NES - Near Eastern Studies

The objective of this museum course is to examine first-hand artifacts from the Near East. Cultures of interest include those of Syria-Palestine, Transjordan, Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Mediterranean world. This class may be repeated one time in a subsequent semester upon permission of the professor. Travel and entrance fees required. Pre-requisites: BIL-101 and BIL-102.

An interdisciplinary examination of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Attention is given to the competing historical, political, and religious narratives concerning the possession of the land. In addition, the religious and political factors that help shape America's foreign policy towards Israel and Palestine will be considered. This course is part of the Summer in the Holy Lands Program.

This class will be held in the modern state of Israel and will require student participation in archaeological field work. While digging, areas of focus will include archaeological techniques and methods, artifact cataloguing, and the analysis of pottery and stratigraphy. Data interpretation at key archaeological sites in the Holy Land will also be evaluated. This course is part of the Summer in the Holy Lands Program. Prerequisite: BIL-101 and BIL-102 or permission of Division.

This class will examine the discipline of archaeology and its relationship with biblical studies. The integration of the disciplines of archaeology and biblical studies will be examined through the following means: 1)student participation in archaeological field work; 2)the study of the art, architecture and artifacts uncovered in the lands of the Bible; and 3)the study of key biblical sites that have been excavated. Travel expenses and all applicable fees required. Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in both BIL-101 and BIL-102, or BIL-500.

This course explores the context of the biblical narrative (both Old and New Testaments). Topics of interest will include the historical, cultural, and religious settings of the biblical world. Travel expenses and all applicable fees may be required. Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or higher in both BIL-101 and BIL-102; OR BIL-500.

Through both classroom and field study this course will evaluate how religious traditions and beliefs influence Israeli and Palestinian nationalism, and the politics of the modern Middle East. Special emphasis will be placed on biblical interpretations relating to God's convenantal promise of land in both the Old and New Testament and the implications of these theologies on the Christian church in the Middle East. Travel expenses and all applicable fees required.