Emphasis will be on the development of critical reading and research skills. An examination of Paul's life and thought as seen in the early Christian literature written by him, about him and attributed to him. Human responses to loss, grief and death as they occur over a lifetime, including an examination of therapeutic and religious approaches to the experience of loss, grief and death for different individuals. An examination of the ritual and oral traditions of a specific group of native peoples to discern their attempts to integrate themselves and their environment. An examination of selected rites of passage such as weddings, funerals and initiations.
Special attention is given to the dramatic qualities of ritual processes.
A study of the life, teaching and influence of Jesus of Nazareth as known in the New Testament and other ancient documents. Attention will also be given to contemporary studies and literature about Jesus. An examination of the nature and meaning of religious experiences, including the study of such topics as mysticism, compassion, meditation and altered states of consciousness, and the associated practices for their development within both religious and scientific traditions. An introduction to the study of Palestinian and biblical archaeology with emphasis on archaeological method and theory and the role of archaeology in the reconstruction of ancient history. Students will examine excavation reports and become familiar with the material culture that formed the basis for ceramic typology and chronology.