verified Verified Information • Last Updated Mar 2026

The History of Modern Israel - Part II: Challenges of Israel as a sovereign state

This course deals with the Israeli politics, economy, society and culture, since its creation in 1948 till today. It analyzes the construction of the Israeli historical narrative as an identity-building narrative, intending to inculcate a collective memory to a diverse society. We will focus on key events and essential components that shaped the Israeli society from the fifties till the present. We will also discuss the changes that the Israeli society experiences in its almost seventy years of existence and how it affects its politics and culture. Among the topics we will discuss issues such as immigration, economic transformation, political upheaval, religious Zionism and post-Zionism, privatization and Americanization, Holocaust increasing role in shaping Israel's identity, diversity and multiculturalism, as well as the enduring conflict with the Palestinians and the Arab world. This course is a direct extension of the first part "The History of Modern Israel: From an Idea to a State", so if you have not yet taken it, we highly recommend you start your learning from there (https://www.coursera.org/learn/history-israel/). In order to receive academic credit for this course you must successfully pass the academic exam on campus. For information on how to register for the academic exam – https://tauonline.tau.ac.il/registration Additionally, you can apply to certain degrees using the grades you received on the courses. Read more on this here – https://go.tau.ac.il/b.a/mooc-acceptance Teachers interested in teaching this course in their class rooms are invited to explore our Academic High school program here – https://tauonline.tau.ac.il/online-highschool * This course is a joint effort of Tel Aviv University & Israel Institute (www.israelinstitute.org) * This course uses media material from various archives, courtesy to Yad Vashem Archive for their help. * This course is self-paced. Once you register, you can participate in the course anytime, as often as you wish and over any stretch of time
Duration 3 Months
Institution Tel Aviv University
Format Online

Eligibility Criteria

school

Academic Foundation

A recognized Bachelor’s degree or high school equivalent required for admission into Tel Aviv University.

language

Language Proficiency

English proficiency required. IELTS, TOEFL, or standard medium-of-instruction certificates accepted.

Detailed Fees Breakdown

Base Tuition Fee $180
Total Est. Investment $180

Scholarships and early-bird waivers may apply. Contact admissions for exact institutional fees.

Academic Trajectory

Program Outcome

Graduates of the The History of Modern Israel - Part II: Challenges of Israel as a sovereign state program at Tel Aviv University are equipped with global perspectives, ready to excel in international markets and top-tier career opportunities.

headset_mic
Get In Touch