APPLICATION DEADLINE:  DECEMBER 9, 2011

PROGRAM DATES
February 29, 2011 - March 11, 2012

PROGRAM DIRECTORS
Prof. Lloyd Steffen
University Chaplain and Professor of Religion Studies
lhs1@lehigh.edu



PROGRAM COST
$3,000.00 (tentative) - This includes program fees, airfare, accommodations, tips and meals.

* Program cost is partially subsidized by the Russell Berrie Foundation.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
As a site of historical importance to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, Israel provides a unique focal point for exploring interfaith dialog and the role that dialogue plays in confronting political conflict and religious strife.  Through lectures, reading, films and discussions, students will learn about the history and culture of Israel and the meaning of interfaith dialogue.  Of particular importance will be the Judaic understanding of Israel as homeland and refuge; the Christian understanding of Israel as a setting for the rise of Christianity; and the Islamic understanding of the umma or community of faith extended to the land of Palestine, also as home and refuge.

The course with meet regularly during the spring semester, but will also include the opportunity for a 10-day interactive learning experience in Israel and the West Bank.  The trip will include visits to major historical and religious sites (e.g., Dome of the Rock, Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Nazareth, and Masada) but its focus will be interfaith dialogue.  Experts who have influenced dialogue in Israel and/or who are scholars of a particular religious tradition, will be engaged to discuss the background of historical and contemporary conflict in Israel and to highlight efforts underway to increase dialogue between different religious traditions.

COURSE OPTIONS:

Religion Studies 195: Explorations in Dialogue: Israel
(4 credits, Spring 2011)

APPLY NOW! 

Lehigh University
Study Abroad Office
32 Sayre Drive, Coxe Hall
Bethlehem, PA  18015