As this Course is a Directed Study, there is a degree of flexibility in the choice of topics each week.
Topics and suggested questions for investigation will be posted at intervals throughout the Semester.

1. Week 1
   The Geography of the Middle East
   Library Research - National Geographic Magazine
   Using "National Geographic" Magazines and/or Web Site, collect data on the geography, climate, and present living conditions in Egypt, the Sinai, Israel, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Iran.
   Compile a list of National Geographic Articles which might be of use for the Course.
   How has the geography and climate affected the development of cultures in the areas under study?
2. Week 2
   Geography and Geology of Israel/Palestine
   Local Geography of Jerusalem
   Familiarize yourself with the geography of Israel and of Jerusalem.
   Israel : go here for Geography Pages.
   What are the characteristics of the Jordan river?
   How is the Arabah related to the Rift Valley System?
   What is the rainfall pattern over Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (and why)?
   Jerusalem : What sort of stone underlies the city of Jerusalem? What are its general characteristics?
   Where is/are the source(s) of water?
   How has the city grown through the centuries?
   What and where are the districts (quarters) in the Old City of Jerusalem?
   What are some of the theories as to the location of the "Holy of Holies" on the Temple Mount?
3. Week 3
   Current trends in Biblical Archaeology
   Library Research - Biblical Archaeology Review
   Compile a list of "BAR" articles which are relevant to the topics of the course.
   What are some of the religious and political problems associated with archaeological research in Israel, particularly on or near the Temple Mount?
   Start to consider a topic for the mid-term Paper
4. Week 4
   the Neolithic Ages
5. Week 5
   the Early Bronze Age
6. Week 6
   the Middle Bronze Age
   Go here for notes on MB II
7. Week 7
   the Late Bronze Age
   Go here for notes on LB
8. Week 8
   Mid-term Exams & Mid-Term Paper
9. Week 9
   Iron Age I
10. Week 10
    Iron Age II
11. Week 11
    Babylonian and Persian domination
12. Week 12
    the Hellenistic Age amd the Inter-Testamental Era
13. Week 13
    Roman domination and the Early Christian Church
14. Week 14
    Byzantines, Crusaders, the Arab Conquest
15. Week 15
    formation of the modern State of Israel
    Partition of Jerusalem
16. Week 16
    Final Exam Week
    Final Term Paper
    All assignments should be completed and handed in before midnight, Wednesday of Finals Week