This course offers an in-depth exploration of the visual culture of Israel and Palestine, a place
marked by its diverse cultural influences, historical conflicts, and multifaceted identity. Through the
examination of various visual media from the artistic and commercial spheres—including film,
photography, street art, and ads—the course seeks to understand how history, conflict, and identity
are both represented and constructed through visual forms. Key questions that will guide our inquiry
include: How does visual culture reflect or shape local and national identities? In what ways can
visual art challenge or reinforce dominant narratives of place-making, nation-building, and
resistance? What roles do visual media play in reimagining this geographically and politically
conflicted region? Students will engage with the visual narratives that represent Jewish, Arab, and
other ethnic groups within Israel and Palestine, learning how these representations contribute to
both historical understanding and contemporary debates. The course will incorporate theoretical
perspectives from scholars such as Edward Said, Roland Barthes, and modern visual culture critics,
offering students the tools to critically engage with the visual landscape of Israel and Palestine.