In cooperation with the Hebrew University, Rothberg International School
June 29–July 27, 2010
The following information is taken from
www.israelexperience.org.il/academic
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.)