Religious Studies News

This summer, the Program for Religious Studies will offer two for-credit study abroad programs. The first program, offered from May 21st-June 6th, will give students the opportunity to participate in an archaeological dig at Bethsaida, in Israel. Students will be housed on a kibbutz on the shore of the Sea of Galilee for 12 nights. During that time, from Monday through Friday, students will travel to the dig each morning to learn about archaeology first-hand by excavating ancient artifacts. On the weekends students will explore many fascinating historical and religious sites including Nazareth, Armageddon, and Sepphoris. At the end of the trip students will travel to Jerusalem for 3 nights. While there, students will visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Wailing Wall, the Dome of the Rock, and other important religious sites. All students are welcome to apply, and 6 credits will be offered. Dr. Aaron Gale, a veteran of 6 archaeological digs, will lead the trip.

The second study abroad program will run from June 6th-22nd and will take place in Egypt and Tunisia. This program will run from approximately June 6th-22nd. These two countries offer a peak into the ancient backgrounds of some of the most famous religions and cultures ever known to humankind. Imagine visiting places where the ancient Egyptians, Romans, Carthaginians, and Phoenicians helped to shape the modern world. Three world religions will be studied during the adventure. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all trace their roots to these historic regions. Students will begin this once-in-a-lifetime experience in Egypt by exploring some of the most famous sites in the world including the Pyramids and the Sphinx at Giza, the Cairo Museum, and the Ibn Tulun Mosque, From there students will visit the Valley of the Kings at Luxor (where King Tut’s tomb was unearthed). The next stop will be Tunisia, where students will get a chance to glance at the ruins at Carthage and perhaps take a camel ride too! Religious sites will also be explored, including the famous mosque at Kairouan and the oldest Jewish synagogue in the region at Djerba. The amazing sites that will be visited are too numerous to mention in one article! To top it off, students will earn 3 credits for this trip. Professor Sarah Yeomans, a Roman historian and archaeologist, will lead the adventure.

Space is limited, so be sure to visit the Office of International Programs for more information or e-mail Dr. Aaron Gale