DESCRIPTION: This course is intended to introduce students to Middle Eastern sites that form the background of the events recounted in the Bible, from the archaeological remains of the Davidic kingdom to the sites of Jesus' ministry.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Firsthand engagement with the lands of the Bible allows the text to take on added dimensions and deeper meaning. By extension, such engagement improves preaching and other forms of proclamation. It is one thing to teach or preach about Isaiah's prophecies or Jesus' activities from the text, and quite another to be able to describe their contexts from first-hand experience.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course successfully will demonstrate knowledge of biblical history and geography, and the ability to articulate the significance these items, as well as archaeology, for understanding the Bible. They will also be able to describe how their encounter with the lands of the Bible has changed them.

COURSE FORMAT: Two meetings prior to departure will present introductory and overview information and discuss advance reading. The course will take place in Israel and Jordan over the course of two weeks during the summer quarter.

REQUIRED READING:

English Bible.

Coogan, Michael D. The Oxford History of the Biblical World. Oxford University Press, 2001. ISBN: 978-0195139372; $19.95.

Course reader.

Marcus, Amy Dockser. The View from Nebo: How Archeology is Rewriting the Bible and Reshaping the Middle East. Back Bay Books, 2001. 304 pp. ISBN: 978-0316591621; $23.99.

1. Quiz on advance reading (20%)

2. Participation in group activities and discussions (40%)

3. Final reflection paper (8 pages) (40%)