Gaza: Hist, Pol, and Ethics

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

The October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas and the subsequent war in Gaza has morphed into a global crisis. The Israel-Palestine conflict is again at the top of the international agenda with the focus on Gaza. American foreign policy has been deeply shaken by these events and the outcome of the 2023 US Presidential election could be shaped by these events. The past, current, and future status of this tiny coastal enclave along the Mediterranean Sea has generated massive global media attention, controversy and intense public and policy debate. Unfortunately, this new focus on Gaza has not been matched by an objective understanding of the history, politics and ethical challenges that flow from the events of October 7. This is the core objective of this course. In other words, the goal is to introduce students to the relevant historical, political, and moral context of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza with the aim of illuminating the controversy that surrounds this topic. This will be a jointly taught lecture course by Georgetown faculty. It will also include a series of guest speakers. Students on both the main campus and the Qatar campus are eligible to enroll. No prerequisites are required. Students will be evaluated based on attendance/participation, a short critical paper, a final exam, and a final interview.