Prerequisite: This reading group is open to students who have completed an HLS course in human rights. Students who have a background in human rights law or advocacy but do not meet the prerequisite may enroll with permission of the instructor.

Exam Type: No Exam

This reading group offers a nuanced exploration of questions of human rights and social justice in the context of Israel and Palestine. We will discuss a range of themes, including the right to self-determination; Israeli and Palestinian nationhood and statehood; refugees and migration; Israel’s control of the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem; economic and social justice; and gender justice. We will ground our discussion in a human rights framework, focusing on the interrelation between law, power, and lived experiences. Readings will include international legal instruments, domestic legislation, court decisions, and works by authors from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. Students will be encouraged to employ a reflective and critical approach to the study of law and social justice and to engage constructively with historical and contemporary debates.

Note: This reading group will meet on the following dates: 2/2, 2/9, 2/23, 3/9, 3/30, and 4/13.