In conjunction with REL 375OLB, Understanding Israel, and HIS/POLSC 341, Modern Middle East, students will travel to Israel with Dr. Sue Dickson, Dr. Dan Hawk and the Passages staff. The trip will introduce students to the complexities of political and social issues in modern Israel, while allowing them to witness the challenges first hand. Students enrolled in REL 375OLB (offered spring of odd years) or HIS/POLSC 341 (offered spring of even years) will be given priority for the limited seats available on the tour.
The tour features the study of biblical geography; biblical history; the story of Christianity, Judaism and Islam in what is now the modern State of Israel. Students will have the opportunity to spend time at significant biblical sites while studying the relevant texts and concepts. The program also features lectures by prominent Israeli and Palestinian scholars, politicians, religious, and business figures followed by times of discussion and Q & A. Students will participate in home visits, dine with an Israeli family, visit a Kibbutz, and engage in conversation with Israeli and Palestinian university students.
There will be time for students to explore Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on their own. This creates opportunities to engage local shopkeepers, restaurant staff, and people on the street. This tour is seeking approval for fulfilling the CCI Requirement, Course with Study Away.