humanities
Mini-Project: How We Teach Israel
One of the aims of our particular school is to foster a knowledgeable relationship with
Israel, and there are a variety of ways in which we achieve this goal. You goal is to pick a
particular space (AJA, Cong. Agudas Achim, Cong. Beth Shalom, Cong. Beth Israel, Texas Hillel, etc.)
to investigate. Your job is to discern how and why Israel is taught the way that it is.
While we have discussed the notion of “artifact,” it is your job to take an inventory of the
artifacts that we use to teach about Israel. You will also provide a detailed explanation of how and
why the artifacts are used. You will also assess whether the explanation provided about the
artifact is consistent with its actual use.
You will discuss and write in one document per group about what it means (these are the
implications) to use the artifacts. What does it say about the institution? What is the institution’s
official statement about its relationship to Israel? How does the institution understand the term
“Zionism?” Does it claim this term for itself? Who gets to decide how Israel is taught?
Finally, you will render judgment about the artifacts and other teaching tools of your
space/institution. From the perspective of a student, are the artifacts and/or approaches
appropriate and effective in teaching students about Israel? Explain your reasons. If you find any
of the artifacts less than effective, provide suggestions about what would work more effectively in
an academic setting. In what ways would you, as a student, like to be educated about Israel?
You will work in pairs, agree on an institution, and complete all the above requirements in
any format that see fit. You must present your findings and judgments with suggestions in about
ten minutes on Monday, April 20. This project, because of its off-campus nature, lends itself to
only a few days of in-class work, and this will be later toward the due date when the information
has been collected. You may expect to work together on that Thursday and Friday before the due
date as well as right before the Passover break.
Please note that the term “artifacts” is not limited to objects. For this project, events may
also be included.
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artifact inventory
implications
judgment
There is a thorough list
of artifacts have been
enumerated with a
detailed explanation of
how and why artifacts
are used. Consistency
of artifacts’ use has
been thoroughly
described.
Thorough discussion
about what it means to
use these artifacts.
How does the
institution position
itself to Zionism? All
questions in this
section have been
addressed.
A clear judgment has
been rendered with a
full explanation of
your thoughts on the
effectiveness of the
artifacts. Thoughtful
suggestions for
improvement were
offered, if applicable.
Your own preference
for learning about
Israel has been
discussed.
The project has been
presented neatly in a
way that reflects great
consideration and
thoughtfulness. The
entire project,
including its
presentation, has been
completed on time.
There are a few
artifacts enumerated
with a detailed
explanation of how
and why artifacts are
used. Consistency of
artifacts’ use has been
addressed.
Sufficient discussion
of the implications of
the use of the artifacts
has occurred.
Sufficient discussion
of the Zionist connect
has occurred. Perhaps
not all questions in this
section were
addressed.
A judgment has been
rendered with a full
explanation of your
thoughts on the
effectiveness of the
artifacts. Suggestions
for improvement were
offered, if applicable.
You preference for
learning about Israel
has been discussed
minimally.
The project has been
presented with some
neatness in a way that
reflects sufficient
consideration and
thoughtfulness. The
entire project,
including its
presentation, has been
completed on time.
Only a couple of
artifacts have been
enumerated with a
detailed explanation of
how and why artifacts
are used. Consistency
of artifacts’ use has
been minimally
described.
Minimal discussion of
the artifacts’
implications has
occurred. Not all
questions were
addressed in writing.
Minimal assessment of
artifacts offered.
Judgment is unclear.
Suggestions and
preference for Israel
education is also
minimal.
The project has been
presented in a way that
reflects minimal
consideration. The
project has not been
completed on time.
neatness and
timeliness
5—6
3—4
1—2
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