The course will start with a few brief introductions: we will introduce basic concepts of civil society in the Western world as well as the history of Israel and its democratic structure and society. After these introductions we will delve into some of the countrys most acute, troubling schisms, and learn how emerging civil society groups are taking a more prominent role in shaping reality by using judicial as well as political and public outreach strategies. We will also examine similar phenomena that take place within the Israeli-Arab community and, to a lesser extent, within the Palestinian community in the West Bank. When applicable, we will also try to assess to what extent civil society norms in the western world affect trends in Israel.
