Details for Biblical Field Study
This unit features a three-week field study program in a location or locations formative for the biblical text, designed to provide students with a first-hand introduction to the relevant cultural, geographical, historical, and archaeological issues.
Quick Info
- Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
- Course code: CON510
- Credit points: 10
The unit Biblical Field Study is part of the subject area Biblical Studies and is offered as a part of the following Awards: Master of Arts (Christian Studies) (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)).
Unit Content
Curriculum Objective
At the successful completion of this unit, students will be able to
- Display a basic acquaintance with the physical and historical geography of the specific location.
- Identify the location of significant events that are recorded in the Old Testament Scriptures, the New Testament, and Greco-Roman-Judean history of the first century.
- Explain the importance of the location for subsequent interpretations and appropriations of the context e.g. in British commonwealth cultures
- Develop a deeper understanding of the culture and religions of the area, especially Judaism, Islam and the variety of Christian traditions, so that they may appreciate the value of interfaith dialogue.
- Describe the ideologies that are at play in the locality, e.g. the peace process in Israel/Palestine; Relate their academic studies to the biblical perspective, a Christian world view, and their vocational interests.
Subject Content
- JerusalemEnvirons
- Territoryof Benjamin
- Judah, Shephelah, and Philistine Coast
- Negevand Great Wilderness
- Dead Sea Area Field
- SharonPlain and Jezreel Valley
- GalileeRegion
- Northern Approaches
- Jordan River
Assessment Methods
Reflection essay, mapping exercises, critical book review.
Prescribed Text
- Merkley, Paul Charles. Christian Attitudes toward the State of Israel. Montreal: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2001.
- Lancaster, S. and J. Monson. Regional Study Guide: Introductory Map Studies in the Land of the Bible. Rockford, IL: Biblical Backgrounds, Inc., 1999-2000.
Representative References
Anderson, B.W., Bishop, S. and Newman, J. Understanding the Old Testament, 6th edition. Upper Saddle River NJ: Prentice Hall, 2006.
Borg, M. Reading the Bible Again for the First Time. New York: HarperCollins, 2001.
Lawrence, A. and P. Millard. The IVP Atlas of Bible History. Downers Grove, Ill: Intervarsity Press Academic, 2006.
Wright, P. Atlas of Bible Lands. Nashville: Holman, 2002.
Rainey, A. and R. Notley. The Sacred Bridge. Jerusalem: Carta, 2006.
Wright, P. Understanding the New Testament. Jerusalem: Carta, 2004.
