This 2 unit decal provides a unique opportunity for students to deeply engage with the subject of Palestine through the lens of settler-colonialism, something no other academic setting provides on UC Berkeley's campus. Using both scholarly and primary sources as well as archival footage, we will examine key historical developments that have taken place in Palestine, from the 1880s to the present.

Our discussions will focus in particular on the following questions: What new insights and perspectives emerge from a settler colonial analysis? What is the source of contemporary conflicts over land and political power in Palestine? What connections have scholars drawn between Zionism and settler colonialism? What might decolonization mean in this context, and how might it open the possibility for justice and equality for all peoples in the region? Our analyses will utilize a comparative approach with an emphasis on scholarship in settler colonial studies. Class time will be devoted to lecture and discussion, and will occasionally feature guest lecturers from academic and community backgrounds.

Class assignments include short weekly reading responses to assigned readings and final presentation at the end of the semester. Weekly attendance is expected.

To apply, please fill out the short application linked below. We encourage students who are passionate about and personally invested in this topic as well as those who come from communities who are affected by the issues this class covers to make that clear in the application. Selected applicants will be emailed a course enrollment code and later a location upon enrollment. Please direct any other questions about the application process to palestinedecal@gmail.com.