This class has already been a great experience and we still have half of it left. I know the project members of the Living Jerusalem project are doing an incredible job of teaching us about Jerusalem and the history of its people. However, it is not void of its challenges. I think the biggest challenge for the Jerusalem Project is continuing to be able to form classes and effectively educate more and more people about the conflict and the history of Jerusalem. There is much more information out there than a class will ever have enough time to cover. In addition, I also think that the current state of the situation might deter support. The project will encounter some pessimists who will shoot down the idea and claim that there is nothing that can be done. As Professor Hermann mentioned today we are in a tough spot because each side is reluctant to move forward and unsure of the consequences of any path they might take. Some people might see this as a frivolous class.
I am unsure of the feasibility of this, but I would propose to project members that the trip to Jerusalem be mandatory for all of the classes (and it would be covered in tuition.....). That way, students would be able to fully take advantage of all of the knowledge they would have just gained.
I think making the trip to Jerusalem as a requirement would be awesome. It could be like some classes that already exist at IU that require trips overseas (There's a photography class that goes to Osaka for Spring Break).
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