Dissertation Proposal Defense: Terra Tolley - Shifting Sands: The Transformation of Bedouin Culture through Education in a Contested Land

Designing and supporting education systems in post-conflict areas are predominant methods of international development and sustainable conflict resolution practice. However, schools can both combat, and contribute to, conflict as well as influence culture within marginalized communities. This research investigates a unique new Bedouin High School based in southern Israel/Palestine, which has been outperforming other schools throughout the region. The author believes that there is a new generation of young people who are being educated within Ahed School, who are more prepared for entering integrated higher education programs than previous generations. This modified ethnographic case study will attempt to fill this gap in literature on Bedouin education, embedded within multiple conflicts, and look at the school as a symbol for the changes in culture, generational knowledge, and aspirations, in this unique conflict setting.

Thursday, May 2nd
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Truland 555