Israeli Society

The course will present a macro-sociological, historical and comparative approach to selected issues in Israeli society. It will focus on the question in which ways and to what extent Israel is Western and secular. Topics to be discussed will include a conceptual framework for the comparative study of developed societies, distinct characteristics of Israeli society, the formative period, demography, culture, economy, politics, military, religion, and grand forces reshaping Israeli society (continued growth, globalization, privatization of society and state, Westernization and transition to non-belligerency).