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.

Professor Ted is very knowledgeable about the topic and very accommodating to students' needs. There was a study trip for this course when I took at and the planning was very comprehensive and immersive to help us understand the context of our materials.

This course was overall very fun and interesting. It was a small group of kids and we all got very close by the end of the semester. It was very lecture/discussion-heavy and had 3 papers and one large project. Only about 45 ish pages of reading a week although it can get repetitive. The course nonetheless was a gem and would recommend it 100% if you want to learn more about the diversity of Judaism in America,.