Evaluation

The Living Jerusalem Course: Evaluation

My cousin is joining the Israeli army. My aunt told me the news over Thanksgiving and I was shocked. In order to continue living in Israel, he must join the Israeli Defense Forces. I have never felt comfortable discussing Israel with my family. Because of our conflicting politics, we avoid discussing Israel. If I had learned that my cousin was enlisting before taking this class, I would have been less incredulous. After everything that I have learned about Israel, Palestine, and the conflict, I cannot imagine joining the army in order to stay in Israel. I did not mention this to my family. Even though I felt comfortable discussing my views in class, I find that for me it is much more difficult to speak openly about my opinions to my family members. I wonder if my cousin would make the same choice to join the army if he had taken this class. In the Jerusalem Project we learned a myriad of topics from the history of Jerusalem to the separation barrier to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender community in Israel. Most importantly, students learn to open their minds to new opinions, to think critically, to wrestle with emotionally wrought topics, to question, and to listen. Through blogging, the Jerusalem Project gives students a space to form and change their own opinions. The Jerusalem Project should be adopted by every college campus. Any class dealing with controversial issues should implement the framework of this course. This class has strengthened my questioning skills and given me the flexibility to change my opinions. Throughout the rest of my studies, I will always remember to as Dr. Horowitz put it, “deconstruct the THE.”
Blogging gives students the opportunity to express their opinions in their own space. As opposed to typed writing assignments to hand in to a professor, the blog itself afforded student’s the freedom to express their opinions. Writing in the blog, I wasn’t as concerned with grammar or eloquence as I was about the process of forming my opinions. The blogging-buddy system is an effective way for students to interact through the blogs. Before we designated the blog buddies, I felt that it was difficult to develop interesting and thought provoking comments for my peers. The blog-buddy allows the student to view the changes of his or her fellow classmate throughout the semester. Instead of sporadically reading different classmate’s blogs, the buddy system allows for a deeper connection between classmates. If the Jerusalem Project expands to both Israeli and Palestinian students, then the blog-buddy system will be even more beneficial for the students. Although I would have liked to receive comments from Dr. Horowitz and other professors, I understand that this may inhibit some student’s writing. Comments from professors could lead students to think differently, consider another opinion, or inspire another avenue of thought, which would further complicate the “THE.” However, if professors were allowed to comment, it might take away from the perceived freedom of the blogging space. If students feel their freedom of expression would be sacrificed, then professor’s comments would not be worth the cost. At the beginning of each session, the professor could ask the students whether or not they would prefer comments. Not all students have to agree on this issue. Throughout my college career, I have never felt as free to express myself without constantly worrying about style and grammar as I have in the blogs. While writing responses, I wasn’t constantly editing myself. Writing in the blogs made it easier for me to articulate my emotions and form my own opinions, which changed after almost every class period.
The Jerusalem Project would benefit from having more class discussions. After every video conference, my brain was teeming with new ideas and questions. For example, before video conferencing with Eitan Grossman, I felt that a two state solution was the most just resolution to the conflict. After our video conference, I began questioning my opinions. Would Palestinians’ human rights be protected with a two state solution? Wouldn’t the same inequalities still exist with two states? Now I’m unsure as to whether or not a two state solution would be feasible. I would have benefitted from discussing these questions in a class discussion. Class discussions following video conferences would be fruitful. Students would benefit from processing what they have learned with their classmates. It would not be worth canceling video conferences, however, in order to have more class discussions. Time for class discussions is not always possible because the Jerusalem Project must work within the constraints of the university. If there is no way to make time for class discussions, maybe the class blog could serve as a forum for discussion apart from our personal blogs. On the forum students could share one question, idea, or section from their personal blogs. Using the class blog as a forum may be a way to foster an online discussion when an in class discussion is not possible.
