Fall, 2006

Instructor: M.G. Michlovic

Office and Hours: King Hall 104. M,W: 2-4 and T,H: 11-12, 1-3

Email: (michlovc@mnstate.edu)

Texts: I. Finkelstein and N.A. Silberman, The Bible Unearthed

D. Crossan and J. Reed, Excavating Jesus.

Class Time: MWF, 1-1:50, King Hall 217

Course Description: Review of the archaeological record of Palestine during the time periods represented in the biblical chronology. Subjects highlighted are the Near Eastern origins of agriculture, he rise of urbanism, imperial context of Syria-Palestine, and the history of the peoples of ancient Palestine as known from archaeological materials.

Prerequisite: Anth. 115

Course Overview: This course is a review of the archaeological background of the bible. The focus of the course is ancient Palestine, or Israel, from the Neolithic period (~10,000 BCE) to the destruction of the Second Temple (70 CE). Issues to be highlighted include; the meaning of history in the bible, development of urban life, relationship of biblical settings and figures to history in the bible, the proposed 'new chronology', the relationship of the ancient Hebrews and the kingdom of Israel to other Near Eastern cultures, the Dead Sea Scrolls and the archeology of the area in the time of Jesus of Nazareth.

The course format is lecture/discussion. A variety of films and slides will be used to augment the lectures. Class participation and attendance is strongly recommended.

Requirements:

Midterm: October 11

Final: 12noon, Dec. 18.

Papers: Students are required to write a 5-page paper on each book. These are to be typed, double-spaced, 12pt lettering. Each should review the subject matter of the book, summarize major arguments or themes, and present an overall evaluation of the book from the reader's informed point of view.

Paper #1 due Oct. 27

Paper #2 due Dec. 4

Grades will be based on total number of points accumulated from all assignments.

(Approximate value: midterm, 50pts, papers, 40pts each, final 70 pts.).

Students with disabilities who believe they may need an accommodation in this class are encouraged to contact Greg Toutges, Coordinator of Disability Services at 477-5859 (Voice) or 1-800-627-3529 (MRS/TTY), CMU 114 as soon as possible to ensure that accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.

Email: michlovc@mnstate.edu | Updated: 2/1/05