•           CONTENT OVERVIEW           
  • ​           DISCUSSION QUESTIONS/PROJECTS        
  •           RELEVANT TEACH-INS             
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The "Introduction/Background Module" of Palestine in Context provides a vital foundation for anyone seeking to understand the histories, narratives, and power structures that have shaped how Palestine and its people are represented—and misrepresented—in mainstream discourse. This module challenges one of the most enduring and harmful myths in modern political history: the notion of Palestine as “a land without a people for a people without a land.” By examining how this myth took root and was used to justify the settler-colonial project that led to the founding of Israel, the module invites students to think critically about how historical erasure and narrative control function as tools of domination.

Rather than treating the history of Palestine as a static or isolated issue, the module situates it within broader global processes, including colonialism, Orientalism, and nation-building. It introduces learners to key moments and frameworks that are essential for understanding how Palestine came to be imagined in global consciousness—and how Palestinians have been systematically excluded from that imagination. In doing so, the module lays the groundwork for interrogating the language, symbols, and silences that continue to define dominant representations of the region.

This introductory section also underscores the importance of narrative power. Whose voices are heard? Whose histories are preserved, and whose are erased? By foregrounding these questions, the module opens up space for alternative perspectives grounded in Palestinian experiences, scholarship, and resistance. Whether you are a student encountering these histories for the first time or an educator seeking to deconstruct entrenched myths, this module equips you with the tools to engage with the story of Palestine in a way that is informed, critical, and deeply contextual.
  1. What does the phrase “a land without a people for a people without a land” reveal about the role of myth in shaping colonial and national projects, and how has this narrative influenced global perceptions of Palestine and Palestinians?
  2. How do historical erasure and narrative control function as tools of domination in the case of Palestine, and what are the implications for understanding current realities on the ground?
  3. In what ways can centering Palestinian voices and experiences challenge dominant representations of the region, and what responsibilities do students, scholars, and educators have in confronting these entrenched narratives?

Gaza War Chronicles: From Oct. 7th to the Hague
​w/ Mouin Rabbani [TI #16] 

1. Comprehensive Intro to Events in Gaza
​(as of mid Jan)

Mouin Rabbani gives a comprehensive breakdown of the events that have led up to the current genocide in Gaza and how that genocide ​developed since it began.

3. On Hamas' History
​and Formation

Mouin shares a brief history​ on Hamas' origin and foundation.

4. On the Application of the South Africa v. Israel ICJ Case

Mouin Rabbani describes the case South Africa has brought to the International Court of Justice and how that process will likely play out.

Gaza in History 
​w/ Beshara Doumani and Ilana Feldman [TI #2]

1. Beshara Doumani

Beshara provides historical context to help frame the crisis in Gaza and what might come of it

2. Ilana Feldman

Ilana highlights important moments in Palestinian history relevant to whats happening in Gaza today

5. Precedented/ Unprecedented Moment

Our speakers discuss how the war on Gaza is both precedented and unprecedented

Gaza in Geography
w/ Nour Joudah and Jehad Abu Salim [TI #4]

3. On the Nakba

Nour talks about the Nakba, the history of refugee arrival to the southern Gaza district, and the resulting social transformation

4. Post Nakba History/1950s

Jehad talks about how Gaza became the "Gaza Strip" as we know it today and the significance of the 1950 armistice/demarcation line

7. Since October 7th

Nour talks about the infrastructural and geographical destruction in Gaza following October 7

Colonial Narratives: Between Myths and Realities (Pt 1) 
w/ Yousef Munayyer [TI #8]

Narratives on Arabs as "Rejectionists" (From 47 Onwards)

What is the origin of the myth that Arabs are "rejectionist" adversaries and what larger Zionist and colonial ambitions does this narrative serve? Our speaker offers a critical explanation.

"Palestinian calls for freedom are genocidal"

What is behind the Zionist narrative that Palestinian chants for freedom such as "From the river to the sea" are genocidal? What are the actual just and equitable sentiments behind the calls? Find out more.

 "Antisemitism smears are in Good Faith"

Munayyer provides a critical analysis on how the heavy weaponization of anti-semitism by Zionists reveal such smears to be made not out of good faith but in defence of Israel. ​

Colonial Narratives: Between Myths and Realities (Pt. 2)
​w/ Rashid Khalidi [TI #12]

​Narratives on the Founding of Israel 

Many narratives exist on the founding of Israel, infamously propped up by the belief that Palestine was "a land without a people for a people without a land". Khalidi unpacks why such a statement is inherently false.

 Narratives on Arab Jews in Arab Countries

What is the truth behind why Arab Jews fled the Arab countries in which they had lived in prosperity for years? Listen to the role played by Israel in manufacturing the environments that would motivate this migration to Israel. ​

Narratives on Palestinians Refusing Generous Peace Deals

Palestinians are often criticised for refusing "generous" deals through out history, yet what were the terms of these "generous" deals? Khalidi describes how these deals disproportionately advantaged Zionists while harmed and stole from Palestinians.

Palestine, Zionism, and the Nakba
w/ Sherene Seikaly [TI #18]

Zionist Claims/Palestinian Claims

Seikaly breaks down both Zionist and Palestinian claims across and regarding history while offering a comparative analysis of the different narratives.

The Rise of Zionism

The rise of Zionism as a settler-colonial movement, supported by Western imperial powers, and building on Jewish experiences in Europe is explored and framed with supporting evidence. 

1948 War & Nakba

The events leading up to and during the 1948 War are explained in-detail by Seikaly with emphasis on subsequent events, including the on-going Nakba.

 Colonial Zionism and Shattering an Age of Coexistence
​w/ Ussama Makdisi [TI #19]

The Conventional Image of the Arab World & alternative history of coexistence​

What is the basis for harmful stereotypes that paint the Arab world as inherently sectarian? Why is it important that the historic coexistence within the Arab world thus be examined? Makdisi offers a brief introduction. 

Ecumenical Frame: Beginnings after 1860​

What is the "ecumenical frame" that Makdisi terms in his discussion of coexistence and how is it useful in understanding Muslim, Christian, and Jewish coexistence in the Middle East? Watch to learn more.  

Zionism: A European Idea

Makdisi offers a critical explanation of the origins of Zionism as a European idea, emerging not from the Jewish community indigenous to the Middle East. Our speaker further highlights the writings of Zionist thinkers that illustrate the colonial settler nature of the movement. 

Genocide in Gaza: Dimensions of an Unfolding Catastrophe
w/ John J. Mearsheimer [TI #15]

How the Israeli Lobby Influences Discourse

Our guest explains the gap between public and government perceptions of Israel and how the Israeli lobby influences this gap and the overall discourse about Israel.

The Relationship Between the Concentration of Money & the Lobby

John Mearsheimer explains how wealthy university donors passionate about Israel can use the threat of withdrawing their funds to influence discourse on college campuses. 

The Role of the U.S. and Biden Administration in the War on Gaza

John Mearsheimer explains the US complicity in genocide, why Israel and the US have been so critical of the ICJ case, and Joe Biden’s particular passion/attachment to Israel that differs from other American presidents.