Index

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY

and

sponsored by
TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY
and
PENN STATE UNIVERSITY

Four-week Summer Program
in
BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY

[Aerial View]

June 28 - July 26, 2002

TEL MEGIDDO, ISRAEL

Megiddo

The ancient site of Megiddo (biblical Armageddon) is central to Biblical archaeology and the study of the ancient Near East. Twenty minutes by car from Nazareth or the Palestinian town of Jenin and thirty minutes from Haifa in the agricultural heartland of modern Israel, Megiddo overlooks the fertile Marj Ibn Amr, or Jezreel Valley. Easily reached by car or public transportation, this national park site adjoins a pastoral kibbutz. The beaches and cafes of Tel Aviv are just over an hour away, and Jerusalem is two hours' drive. The site was inhabited continuously for six millennia (ca. 7000-500 BCE) and sporadically occupied for another millennium. Located along the edge of the valley, next to a major road linking Egypt in the south with Syria, Anatolia and Mesopotamia in the north and east, Megiddo controlled one of the main passes through the Mt. Carmel range, and thus grew to become one of the most powerful and strategic sites in the Ancient Near East.

Currently there are five areas of excavation on the mound. Excavation in these areas has uncovered not only the impressive fortifications of the various levels of the site, but also massive palaces constructed by the kings of Assyria during the biblical period, as well as the most elaborate sequence of temples ever found in the Levant, from the 4th millennium BCE to the Period of the Judges, ca. 1135 BCE. The 2000 season will continue to uncover the remains in these areas, and will explore questions concerning the nature of the city during the time of Solomon and his successors (10th-9th centuries BCE).

Program

The excavation is jointly sponsored by Tel Aviv University and Penn State University, and the contributing institutions and volunteers comprise a truly international group. Students and volunteers have come from the U.S., Canada, Britain, Ireland, Australia, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, South Africa, Switzerland, Israel, and the West Bank. The program aims to integrate the excavation experience into archaeological theory and into contemporary archaeological and historical knowledge of Megiddo, the Jezreel Valley and the wider region. The Villanova Faculty Program Director will directly supervise the students during the excavation. Afternoon and evening lectures will be conducted by Tel Aviv and Penn State University faculty, as well as staff members of the archaeological expedition. Field trips are included.

All students choose two (2) of the following courses for six Villanova University undergraduate (or graduate) credits (3 credits per course):

THL 7600 Archaeology of the Bible: A survey of contributions of archaeology to biblical study, and the cultural context of people and places depicted in the Bible. Topics covered include plant and animal domestication and analysis, the development of architecture and towns, the rise and entropy of interlocking economic systems, trade and industry, and connections to the historical record. The course includes lecture, field excursions and on-site orientation to applied problems.
THL 7610 Archaeological Techniques: Daily, on-site instruction in the methods, techniques, principles, and problems of field archaeology. Examines excavation strategy, research plan development, excavation tactics, analytical techniques and options and maintenance of control in the field. Includes hands-on experience in archaeological recording and surveying, plan and section drawing, the study of pottery and analysis of finds.
THL 7620 Advanced Technique: Prerequisite, THL 7610
Students will be introduced to techniques of recording and analysis enabling them to participate as staff trainees in future archaeological research. Evaluation is based on performance of advanced duties in the field.
THL 7630 Problems in Archaeology: Directed research in the field of biblical archaeology, comprising of a 20-25 page research paper (25-35 for graduates) on one of the many current issues facing biblical archaeologists today. The topic will be decided through consultation with the instructor.

Housing and Meals

Accommodation is provided by Kibbutz Mizra on the main bus route from Afula to Nazareth. Rooms are shared by 3-4 people, and all rooms have air-conditioning and adjoining bathrooms. All rooms are non-smoking. Breakfast is eaten up on the tel, and lunch and dinner are served in the kibbutz's modern dining hall. Recreational activities are provided for the participants, who also have the use of the kibbutz swimming pool and shop.

Program Requirements

2.50 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale; non-Villanova students must submit a current university transcript of all undergraduate work
Full-time University status without academic or disciplinary probation
Completed Villanova University and Megiddo Expedition application. The Villanova application requires a medical report, parental consent, recommendations and Dr. Hadley's approval; think seriously about your ability to do manual labor, sometimes strenuous, in the heat.
Attendance at all orientation sessions at Villanova University

Program Costs

The comprehensive program fee will be $3,200 for the four weeks and includes six Villanova undergraduate credits, room and full board, transfers, fees, Orientation, field trips and health/accident insurance. The fee does not include the trans-atlantic airfare, optional travel or personal expenses.

Application fee due February 15th          $  100
2nd payment due March 15th                 $1,400
3rd payment due April 12th                 $1,700
Total due                                  $3,200

Make all checks payable to VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY and send to the Office of International Studies, Villanova University, 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085-1699. For further information call (610) 519-6412.

Faculty/Program Director

Dr. Judith M. Hadley is an Associate Professor of Bible and Archaeology in the Theology and Religious Studies Department at Villanova University. Dr. Hadley has participated in numerous excavations throughout the Holy Land since 1978, and is the author of several articles concerning archaeological finds, as well as her book, The Cult of Asherah in Ancient Israel and Judah: Evidence for a Hebrew Goddess (Cambridge University Press, Oriental Publication Series 57, 2000).

All applicants must contact Dr. Judith M. Hadley, Department of Theology and Religious Studies, St. Augustine Center, Room 131 (610-519-7462), email judith.hadley@villanova.edu for an application and an interview.

NOTICE: Villanova University reserves the right to modify or to cancel part or all of the program if circumstances warrant.

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