Academics

Course dates: June 29–July 27, 2010
Academic Hours: 60
Credits: 4
Schedule: Mon. Tue. Wed. 10:00am - 1:00pm | Thu. Field trips

Studies in Christian Origins in the East Roman Empire are one of the key issues for students of history, archaeology, oriental and classic languages, politics of the Middle East and theology. The formation of Christianity can be treated as a prime example for the multi-cultural, global-political, philosophic-ethical, and inter-religious development in the societies of the Greco-Roman Empire in the first four centuries CE. The study of Christian Origins is particularly attractive in the Land of Israel due to the archaeological excavations, the proximity to the ancient churches and to Israel itself. Israelis and Christians live together in modern Israel. That fact allows an unprecedented learning of both Christian origins and Rabbinic Judaism. The close proximity of these two religious expressions in Israel enhances the mutual recognition of their common heritage since late antiquity in the studies of Christian origins.

The following topics will be covered in the course (subject to change):

Week 1: New Testament

Session 1: New Testament and Qumran
Session2: The Gospels in the Context of Jerusalem
Session 3: Christianity through Paul
Field Study: Qumran & Avdat

Week 2: Christian Life after 70 CE

Session 4: Christian Ethics in the Land of Israel
Session 5: Christian Visions in the Land of Israel
Session 6: Christian Worship in the Land of Israel
Field Study: Sepphoris & Banyas

Week 3: Pilgrimage and History

Session7: Heavenly Jerusalem, The Mother of Us All
Session 8: A New Jerusalem
Session 9: Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Field Study: Caesarea & Ascalon & Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Week 4: Early Christian Art in Jerusalem

Session 10: Tombs & Buildings & Mosaics
Session 11: Via Dolorosa
Session 12: Icons
Field Study: Mount of Olives & Old City

Week 5: Christians in Israel

Session 13: Christians in Israel Today (Demographics, etc; Distinguish between Israel and the West Bank)
Session 14: Relations between Christians and Jews in Israel
Session 15: Christian Life amongst Moslems in Israel and the West Bank
Field Study: Visit of the Patriarchs in Jerusalem (Greek Orthodox; Armenian, Catholic; Copts, Syrians, etc.)