israel - A Society in transition 1977-1995
In this lesson we will discuss the essential developments that transformed Israeli society at the end of the twentieth century.
10 videos, 1 reading
Graded: Quiz
WEEK 4
Changing Identity
This segment of the course attempts to explore the very elusive topic of Israel’s changing identity.
7 videos, 3 readings
Graded: Quiz
WEEK 5
Israel in the 21th century
The last part of the course will explore current issues that characterize Israel today. The "Start Up Nation", Social inequality, the Political fragmentation & the difficulties of being situated in the unstable and non-democratic Muslim Middle East.
8 videos
Graded: Quiz
FAQs
How It Works
Coursework
Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.
Help from Your Peers
Connect with thousands of other learners and debate ideas, discuss course material, and get help mastering concepts.
Certificates
Earn official recognition for your work, and share your success with friends, colleagues, and employers.
Creators
Tel Aviv University
Tel Aviv University (TAU) is Israel's largest institution of higher learning – with over 30,000 students and more than 125 schools and departments in nine faculties. Global in outlook and impact, it is consistently ranked among the world's top 100 universities, as well as the top 20 institutions in terms of scientific citations. A spirit of openness and innovation is evident in all of TAU's teaching and research activities, breaking down barriers between disciplines, and boldly striving to address the twenty-first century's most pressing challenges.
Ratings and Reviews
Thank you for the course!
nice
This was an amazing and enlightening course. Thank Hebrew University for setting it up in such an all-encompassing manner.
Coursera provides universal access to the world’s best education, partnering with top universities and organizations to offer courses online.
© 2017 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
BE
Very important course for those who want to learn about Israel