Israel/JUC

THIS PROGRAM WILL NOT BE OFFERED IN 2009. IT IS SCHEDULED TO BE OFFERED AGAIN IN 2010.

Gordon College, through the Jerusalem University College, offers a unique summer experience in the history and geography of the Bible. This intensive three-week on-site course introduces the geography, history and archeology of Israel. It involves study of the physical features of the land of the Bible, stressing geographical factors affecting settlement and communication in various regions. Relevant archaeological, historical and biblical material is correlated with sites, roads and features in each region.

PROGRAM DATES
Mid-May through Mid-June, 2010

LOCATION
On the Jerusalem University College (JUC) campus you will attend preparatory lectures designed to integrate assignments with field study. Regional studies are 1-4 day field trips and constitute the main body of the program. Special studies and walks in Jerusalem emphasize important aspects of the city in biblical and modern times.

Regions studied include:

• Galilee
• The Golan Heights
• The Coastal Plain
• The Shephelah and Hill Country
• The Negev
• The Jordan and Jezreel Valleys
  

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

• Assignments based on materials furnished by JUC will be completed prior to arrival in Israel. This work provides the necessary biblical background and regional introduction to study in Israel. You will spend 15-20 hours on this work.
• On the JUC campus, you will attend preparatory lectures designed to integrate assignments with field study.
• Regional studies, each culminating in a field trip of one to four days, constitute the main body of the program.
• Special studies and walks in Jerusalem emphasize important aspects of the city in biblical and modern times.
• The Pre-Israel Assignments will be supplemented by two preparatory sessions on Gordon's campus at times to be scheduled during the final two weeks of the spring semester.

APPLICATION
Gordon applicants* must:

• Have one year of study in Old and New Testament at the college level
• A 2.5 or better overall GPA
• Sign up for BI291 for the Spring semester
• Complete online application. APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AGAIN IN DECEMBER OF 2009 FOR THE 2010 PROGRAM.
  
• Submit a non-refundable $280 combined application and
  deposit fee.
  
• Attend required class sessions in preparation for the experience
• Sign and submit the Israel Release & Hold Harmless form (available under Downloads).
• Complete the JUC Health form (available under Downloads).
  

CREDITS
You will earn 4 credits for the course BI291: Geographical and Historical Settings of the Bible

See a tentative Course Syllabus and Israel Student Manual available under Downloads.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Students are generally housed on-campus in dormitory rooms which lodge four to eight individuals. The dining facilities are centrally located in the JUC building. If we are off-campus, it will be a small hotel just inside the Jaffa Gate. While on field trips, accommodation are in small two-star hotels or kibbutzim. Travel about the country is on air conditioned buses.

COST:
The total cost is  $3950 for the Israel Seminar and $4610 with the Jordan Extension.  This includes:

• Tuition
• Airfare (roundtrip from Boston to Israel)
  
• Ground transportation (within Israel)
  
• Meals
• Accommodations
• Transport and site fees

JUC offers a three-day ad-on to the program which gives students the highlights of Jordan. The cost of this additional package is $660. There is no additional academic credit.

CONTACT
For further information please contact the Global Education Office
p: 978.867.4399

Dr. Elaine Phillips,
Professor of biblical studies and theology
e: elaine.phillipsgordon.edu

In addition, course materials will be provided. Students are strongly encouraged to see their financial aid counselor regarding arrangements for financial payment no later than March 1.

NOTE: Costs may be affected by a major change in bulk airfare rates to Israel.

See the JUC homepage for further details