Middle East Spring 2017
Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Israel/West Bank, Athens and Rome
There is no place on earth that compares to the Middle East for experiencing the fascinating and volatile mix of religions, cultures and historical movements that have shaped the world. Spending time in Jordan and Turkey, living in Israel and the West Bank, and traveling to Greece and Rome, participants will be immersed in the ancient/ modern world of Jews, Christians and Muslims.
Living in Palestinian homes in the West Bank, and studying, hiking, and serving from a base in Nazareth, and exploring ancient histories and current conflicts will provide an intense learning experience with the potential for life-changing insights into the Bible, world news, and yourself.
Information
Estimated Cost: Tuition, Room & Board +$2,700 travel fee (subject to change due to airfare and exchange
rates)
Semester Leader: Linford Stutzman, Bible & Religion and Janet Stutzman
Enrollment: 28 students
Course Credit: 15 semester hours
Course Descriptions
CCSSC 201 Cross-Cultural Social Science 3SH
This course will focus on particular aspects of Arab, Palestinian, and Jewish cultures
in order to understand human culture—world views, values, ideals, feelings, and behavior.
Of equal concern will be the response of students in developing insight, empathy,
and cross-cultural adjustment skills in unfamiliar situations.
CCLNG 110 Arabic Language 3SH
This elementary level Amiya (spoken) Arabic Language course includes intensive instruction
during the first part of the semester, with on-going practice throughout the semester
with the Arabic speaking people of the Middle East.
CCREL 302 Religion & Culture in the Middle East (CIW) 3SH
Directed fieldwork, reading, personal interaction and participant observation and
regularly scheduled seminars will enable the student to examine the cultures and religions
of the Middle East from historical, anthropological and religious studies perspectives.
The cultural focus will concentrate on the historical roots and contemporary expressions
of cultural ideals, change, and conflict that shape all of life in the Middle East.
The religion focus will concentrate on the powerful role of religion in Middle Eastern
culture in shaping identity, sustaining community and creating the context of both
conflict and reconciliation.
CCHIS 303 Contemporary Issues in the Middle East 3SH
Students will explore the contemporary political scene in Israel and Palestine. The
course will consider responses to the situation of conflict that have arisen over
a period of centuries. Students will get first-hand exposure to the historical background
and contemporary life situations among Israeli Jews and Palestinian Arabs and probe
the meaning of peace and justice in this setting.
CCCHS 302 Christian Movement in the Mediterranean 3SH
This course will focus on the Jesus’ Movement in Galilee in Nazareth, trace the movement
through the Mediterranean, and end at the capitol of Christendom in Rome. The historical,
social, and religious background and context of Jesus will be studied during the entire
semester beginning in Syria. Through classes, lectures, site visits, discussion and
hands on learning in Nazareth Village, students will gain understanding of the phenomenon
of Jesus and his message in the first century.
Immunizations
The following immunizations are recommended for travel to the Middle East in the locations and times the EMU cross-cultural group will be in the region.
- Routine – MMR, DTP, IPV or OPV, Hep B
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid – oral or injectable at least 3 weeks before travel
Immunizations and prescriptions may be obtained at EMU Health Services by appointment.
Immunizations may also be obtained from your local health department or primary care
provider.
