Overview
The events in Israel and Palestine in the past week have been horrific and it seems that the level of human suffering on both sides will continue to increase for the foreseeable future. As graduate students in conflict resolution, you will be asked for your opinion. To become well-informed (1) what are the sources of information you would seek out to learn more about the history of this conflict? (2) what are the biases of each of those sources? (3) what are the sources you would seek out to keep updated about the current phase of this conflict? (4) what are the biases of those sources?
Our RI keynote speaker is an expert of narrative analysis in conflict and conflict resolution. What are the dominant narratives about this conflict in (1) the US media that you read, listen to or watch (please specify format and source) (2) the Israeli media (if you have been exposed to it) (3) the Palestinian media (if you have been exposed to it ) (4) media from other Arab countries (if you have been exposed to it).
In your opinion, what, if any, are causes for hope in this horrific context?
WEEKLY JOURNAL ENTRY GUIDELINES:
The weekly papers should attempt to synthesize the assigned readings and in-class videos and readings. However, they should not be a summary of the week’s readings but must be a critical assessment. I do not want book reports. You are expected not only to read the readings, but to analyze/synthesize/critique, and compare/contrast them with additional readings and cases. There are no intellectual restrictions on any additional readings or cases you include in your journal entries. What have you taken from the readings? What are the implications of the topics covered in the readings and the cases?
You could also advance some additional research questions either raised by the authors themselves or by your interpretation of the reading(s). What ramifications does the work have for our understanding of peace and conflict? How do the chapter readings relate to the video or case? What are your personal experiences, knowledge, aspirations, and fears related to the weekly readings? How do the chapter readings relate to your own experiences of peace and conflict?