INTRODUCTION
Galilee International Management Institute, Israel has developed a summer programme for students from around the world who are interested in the Middle East. The programme focuses on the Israeli – Palestinian conflict, its roots, background and current situation.
The programme begins with an overview of the Land of Israel-Palestine region, presenting the historical background of the region, as well as an overview of social and economic conditions, ethnic and religious background. The lectures are supplemented by Study Tours to enable students to experience these issues at first hand.
A large part of the programme is dedicated to the Israeli – Palestinian conflict. Different aspects of the conflict are examined by Palestinian and Israeli lecturers and the different points of view are discussed. Additional processes in neighbouring countries, which affect Israel and the Palestinian Authority, are presented as well.
The programme seeks to deepen the participants’ knowledge of conditions, developments and trends in Israel, the Palestinian territories and the surrounding lands and to highlight some of the diverse issues at the centre of the political, social and religious divides in the Middle East.
PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION
Students who are familiar with Middle East studies will spend 5 weeks in the area studying the relationship and interactions between the various political, ethnic and religious groups and how these peoples fit into the political, social and cultural frameworks of Israel and the neighbouring lands. The programme will include 150 academic hours with a limited number of background lectures, in addition to study tours, field trips, panel discussions and workshops. This programme will afford the visiting students an opportunity to appreciate the finer details of life in the different communities that make up the Middle Eastern human mosaic and acquire a greater awareness of the diversity that has precipitated conflict when adverse conditions prevailed.
OBJECTIVES
Provide an overview of the history of the Land of Israel-Palestine
Acquaint the students with the different ethnic and religious groups in the region, their way
of life, beliefs, views and inter-relations
Present different perspectives and views regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Develop participants' understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and current issues
PROGRAMME METHODOLOGY
Internationally known Israeli academic experts and Middle East experts will address participants. Lectures will be supplemented by case study analyses; group discussions and group work; workshops; study tours; games and simulations.
CURRICULUM
Present
Topical Background
History & Political Sociology
Present
Palestinian Society: Origin, Social Composition and Variety
Israeli Society: Sociological Structure, Trends and Prospects
The Middle East in the 21st Century: Economy, Social, Health and Education (Part I & II)
Importance of Religion in the Middle East
Water and Environmental Status in the Region and the Effect of Such on the Political
Situation for the Palestinians and the Israelis
The Peace Process: Difficulties, Possibilities and Prospects (Israeli Part & Palestinian Part)
From the Oslo Process to the Unilateral Plan
Different Perceptions and Expectations in Understanding the Oslo Accords; Consequences
for the Road Map
Middle East Media in the 21st Century: Breakthroughs and New Approaches, or More of the
Same?
Peace Movements and Initiatives at the Israeli and Palestinian Societies (Israeli Part &
Palestinian Part)
Managing the Implementation of the Security Agreement of the Peace Accord between Israel
and the Palestinian Authority
The Bedouin Society in the Negev
Human Rights under the Occupation and the Palestinian Authority
The Palestinian Israeli Conflict Renewed (or Intensified?) 2000 – 2006.
Mental Health of School Children in the Palestinian Authority and Israel
The Art of Scientific Collaboration in Conflict Areas
Topical Background
Milestones in the Region’s History
Ethnic Populations in the Middle East and Their Characteristics
Crusaders Kingdom of Jerusalem
The Roots of Jewish Nationalism (Zionism) through World War I
The Social History of the Palestinians from Late Ottoman Period Until 1948
Conflicting Aims and Objectives during the British Mandate and the Triangular Relationship
between Zionism, Palestinian Arab Nationalism and British Interests: 1916 – 1947
1948 and Its Consequences
The Debate Over 1948
Israeli Independence & Institutionalisation of State as Compared with Palestinian National
Demise (1947–67)
From the Six Days War (1967) Through the War of Lebanon (1982)
The Appearance of Moderation (1982–2000). What Were the Ultimate Objectives?
History & Political Sociology
The Development of Arab Nationalism from the Late 19th Century Through World War I
The Challenges of Democracy and Civil Society in Egypt under Anwar al-Sadat and Hosni
Mubarak
Genuine Economic Liberalisation or Window Dressing: Economic Planning in Egypt Since
1970
Jordan and the Arab-Israeli Conflict (Part I & II)
The Influence of the Super Powers on the Middle East: Cold War
Modern Globalisation versus Islamist Globalisation in the Arab Milieu
Political Systems in the Modern Middle East - Towards Democratic Societies?
Nutrition and Health in the Middle East
STUDY TOURS
Masada, Qumran and the Dead Sea
Tel Beer Sheba and Tel Arad
The Crusaders: Kokhav Hayarden, Kalaat Nimrod and the Arbel
Archaeological Sites: Beit Shearim, Zippori and Megiddo
Jerusalem
Nazareth and Sea of Galillee
Bethlehem
World Heritage Cultural Sites: Caesarea and Acre
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
The Security Fence – Visit and Discussion
Arab Village – Meeting With the Village Centre Positions, Conversation
about the Arab – Israeli / Palestinian Identity
Joe Alon Centre & Bedouin Settlements
Visit to a Druze Village – The Druze Secret Traditions
Visit to The Knesset: Israeli Parliament
Meeting with Palestinian NGOs
Visit to a Jewish Settlement – An Opportunity to Hear from the Right Wing
Faction
Panel - Representatives from the Different Parties in Israel
PROGRAMME PARTICIPANTS
The summer programme is intended for graduate students preferably, though not essential, who are in the process of studying courses associated with the Middle East. All participants must be fluent in English.
GENERAL INFORMATION
REGISTRATION
