Summer 2018/Israel

OT576

Hays/Thompson

OT576: EXPERIENCING THE LAND OF THE BIBLE (4 Units: 160 hours). Christopher B. Hays and Marianne M. Thompson.

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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: 500 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 [35 pp.].

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, 2014. [33 pp.]

Patterson, Webster T. Sacred Sites: Christian Perspectives on the Holy Land. Paulist Press, 2004. ISBN: 978-0809142460, Pub. Price $18.95. [145 pp.]

The Bible (TNIV, CEB, or NRSV) [100 pp. assigned]

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. Yale University Press, 2014. ISBN: 978-0300205831. Pub. Price $27.50. [See also required reading]

Miller, J. Maxwell, and John H. Hayes. A History of Ancient Israel and Judah. 2nd ed. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 2006. ISBN: 978-0664223588, Pub. Prince $42.00 [552 pp.]

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:

1. Participation in group activities and discussions during the trip (50%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2, 3] [100 hours].
2. 500 pages required reading. [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1] [25 hours].
3. Quiz on places, dates, and terms (15%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1] [5 hours].
4. 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 25–July 6, 2018).

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Counts as a biblical elective in the 120 MDiv Program. 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.

NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change.