The Cultures and Religions of Modern Israel

This course is now accepting applications for the Winter 2013-14 term.

UMAIE Course Number:  T4207
SAU Course Equivalency:  +THEO 250, Introduction to Comparative Religions (four credits)
Instructor:  Dr. Paul Parker, and Roxanne Assaf, Department of Religious Studies, Elmhurst College, Illinois
Prerequisites:  100-level Theology course, or THEO 250, or completed 60 college-level credits
Dates:  Decmber 31, 2013- January 22, 2014. (NOTE: SAU classes begin January 15)
Location: Israel (Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Ramallah, and Haifa)
Price:  $6,165 (subject to change)

Program description

Come explore the contemporary religions and cultural richness of the six religions of modern Israel and Palestine. Investigate the mutually influential relationship of culture and religion. When students come to terms with these religions, and how they and culture have impacted each other in a country where there is no separation of the state from religion, they will be uniquely prepared to resolve the most demanding issues of religious pluralism, diversity, and hegemony in their own lives, in the United States, and in their emerging careers. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure is not a religious pilgrimage, nor a political fact-finding jaunt, but a study of culture, politics, religion, and most fundamentally, humanity. Students will investigate the contemporary meaning of religious identity in a state with an established religion, listen to devotees' personal narratives, visit ancient holy sites, observe religious practices, plumb theological beliefs, and ponder the religious experiences of the peoples of Israel and Palestine: the Bahá'í of Haifa; the Druze of Golan and Galilee; the Samaritans of Mount Gerizim; the Jews of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and the settlements; the Christians of Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Jerusalem; and the Muslims of al Khalil, al Quds, and Ramallah. Special attention will be given to the diversity of Jewish life, the vibrancy of Islam, and a selection of the indigenous Christian communities (their origins, differences, and similarities.)

What is included

• Round-trip airfare from Moline, Chicago or Minneapolis
• Airport transfers
• Hotel accommodation in double and triple rooms
• Continental breakfast daily (exceptions may apply)
• Some other meals
• International health insurance

What is not included

• Passport fees
• Transportation to/from airport
• Fees for textbooks and materials
• Additional meals (when not included in program fees)
• Personal baggage fees

How to apply

Priority Deadline: April 13, 2012
Complete the online study abroad application and submit a $500 application deposit to the Center for International Education (300 Ambrose Hall).

Applications will be accepted until October 1.
Students that apply after the April 13 Priority Deadline may find that their desired program is full. 

• Follow the application instructions carefully.
• Applications will not be reviewed until all application materials have been received.
• Make checks payable to Seminars International.
• The $500 application deposit is deducted from the total program cost.
• If you are not accepted into the program, or if the program is cancelled, the application deposit is refundable.
• If you are accepted, the application deposit is non-refundable after September 17.

Payment deadlines

• November 1, 2013:  remaining balance due

Payment details

• Failure to meet payment deadlines may jeopardize your place in the program.
• Please submit your final payment to Student Account Services by November 1.
• The final payment is non-refundable after November 1.