Summer 2016/Israel
OT576
Hays/Thompson
OT576: EXPERIENCING THE LAND OF THE BIBLE (4 Units: 160 hours). Christopher B. Hays and Marianne M. Thompson.
DESCRIPTION: This course introduces 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.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course successfully will have demonstrated (1) knowledge of biblical history and geography; (2) the ability to articulate the significance of these items, as well as archaeology, for understanding the Bible; and (3) the capacity to describe how their encounter with the lands of the Bible has changed them.
COURSE FORMAT: The course meets as a two-week intensive in Israel and will include 100 hours of guided travel, guest lectures, and group discussion.
REQUIRED READING: 929 pages required.
Martin P. Bunton, The Palestinian-Israeli Conflict: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013. ISBN: 978-0199603930, Pub. Price $11.95 [115 pp.].
Cline, Eric H. Biblical Archaeology: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, 2009. ISBN: 978-0195342635, Pub. Price $11.95 [133 pp.].
Levine, Amy-Jill, “Visions of Kingdoms: From Pompey to the First Jewish Revolt.” Pp. 352-387 in Michael D. Coogan, ed., The Oxford History of the Biblical World. Oxford University Press, 2001. ISBN: 978-0195139372, Pub. Price $19.95.
Meyer, Eric and Mark A. Chancey, “From Pompey to the First Revolt.” Pp. 50-82 in Alexander to Constantine: Archaeology of the Land of the Bible, volume 3. Yale University Press, 2012.
Patterson, Webster T. Sacred Sites: Christian Perspectives on the Holy Land. Paulist Press, 2004. ISBN: 978-0809142460, Pub. Price $18.95. [145 pp.]
Material on e-reserves
The Bible (TNIV, CEB, or NRSV).
RECOMMENDED READING:
Coogan, Michael D. The Oxford History of the Biblical World. Oxford University Press, 2001. ISBN: 978-0195139372, Pub. Price $19.95 [508 pp.].
Meyers, Eric M. and Mark A. Chancey, Alexander to Constantine: Archaeology of the Land of the Bible, volume 3. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2012. [See also required raeding]
Tessler, Mark. A History of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. 2nd ed. Indiana University Press, 2009. ISBN: 978-0253220707, Pub. Price $40.00. [1040 pp.]
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
Participation in group activities and discussions during the trip (50%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2, 3] [100 hours].
500 pages required reading. [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1] [25 hours].
Quiz on places, dates, and terms (15%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1] [5 hours].
Final paper, 10-12 pages, incorporating reflections on sites visited, reading, guest lectures, and group discussions pages (35%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2, 3] [30 hours].
PREREQUISITES: Participation in Summer Program in Israel (June 20–July 1, 2016).
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective in MDiv and MA. Option to fulfill a requirement in Ancient Context of the Old Testament (ACOT) or Ancient Near Eastern Studies (ANE) Areas of Emphasis.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.