Governance and Conflict in the Middle East

This course provides you with a broad and fundamental understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. You will learn about the background to the conflict, how it has developed throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, and how it is linked to international relations. The course is suitable for those who want to understand one of the world's most complex political issues and how different actors influence it.

The course is structured around key events, themes, and case studies, which provide both a broad overview and in-depth insights into the Israeli-Palestinian context.

The course covers the following topics:

• the historical background to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
• developments during the 20th century from local, regional, and international perspectives
• various Israeli and Palestinian movements and their significance
• the role of regional and international actors
• peace proposals and analyses of solutions presented during the 21st century.

Course syllabus

The syllabus contains the formal and legal details of the entire course. It’s a legal document outlining the course structure and requirements, intended mainly for administrative use.

Course literature

The course literature listed may be updated up to eight weeks before the course begins.

The teaching combines lectures with seminars and group exercises, giving you the opportunity to engage actively with the material together with your peers. You will participate in discussions, analyse historical and political developments, and work on problem-based tasks. Attendance at seminars is mandatory, ensuring that you gain hands-on experience in applying theoretical knowledge. 

The assessment is through a take-home exam, allowing you to demonstrate your ability to synthesize information, critically evaluate sources, and present well-structured arguments. Students with permanent disabilities may be given alternative forms of examination after an evaluation.

The course is a good first step for those who want to delve deeper into political conflicts, international relations, or the history of the Middle East. It is also valuable if you are aiming for further studies or work where analysis of the surrounding world and understanding of global issues are central, for example within government agencies, the media, or non-profit organisations.

Entry requirements

General requirements

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to the following: The general average (GPA) of your higher secondary school leaving certificate: 34 %, The Swedish national university aptitude test: 34 %, number of previous ECTS at application deadline (up to 165): 32 %. If students have equal credentials, seats are allocated based on their results on The Swedish National University Aptitude Test. If this too is equal, seats are allocated based on a draw.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 15,625
First payment: SEK 15,625

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.