Elective |
Description |
Israel from the Art Historian's Perspective 4-102 |
We will examine "Israel from the Art Historian's Perspective" from three viewpoints: "Ancient Art and Archeology" will explore the literally "many-layered" character of the land; and what these layers tell us about who peopled the land; "Art and the Zionist movement" will look at key artistic figures who emerge as the Yishuv expands and grows and their impact; and "The Art of Jewish and Arab Israelis" will examine more current trends of representation as they relate to politics and identity. While these directions will be introduced, it will be up to students to research and prepare more developed presentations on each topic. |
Israeli Poetry 2-206 |
Our sessions will focus upon aspects of the evolution from classical to modern Israeli poetic voices - obviously in translation. We will consider verse attentive to a literal reading of Biblical sources and verse that contends with such literal readings. Some poets celebrate the "what is" and others disturb such assumptions. As the poet is so often the ultimate outsider, we too will contend with divergent visions.
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Israel Through Art 4-307 |
Students will expand their knowledge of personal identity through the lens of an artist. No art experience necessary. You will explore contemporary and historic artist’s methods that represent a visual narrative. You will learn how color, shape and words can inspire and inform the composition. You will enjoy discovering a variety of art materials and methods to express your thoughts and feelings and have some fun trying. Our discussions and critiques will integrate areas of study from the Senior Seminar. Each of you will complete a self reflective composition on canvas that depicts your story. |
The Israeli Arab 4-103 |
The seminar “The Israeli Arab” will be an in-depth look at the role of the Arab citizen in Israel. Throughout the seminar, we will deal with such questions as What role does a loyalty oath play in Israeli society? What conclusions can we draw from demographic statistics regarding Arabs in Israeli society? What interaction does this minority population have with the Jewish state? The course will be comprised of a series of short lectures, Socratic seminars, and a short research presentation regarding a subtopic of your choosing. Students enrolled in this seminar must come in with an open mind and willingness to critically analyze and assess meaningful questions regarding Israel and
core components of her identity.
Seminar topics will include:
- Elements of Israeli Arab identity
- Israeli Arab Political Parties
- Arab voices in the Israeli media
- Historical narratives
- Mixed cities
- “The Loyalty Oath” Debate
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Model Knesset 2-115 |
Model Knesset elective will allow students who are interested in the inner-workings of the politics of Israel to explore the way the Knesset reacts to current events and the way the various parties compete to control Israel's reaction to important events. After covering the procedural rules for Model UN, the class will react to two or three crisis simulations, which will be taken from the headlines. Then, after that, we will explore the process of government formation, which will start when the students are given the "results" of an election and then be tasked with forming a government. During the class, students will have to research the topics and learn the
procedures of our Model Knesset. The final assessment will consist of writing a reflection on their experience in the Knesset, looking at their successes and failures. Students will also reflect on how Israeli politics and procedures differ from the American system. |
Start-Up Nation 2-203 |
This course will require students to read the popular book "Start-Up Nation". We will explore the conditions in Israel that lead to an innovative and prosperous society. The elective asks the question: What is unique about Israel that leads to economic prosperity? |
Media Studies 2-107 |
This elective choice offers students an opportunity to connect with Israel by working with on-line web design tools and video production techniques. Students will work with each other to create advertising or informational segments that reflect their knowledge and understanding of Israel. |
Independent Study 3-105 |
This elective option is for those students who want to pursue a particular interest of their own choosing. You will meet during the assigned class time to work on your project, receive supervision from a teacher, and workshop with other students pursuing independent study. Independent study must culminate in a final project. Your request for independent study must be approved in advance by the assigned teacher. |