While thinking about evaluating this course, I thought of the pros and cons of Armstrong’s book Jerusalem. At times, I felt slightly bogged down by reading. It was hard for me to digest such a large chunk of reading with so many historical players and facts. Because I’m not a history buff, sometimes Armstrong’s book struggled to keep my attention. Overall, despite my slight struggle with the book, reading Jerusalem is integral to the class. Reading Armstrong’s book gave me the historical context for the politics of Jerusalem and the struggles of Israel today. Because so many people debate about the historical facts of Israel, it was useful to learn them from an unbiased source. Although the reading assignments were long, it benefitted the class to have this historical background before we began the work of attempting to understand the situation in Israel today. I couldn’t think of any other comprehensive texts that could replace Armstrong’s book. In order to help solidify the information presented in the book, it would be useful for the class to review what they have read. I suggest that for each reading assignment, three students be assigned to outline or take notes on a specific section. Before class discussion, they could present the important information from his or her section. The students could even post their notes on the class blog. This system would help students remember key ideas, dates, and people.
Video conferences are a powerful tool to learn about Jerusalem and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from the source. The Living Jerusalem Project gives students the opportunity to learn from people with a myriad of backgrounds and experiences. Every single video conference changed my perspective on Jerusalem, Israel, or the conflict in some way. Some students from our class have expressed the concern that we are only presented with liberal views. Some people have questioned why we do not video conference with right wing Israelis. I understand the desire to have a completely comprehensive approach to studying this topic; however, people can spend their entire lives studying this issue from different angles. In the media, Americans are presented with the right wing views of Israelis. If a student feels strongly that certain views should be presented, then perhaps he or she could explore the opinion in their final project. All of the video conferences were valuable and I learned from and enjoyed each one. One of my favorite video conferences was with Achmed. Because he was our age, I felt more comfortable asking him questions. During the video conference, he encouraged us to ask him any questions and was honest and open in his responses. Before taking this class, I have never before spoken to a Palestinian. Another of my favorites was videoconferencing with Aaron, the creator of Heartbeat. Not only was it enjoyable to hear about the project’s incredible work, but it was interesting to speak to an American who has chosen to focus his efforts on working towards creating a space for dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. Every single video conference both contributed valuable information and complicated my understanding of Israel, Jerusalem, and the conflict. Another suggestion for the video conferences is that we meet with Naomi Chazan every single class period even if it is just to say hello.
The Jerusalem Project is not an average college course with a final that ends at the semester. Multiple students in our class have suggested some sort of Jerusalem Project club that meets after the completion of the course. This club could take a variety of different forms. The purposes of the club could include continuing to foster dialogue, learning, questioning, and debate. Another goal of the club could be to raise awareness about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Based on Lila and Allison’s presentation, it is evident that many IU students do not know much information about the conflict or the occupation. Before I took this class, I was completely unaware of the conditions in the West Bank and Gaza. If I ever travel to these places, I’m sure that what I picture now would be completely different. The club could do a variety of activities to raise awareness from giving a presentation at organizations like Hillel or having a Jerusalem festival in Dunn Meadow. The club could also simply arrange for potlucks where we continue discussing the issues ranging from the occupation to the LGBT community in Jerusalem. Perhaps the Jerusalem Project could have a service component that could be continued after the completion of the course. The Jerusalem Project should create an avenue for students to continue the process of discovery after the completion of the course.
The Living Jerusalem class has been one of my most meaningful experiences at Indiana University. Engaging in the process of this course, I learned skills that I will continue to use throughout my life. The Jerusalem Project has not only changed my views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but also my whole concept of knowledge and thinking. In conflicts in this world, there is less black and white and more gray than I before realized. I hope that the Jerusalem Project will continue to foster critical thinking and dialogue on many college campuses.

