Courses in Israel

It is possible, indeed highly recommended, for every student of Biblical Theology to reside for some time in Israel, in order to deepen the language, get to know the culture and visit the land. The Pontifical Gregorian University offers three possibilities in this regard.

a) A stay of several months, normally planned for the final semester of the second cycle. Students may reside at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Jerusalem and attend courses offered by the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum of the Franciscan Fathers, the École biblique et archéologique française of the Dominican Fathers, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. For the courses taken during the semester in Jerusalem, the Faculty may recognise up to 6 ECTS. However, the study project must be submitted, in writing, to the Director of the Department, before departure.

b) An intensive course in the Archaeology of the Holy Land, organised in Jerusalem by the Institute of Culture and Archaeology of the Biblical Lands of the Faculty of Theology of Lugano, in collaboration with the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum and the Faculty of Theology of Northern Italy. The course, which takes place every year in July and lasts three weeks, includes classroom lessons on geography, archaeology and topography; lectures at archaeological digs; and excursions to the country's main sites and museums.

The programme is currently directed by Prof. Marcello Fidanzio of the Institute of Culture and Archaeology of Biblical Lands of the Faculty of Theology in Lugano. The lecturers who alternate in the lessons are from different schools and many are directly involved in the excavations they present. At the end of the course, which is considered optional (3 ECTS), there is a compulsory examination for all participants. More information can be found in the course brochure by clicking here.

c) A 4-week course in Archaeology and Biblical Geography for students of the Pontifical Biblical Institute, organised every year in September. Some students of the Pontifical Gregorian University may also participate in this course. The course is considered optional and provides 3 ECTS.

Registration for the course must be done in January at the office of the Department of Biblical Theology.

Course in Greece

The Department of Biblical Theology organises, in even-numbered years, a study trip to Macedonia, Achaia and Crete with lectures and archaeological visits.

The aim of the course is to enable students to gain first-hand knowledge of the places where the first Pauline communities arose and to deepen their understanding of the main themes and theological implications of an important part of Paul's apostolic activity, placing it in its historical, geographical and cultural context.

The course, directed by Prof. Scott Brodeur, takes place in September and lasts about two weeks. Visits to particularly significant places such as Thessalonica, Philippi, Athens, Corinth, Delphi, Eleusis, etc. are planned. A stay of several days in the 'Casa Manresa' of the Jesuit Fathers of Inoi is also planned, during which the lectures will continue to be accompanied by excursions and guided tours.

Further information can be requested from Prof. Brodeur (e-mail: [email protected]).

Course in Turkey

In September of odd-numbered years, the Department of Biblical Theology organises an itinerant course on the places of the first Christian communities. The course aims to introduce students to the important cultural crossroads represented by Asia Minor, Anatolia and Syria. After a general introduction to the different civilisations and cultures that have succeeded one another in these lands, the course will focus on the Christian origins, with particular reference to Paul and John.

The following biblical-archaeological topics will be covered: geographical and cultural aspects of Anatolia; the Hittites and their settlements; historical, geographical, and theological aspects of the missionary journeys of Paul of Tarsus; the letter to the Galatians; Greek and Roman cities; Judaism in Asia Minor; John and the Jewish substratum of the Fourth Gospel; the Jewish hermeneutic of Scripture; Revelation and the letters to the seven churches.

The course lasts two weeks and includes, in addition to visits to culturally relevant places and explanations of archaeological sites, at least 24 hours of lectures. The course is considered a course for the Licentiate in Biblical Theology, with 3 ECTS. At the end of the course there is a final examination.