Contemporary Israel: Society, Culture and Politics In this course we will examine Israeli society and politics in a period of rapid and profound transformation.  We begin with an introductory unit on Zionism, Palestinian nationalism and the history of the state. Subsequent units examine the social, cultural and political characteristics of Israel’s main population sectors (Middle Eastern, European, Russian and Ethiopian Jews and Palestinian citizens and residents of the state) and religious groupings (Muslims and Jews, including secular, traditional, national-religious and ultra-Orthodox). The final units examine intensifying political struggles that will shape the future of Israel and the region. Topics will include the role of religion in public life; civil rights, democracy and the courts; and West Bank settlements, occupation, and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

American Jewish Life In this course we will explore American Jewish life during a period of rapid change. We will begin with a survey of American Jews’ 20th century ethnic, racial, and religious identities. We will then focus on scenes of contemporary religious and communal innovation across a wide spectrum of American Jewish life, including case studies of Hasidic, Queer/progressive, Orthodox and Reform Jews, and Jews of Color. Throughout, we will examine how diverse Jewish collectivities incorporate broader American and global ideas, creating new amalgamations and contributing to social change. In the final unit, we will explore contentious issues related to Israel, antisemitism, gender, and American politics. Sources will include books, articles, films, and a study tour in New York City.

Ted Sasson

Reviews and ratings for Ted Sasson at Middlebury College.Ted Sasson teaches Contemporary Israel, American Jewish Life and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Ted Sasson good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

I found this class really eye opening. I originally took the class for a distribution requirement but it ended up being one of my favorite classes I have ever taken at Middlebury. I will carry the information I learned with me for the rest of my life.

This was a reading heavy course but the material was all relevant to Professor Sasson's lectures and topics in class. He is very passionate and well informed about this topic and my writing imporved throughout the semester. There are four papers (including a final paper) and are all 4-6 pages based on the reading and lecture materials. 

I thought the course was really interesting and the instructor was very fair and accommodating towards students. I will say that it was pretty reading heavy since we only had 4 papers towards our grade but no actual homework besides the readings that went towards your paper. It was really well structured.