Dr. Doron Shultziner

Dr. Doron Shultziner is the Academic Director of the non-profit Metzilah Center in Jerusalem. He received a BA in Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies and an MA (summa cum laude) in Political Science from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and a PhD from the University of Oxford.

In 2008 and again in 2009, Dr. Shultziner taught the following courses as a visiting Israeli scholar at the Emory University Political Science Department:

Contemporary Issues in Israeli Politics (Spring 2009)

This colloquium looks at developments in Israeli politics, society and constitutional arrangements from the 1990s until present day. The main topics that will be covered in the course are the changing agenda and nature of the Israeli politics, the role of the Israeli Supreme Court in shaping political realities, new dimensions of political extremism, gender politics, and interest groups. A relevant historic review about each topic will precede each topic and will provide understanding of Israeli politics, society and law along specific topics. No previous knowledge of Israel is required.

History of Israeli Politics: Institutions & Society (Fall 2008)

This course explores the Israeli political system, its institutional characteristics and components, and its main political dilemmas. The course aims to provide knowledge about Israeli political history and society. Topics included will be the origins and the historical developments of the political system, electoral histories, and government formation. Attention is given to the dynamics between institutional arrangements and social cleavages in Israel and their interrelated effects. The course also discusses some of the main socio-political issues and tensions resulting from the dual definition of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, religion and politics, and the effects of armed conflicts on politics and society. The course requires no previous knowledge about Israel.

Israeli Society and the Constitution in the Prism of the Law: History and Evolution (Spring 2008)

This course explores the evolution of the constitutional arrangement in Israel. The special role of the Israeli Supreme Court in shaping norms and protecting human rights in the lack of a formal constitution is highlighted. Special attention is given to the interpretation of the concept of `human dignity' in extending the scope of protection to human rights in the 1990s. By way of examining the history and evolution of the Israeli constitutional law, the course also explores some contentious political and social issues that were discussed by the Supreme Court, such as the Jewish character of the state, minority rights, and gender. The course "Israeli Politics: Institutions and Society" is recommended but not obligatory for taking this course.

History of Israeli Politics: Institutions and Society (Fall 2008)

This course explores the Israeli political system, its institutional characteristics and components, and its main political dilemmas. The course aims to provide knowledge about Israeli political history and society. Topics included will be the origins and the development of the political system, electoral histories, and government formation. Attention is given to the dynamics between institutional arrangements and social cleavages in Israel and their interrelated effects. The course also discusses some of the main socio-political issues and tensions resulting from the dual definition of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, religion and politics, and the effects of armed conflicts on politics and society. The course requires no previous knowledge about Israel.