First off, this is a class that I have been truly looking forward to take part in. This is an interesting subject that I know about, but that knowledge is minute. It is a topic that people are very passionate about, and when overhearing discussions about it I become even more interested to discover the complexities of the situation. By taking this class and interacting with people who are exeriencing this matter first hand, I hope to gain an insight into Jerusalem and Israel that not many Americans have. For my first post, I am going to discuss my expectations for the class.
The format of the class is like nothing I have ever taken part of. The use of web based technologies and video conferencing will allow for a truly immersive class in which we can interact with another culture. We live in an ever-shrinking world, and this is just a piece of evidence of increased globalization. Taking an interactive approach, I feel, will provide us with more insight than just reaing from a textbook. Most of us have not had first hand experience with this situation, and therefore cannot have a firm grasp on the problems in Israel; doing something like this gives us the second hand accounts we need to not only understand the problems, but feel them as well.
The only forseeable problems I see in this class are the different preconceived ntoions and perspectives that some students may bring to the class. Many of us have spent most of our lives in America and therefore have some ideas on the problem at hand. Many may take sides with Israelis instead of Palestenians due to Israel being an ally of the United States and Arabs ( I do not agree, but many would say that arabs have been deemed the de facto enemy of the war on terror) being seen as America’s enemy. And with people in our class hailing from different backgrounds, whether it be race, religion, or travel experience, it will be interesting to see our each of our own experiences will interact in class. I would love to write more, but since we have not covered much yet, I will save that for a later time.
