Page 20 - ILR_Spring2020_web

MIDDLE EASTERN
STUDIES

ILR378 Palestine and Israel, Twice-Promised SEN473 Current Issues in the Middle East
Land - An Exploration Through Film 5 sessions, 10 hours
5 sessions, 12.5 hours The Middle East is arguably one of the most newsworthy areas
This course provides a rare opportunity to examine one of of the world. For the uninitiated, entrenched stereotypes and
the most important and contentious issues of our time. For recurring sound-bites reduce the diversity and dynamism of
more than seven decades, the Palestine-Israel conflict, the this fascinating region to a simplistic “one-size-fits-all” monolith.
“most fundamental fault line” in the Middle East, has stood at Current Issues in the Middle East,” one of the longest-running and
the epicenter of political debate in the region --- and beyond. most popular courses in ILR’s 55+ program, is an ongoing series,
The persistent failure to resolve the competing visions of the designed to uncover the mystique that is associated with this
inhabitants of a land that is sacred to three great religious vitally important area of the world.
traditions is a tragedy of the modern age, not only for Arabs Each week’s class will present and analyze the latest news from
and Jews but also, by extension, for peoples and governments the Middle East. The instructor, a recognized area specialist,
around the world. In many ways, the Palestine-Israel conflict has will highlight current issues as they unfold, framing them in a
become a lightning rod --- a measure by which the efficacy of historical context, identifying key players, exploring the tangled
public policy and respect for international law are measured and web of interrelationships, and analyzing their impact on regional
evaluated. dynamics and the international order.
Through classroom lecture, discussion, handouts, guest speakers, Among the issues under consideration for the spring of 2020 is
and the medium of film --- including interviews, documentary the fate of ISIS after the death of its self-proclaimed “caliph,” the
and dramatic films --- participants will explore the context of entrenchment of authoritarian rule in Egypt and Turkey, growing
this conflict, analyze its historic roots, untangle the complex and popular protests on the “Arab street,” saber-rattling by partisans
deeply-held convictions of protagonists on both sides of this on both sides of the Saudi Arabia: Iran debate, the evolving
issue, examine widely-held misconceptions, analyze the effects dynamics of Israel’s government, shifting political alliances, the
of policies that impact the inhabitants of the Holy Land, and future of the Kurds in Syria, and the growing profile of Russia and
consider the role and implications of U.S. foreign policy in the China in the Middle East. In every discussion the role of the United
Middle East as it relates to this conflict, including the impact of States in the region, both historically and currently --- particularly
Christian Zionism. in a presidential election year ---- will be considered.
Student participation, including the sharing of individual Through lectures, selected readings, films, guest speakers, and
perceptions and insights, will enrich the conversation. Please be group discussion, it is expected that after taking this course
advised that while all opinions and points of view are welcome, participants will be better equipped to understand and address,
it is expected that classroom discussion will be characterized by with a greater level of confidence, some of the most compelling
measured discourse and mutual respect. issues of our time.
Instructor: Linda Pappas Funsch Note: New content is discussed each term.
5-Digit Number: 19497 Instructor: Linda Pappas Funsch
Wed, 2:30 - 5:00 p.m., 3/4 – 4/1
Location: Sweadner Hall 5-Digit Number: 19498
Wed, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m., 4/15 – 5/13
Tuition: $40 | Fee: $109 | Total: $149 | MD residents age 60+ pay fee only
Location: Sweadner Hall
Tuition: $40 | Fee: $109 | Total: $149 | MD residents age 60+ pay fee only

This spring, the Middle Eastern course lineup has moved
to Wednesday afternoons.

Linda Pappas Funsch | Interested to learn more about Linda? ILR Instructor Bios are now located in their own section on page 40.

18 ILR 55+ Registration now open