This seminar examines the complex legal and political dynamics that shape Jerusalem’s Old City, a place where the histories of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam converge. As the symbolic and spiritual center of three major faith traditions—and a focal point of global attention—the Old City presents distinctive questions about sovereignty, governance, and cultural heritage. Together, we will explore the legal structures and political conditions surrounding key sacred sites, including the Temple Mount/al-Aqsa compound, the Western Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
Our inquiry will trace the overlapping jurisdictions, customary practices, and international agreements that define authority in these spaces, paying close attention to how religious and national identities influence both formal law and lived political realities. By situating contemporary governance within long-standing historical frameworks, the course invites students to think critically about how legal systems evolve in places marked by profound spiritual significance and enduring geopolitical tension. Through focused discussion and comparative analysis, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the Old City’s status as both a contested urban landscape and a shared locus of world heritage.
Summer Registration Opens
Monday, March 30, 2026 at 8 AM (AZ Time)
