RELS 260 Archaeology and the Biblical World

A detailed study of the major archaeological finds from the biblical period and their impact on biblical interpretation. The course uses the material evidence of archaeology to reconstruct ancient life, customs, and cultural influences in the biblical lands and then compares this portrait with those presented in the biblical texts. Depending upon the expertise of the instructor, the course may focus on lands and finds associated with the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament or those associated with the New Testament. Familiarity with general biblical history is presumed.