PS 362U Introduction to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and Peace Process Prof. Benstead

Photos: Lindsay Benstead PS 362U provides an introduction to the politics of theIsraeli-Palestinian conflict and peace process. It is suitable for students who knowledge of the history and contemporary politics of the conflict is limited. However, students whose knowledge is more advanced will benefit from engaging with the range of perspectives presented in the course readings and from in-class dialogue about these perspectives on the conflict and its resolution. Students will be asked to articulate the positions of different actors in the conflict and to develop understanding of and empathy for the dilemnas and persespectives discussed in the readings. The course will begin with a brief overview of historical events which shape the current conflict. Then, analysis of politics affecting the development and resolutin of the conflict will be systematically analyzed:

• What is the nature of conflict between Arabs and Israeli’s in Israel and the occupied territories?

• How do regional politics between Israel and other Arab countries relate to the politics of the conflict? How does the conflict shape domestic politics in Arab states?

• What are the international dimensions of the conflict and peace process? What role does the United States play in pursuing a final settlement of the conflict? What solutions might be viable?