Great Job Addy and Michael!

Awesome presentations Addy and Michael!
Michael--I had the Had Gadya song stuck in my head all day. I really liked the Yehuda Amichai poem you read.
Addy--Your presentation really got me thinking about dialogue vs. protest. I feel like the movement would be strengthened if people who are anti-normalization would still be open to dialogue and recognition.

IU's Living Jerusalem Class is on Fiya

Awesome job Megan and Jenna!
While listening to your presentation Megan, I couldn't help thinking about Pro-Israel vs Pro-Palestinian. I wondered if a person could be both Pro-Israel and Pro-Palestinian. Can I be Pro-End the Occupation and also Pro-Israel and the Jewish state? Terminology becomes increasingly complex with all of these added layers of meaning we have discovered in this project.
Jenna- I thought MuJew was a really interesting concept. I think that this group should not restrict themselves from talking about the conflict. It seems to me that if you don't talk about it then it will inevitably become the elephant in the room. Finding Jewish IU students and Muslim IU students working to find commonalities I think is a step in the right direction. Eventually, I think these students would benefit from a open and honest dialogue about central issues like the conflict.

Truly Setting the Bar HIGH

Chris and Alex--your presentations were incredible!
It is interesting how politics and sports are intertwined. Even though sports can reinforce racism and discrimination like the Beitar Jerusalem club, sports can also serve as a vehicle towards peace. It would be interesting to consider the role of sports in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Chris's presentation emphasized the many mediums people use for self expression. In contested territory, Hip-Hop, Parkour, and Graffiti become acts of resistance. Instead of violence, these forms of self-expression become forms of civil disobedience. Other than the female singer in the DAM hip-hop group there were few examples of women participating in activities like Parkour and break dancing. I'm curious to learn about more forms of self-expression that are used as a means of protest (especially ones created by women).
Truly awesome presentations!

Setting the Curve High for Presentations

Ben and Amber you both had incredible presentations. Ben--I can not believe you summarized all of Armstrong in an organized powerpoint--very well done. When you were talking about movements toward peace I thought of the movie Encounter Point. I watched this movie a long time ago and have been wanting to watch it again. The film is about Israelis and Palestinians working towards peace. Fathers and Mothers both Israeli and Palestinian who have lost their children in the conflict come together to share their sorrow. Here is the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtwYzEK5DOU
Amber--I thought your forum for social change was incredible! It is too easy for people our age to assume we don't have the power to make the world a better place. Your forum promotes the truth that anyone and everyone can create social change.

Presentations Making Me Hungry For Lunch

Congrats Lila, Allison, and Kete. Your presentations were informative and interesting. I have never seen a service in a Mosque before your video. It was interesting to see how IU students felt about Jerusalem and what they knew about the Israeli-Arab conflict. It shocked me that so few students knew about the conflict, especially because the United States is so involved with Israel. It would be interesting to further explore the theme of personal attachment vs faith attachment. Do people REALLY have an attachment to Jerusalem or do they just think that they SHOULD feel an attachment to Jerusalem? Kete, your presentation made me so hungry. I was really interested in the Chefs4Peace. In class we looked at working towards dialogue through music. It is interesting how many avenues can create dialogue and work for change. Being a knitter, I couldn't help thinking about the idea of knitting4peace, because knitters love to knit together over coffee (or at least the knitters I know). Also I have zatar at home and have never used the spice, so you inspired me to try it out in my kitchen. Awesome presentations!

Evaluation Topics

One of the greatest lessons I have learned in this class is what Dr. Horowitz called the "deconstruction of the THE." Every single Living Jerusalem class added a new layer of complexity and meaning. My perspective on Jerusalem and the conflict changes every class. When we were asked to write about solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, I strongly supported a two state solution.....now I'm not so sure. I agree with Eitan Grossman that two states will not be equitable or secure human rights for Palestinians. My opinions have shifted through the information I have learned in the course and I am sure they will switch in the future. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to take this course. I want to take this tool of open-minded flexibility with me throughout my life. I also want to stay involved in the Jerusalem Project. This isn't just a run of the mill class that ends at the semester. So topics for evaluation:
1. how can I carry these lessons about forming opinions on topics and open mindedness with me?
2. blog buddies
3. video conferences--the people we video conference with, questions, etc
4. reading material
5. further involvment