2025 Fall JEWISH 175E 002 LEC 002

2025 Fall

JEWISH 175E 002 - LEC 002

History of Modern Israel: From the Emergence of Zionism to Our Time

History and Sociology of Modern Israel

Aug 27, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025
Tu, Th
11:00 am - 12:29 pm
Class #:33821
Units: 4

Instruction Mode: In-Person Instruction

Offered through Jewish Studies Program

Current Enrollment

Total Open Seats: 20
Enrolled: 0
Waitlisted: 0
Capacity: 20
Waitlist Max: 3
No Reserved Seats

Hours & Workload

3 hours of instructor presentation of course materials per week, 9 to 8 hours of outside work hours per week, and 0 to 1 hours of the exchange of opinions or questions on course material per week.

Course Catalog Description

The class explores the history of the Zionist movement and the State of Israel in all its complexity and contradictions. What is Zionism? What are its roots? Is it a liberation movement? A religious cause? A colonial ideology? A set of state policies? And what is the relationship between Zionism and the modern State of Israel? How do Zionism and Israel look different when considered from the standpoint of Jewish, Palestinian, European, or Middle Eastern history? Exploring Zionism and Israel from its roots in the nineteenth century to the present, this class offers in-depth knowledge and discussion on all of these topics and more.

Class Description

In recent years—and especially since the October 7th massacre and the subsequent war between Israel and Hamas—global discourse around Israel has become increasingly polarized, often reduced to simplistic labels of "pro-" or "anti-" Israel. Yet many remain unfamiliar with the complex history and social fabric of the country. This course surveys the historical events, social transformations, and cultural dynamics that have shaped Israeli society—from the emergence of the Zionist movement and the founding of the state to the present day—offering students a multidimensional understanding of Israel in both historical and contemporary contexts.

Rules & Requirements

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Reserved Seats

Current Enrollment

No Reserved Seats

Textbooks & Materials

See class syllabus or https://calstudentstore.berkeley.edu/textbooks for the most current information.

Textbook Lookup

Guide to Open, Free, & Affordable Course Materials

eTextbooks

Associated Sections

None