Narratives & Realities: Inside the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

This course provides unique insight into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by exploring a range of narratives and perspectives through both academic and personal lenses. By visiting key sites and undertaking dialogues with regional leaders and experts, you will acquire a broader understanding of the conflict’s complexity – and possible solutions. This course is offered as part of the nine-credit Coexistence in the Middle East Program.

Your understanding of the conflict will move beyond theoretical knowledge as we meet and interact with a diverse selection of speakers who represent a range of perspectives and disciplines. We’ll also visit significant places to further understand the reality of the topics we are studying. Among the topics we will explore are the deviating Israeli and Palestinian narratives; borders and settlements, Jerusalem, refugees, and security; realities from the West Bank between settlers and Palestinians; diversity, democracy, and politics; peace processes and conflict resolution; and Hamas and Gaza’s disengagement.

Course Components 

• Site visits and field trips
• Meetings and conversations with key regional actors, including diplomats, government officials, religious leaders, NGO activists, and academic experts
• Class readings and discussions
• Final term paper

View the syllabus

For more information, see the brochure or sign up for updates with the Coexistence program.

Check out the summer course schedule.

You’ll be invited to participate in a wide array of trips, tours, and activities offered by the Office of Student Life. From a tour of the Old City to a trip to the Dead Sea to checking out the local festivals, you’ll build your own unique impressions and memories of Jerusalem and Israel. While residing in HebrewU dormitories with other international and Israeli students, you’ll have a chance to form new friendships and get involved in campus life. A team of multilingual Israeli students, called madrichim, is also there to help you adjust to your new surroundings and give you tips on things to do. Learn more about student life at HebrewU.

“I never thought a simple university course abroad could have such a powerful emotional, educational, and spiritual impact on a person. The diverse insights and knowledge brought to the table by our wonderful professors and now friends, as well as the many field trips taken and impressive selection of guests, presenters, and officials, were simultaneously captivating, surprising, intimidating, and touching.”
Hana Kokanovic
M.A., Public & International Affairs, University of Ottawa, Canada

“It [the program] offers an invaluable opportunity to travel all over the country guided by academic staff and professional tour guides. Our visits to the Golan Heights, the border with Lebanon, and an Israeli military base near Gaza all stand out. Furthermore, the program had access to a huge range of interesting people – Israelis, Palestinians, people from peace initiatives, etc., but also an Egyptian diplomat, a spokesman at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the rabbi of the Western Wall, and the Islamic cleric of Jerusalem.”
Dougal Robinson
B.A., Government, University of Sydney, Australia

• Watch alumni talk about this program.
• Check out our photo gallery on Facebook.
• Watch a short video about the program.
• Find out more about international student life at HebrewU.

Apply by: May 1, 2019*
Arrive on campus: July 1, 2019
Program length: Four weeks
*Housing is guaranteed only for applications received by May 1, 2019.

Course: US$ 1,685
Housing: US$ 775

Learn more about fees, cost of living, and paying for the program.

Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships based on demonstrated need or merit are available.

This course is open to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as to mature learners with an academic background. You must be currently registered at or have been accepted to a recognized college or university or have successfully completed at least one year of study at an accredited institution of higher education. English-language fluency is also required.