During Fall Semester 2020, Luther Seminary will offer the travel course “The Holy Land: Its People, Places, and Prayers” (CD 1613). The course will be built around a trip to parts of Israel and the West Bank from Monday October 26, 2020, through Friday November 6, 2020.
Up to 20 current students (students enrolled in a seminary program in Fall Semester 2020) may participate in the travel course. There is also room on the trip for up to 5 additional travelers.
The travel course requires a certain level of mobility and stamina. Especially in the focus on ancient sites and urban settings that involve dirt paths, uneven stones, crowded venues, and several less-than-accessible places, the trip will involve busy daily schedules that will regularly require extended and brisk walking on a variety of surfaces.
COSTS (approximate, but fairly reliable estimates at this point in time):
>>> Approx. $2300 for students (those enrolled at the seminary during Fall Semester 2020), PLUS tuition for academic credit earned at Luther Seminary
>>> Approx. $4300 for nonstudents (family and friends of participating students receive priority for these limited spots; any remaining spots for nonstudents can be filled first by Luther Seminary alumni/ae)
The cost for enrolled students is significantly reduced thanks to a partnership and generous gift from the Stand and See Fellowship administered by Clal, the National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership. The fellowship money aims to help students participate in this particular travel course and accomplish its objectives without creating excessive financial burdens.
HOW TO SIGN UP:
Sign-ups will begin on Monday November 11, 2019, starting at 9:00am CDT. After 20 students have signed up, a waiting list will be created. Initial deposits to secure your spot will be due by January 31, 2020. For more information about the travel course and a link to the sign-up form, use this link: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1N9paHx0XCDnZBsm7krIhTphDQ-tcxzWc.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Students who participate in this travel course will not be permitted to register for any other course that is scheduled to meet during the Midsemester Residential Focus Session during fall semester 2020, because that occurs while we will be on the trip.
COURSE DESCRIPTION FOR CD 1613: An introduction to the history, cultures and peoples of Israel and Palestine. Participants in this course visit places holy to Christians, Jews, and Muslims exploring the biblical texts associated with those places and the opportunities they present for enhancing preaching and teaching. Participants also learn about current geo-political realities in the region, visiting with Palestinians and Israelis and hearing their stories, their struggles and their hopes for the future. The class will include historical and theological reading, reflection and discussion. This course will have a significant cross-cultural learning component.
COURSE OUTCOMES:
1. Increase understanding and awareness of the cultures and peoples of Israel and Palestine.
2. Increase understanding of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity as these faiths are practiced side-by-side in Israel and Palestine.
3. Acquire knowledge of the history and geography of biblical Israel/Judah/Palestine.
4. Enhance biblical preaching and teaching through exposure to the historical and geographical foundations of biblical stories.
5. Reflect theologically on the current conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, with special attention to the situation of Palestinian Christians.