2016 Israel Archeology Study Seminar: Discovering The Past Civilization

Program Overview

From the beginning of archaeological exploration, researchers sought to investigate the “Bible Lands”, including what is today the modern State of Israel/Palestine. Their aims were diverse – religious, scientific, political and adventurous – and many techniques were invented to advance the cause.

Today, Israel is one of the few places in the world where it is possible for laypeople (non-archaeologists) to participate in authentic archaeological excavations that touch upon the fundamental core texts and values of Western Civilization (Old and New Testaments, Josephus, Koran, to name a few).

We believe that an intense, serious seminar in Israel focusing on archaeology can open up a variety of educational possibilities for US educators and students. Teachers of sciences, history, archaeology, literature, social studies, conflict studies/resolution, and languages (including Ancient Greek, Latin, Hebrew, Aramaic, Arabic, Armenian, and Turkish) will find many new avenues of research and content that will both sharpen and hone their skill setsBecause of its geographical location as a land bridge between Africa and Asia, Israel has material remains from early pre-historic times till today. This will enable our seminar participants to be exposed to various archaeological periods and research, from pre-historic (neo-lithic and chalcolithic sites) to Bronze and Iron Age as well as Hellenistic, Early and Late Roman period, Byzantine, Islamic, Crusader (Medieval), Mameluk, and Ottoman period sites.

The Israel archaeological seminar will stimulate fresh thinking and initiatives for the educators to enhance their teaching within their specializations as well as facilitate the adoption of an inter-disciplinary approach in the classroom.

• Students: $4,600
• Adults: $5,100
• Educators: $1,700 ($1000 Public School)

For more information email [email protected]

Goals for the Seminar

The Classrooms Without Borders (CWB) Archaeological Educational Seminar to Israel has the following goals:

1. To learn about the science of archaeology in a place where many of the techniques were first developed and continue to be innovated.
2. To participate in at least one or more authentic archaeological excavations presently taking place in Israel (HANDS-ON).
3. To learn about different archaeological periods
4. To flesh out the political and religious issues surrounding “Biblical Archaeology” (the construction and deconstruction of historical/national narratives).
5. To expose the participants to the various historical and religious backdrops that inform the choice of archaeological research in modern Israel/Palestine
6. To raise questions about our understanding of the past and the function of the disciplines of history and archaeology within the modern nation-state.