ISRAEL TRAVEL COURSE MAY – JUNE 2011
RELI 2040: Religions of the Middle East: Judaism,
Christianity and Islam in Israel
(Available also as RELI 4900).
3
credit hours [CH, G]
:
This course introduces students to the
religions, history and contemporary dynamics of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Students
will visit historic and sacred sites and meet with contemporary leaders in Jerusalem, Galilee, and throughout Israel. Visits and lectures analyze the origins and
development of three major religions that arose in the Middle East: Judaism,
Christianity and Islam, as well as traditions such as Baha’i, Druze and LDS
with a presence in Israel. The course will spend time in Jerusalem, the eternal city, and “non-stop”
Tel Aviv. Travel in Israel
provides an outstanding opportunity to understand the basic principles,
historical development, political and cultural context, and structure of each
religion and to encounter religious festivals and observances. Students
will prepare for this journey with 15 hours of pre-travel seminars, readings,
informal meetings and research in Wyoming. Two weeks of travel; an optional third week (which
may incur extra cost) to visit more historic, cultural, and tourist sites.
In the past these have included Petra and the
traditional location of Mount Sinai.
Tentative
dates: May 29-June 12 (plus optional segments May 25-29 and June 12-19).
Estimated
Cost: $3600 + $100 Study Abroad Fee
+ tuition. $300 deposit towards costs of additional segments.
Contact:
Seth Ward (sward@uwyo.edu),
6-9273 (307 766 9273)
Highlights of the 2009 and 2010
trips: Jerusalem—Western
Wall, Holy Sepulchre,
Jerusalem Day with the Mayor.
Tel Aviv: Beach and Shopping. Camel
riding. Climbing Masada. University tours.
Boat Ride
Proposed Summer 2011 itinerary for May 30-June 12: http://www.uwyo.edu/sward/summer2011/itinerary.htm
FULL INFO FROM 2010:
SUMMER 2010 Itinerary: http://www.uwyo.edu/sward/summer2010/ProgramItin.htm
ACTUAL EVENTS http://uwise.posterous.com/
Prepare for the Trip (also from 2010 but no real update
needed): http://www.uwyo.edu/sward/summer2010/prepare.htm
Safety:
Israelis live longer than Americans and generally have fewer deaths and serious
injury due to non-medical reasons (including terror and war!) than is the case
in the U.S.One set of statistics suggests that the rate in Wyoming is four times higher. These statistics should be approached with caution
but are striking nonetheless.http://uwyo.edu/sward/summer2010/safety.htm
.
Information Sheet.
Registration Information: Pre-registration
works through the instructor. Email sward@uwyo.edu to indicate your interest.
Student participants need to submit an essay of about a page
(250-300 words) about their reasons for participation in this course, and how
it fits into their educational goals.
At the heading of the essay please note your name, W number, and indicate that
you plan to take this for credit, or any special credit request (“default”
is RELI2040, but you may need to have the course listed as RELI4500 or
RELI4900).
Registration and
payment of a deposit by February 1 or as soon as possible after that time, and
payment of all additional fees by April 1.
Topic: The course topic is “Judaism, Christianity and Islam in
the State of Israel” Participants will have an excellent sense of modern Israel as well
as perspectives on Jewish, Christian and Islamic religious experiences. The dates are set to afford an opportunity to
experience various festivals, including 
Ascension
Day, Jerusalem Day, and the Jewish festival of Shavuot in the Holy
Land.
Plan for the course: Expect about 15 hours preparation in
Wyoming. Study
Abroad helps assure that all necessary paperwork is in order. No prior visa is necessary for US citizens to
visit Israel. Passports are required and should be valid for 6
months after projected travel.
Dates: The dates in the announcement are tentative and may be
determined by availability and other considerations.
Academic
Credit Requirements: Attendance at most tours or lectures in Israel required
for Credit. A paper or project
completes academic requirements for those seeking 3 credits.
Funding: The University
of Wyoming has a number
of scholarship programs to support Study
Abroad. Tuition grants such as
Hathaway Scholarships might, and student loans and other types of financial aid
may be applicable to costs of this program.
The Instructor and International Programs will work with students to maximize
funding possibilities.
Non UW Students: Students not matriculated at the University of Wyoming
can participate; there is a $40 application fee to become a special student. Credits should transfer towards your degree. UW tuition is probably less than equivalent
tuition at your home college or university.
Please contact the Instructor for details.
Community Tour: Community participation is welcome!