The essay should be 500+ words, single-spaced in a 12-point font, and conform to MLA or APA styles, including parenthetical citations and footnoted references. The essay should demonstrate understanding and thoughtful reflection on a topic that speaks to the mission of this course.

That is, it should reflect your ability to place the topic into the context of daily life. Essays will be graded on the basis of content, clarity, and overall quality of work. These essays are the main component of this course.

Please answer only one of the following prompts:

1. Briefly explain Zionism as a secular political ideology (see its five points from the 28th Zionist Congress of Jerusalem in 1968) and roles during World War I (1914-18) and World War II (1939-45) in helping create Israel as a modern Western state by combining Kibbutz, secular (reformed Jews) vs. religious Jews (Conservative religious, Orthodox, and Ultra-Orthodox), and Jewish immigration/integration of different groups (Ashkenazi, Sefardim, Russian Jews, and Ethiopian Jews).

2. Briefly explain Zionism as an ideology (with its five points from the 28th Zionist Congress in Jerusalem in 1968) and its role during World War I (1914-18) and World War II (1939-45) in helping create Israel as a Western state (combining kibbutz, secular vs. religious Jews, and Jewish immigration.