Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies

The Brigham Young University Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies is an educational and cultural center created for study in the Near East, emphasizing religion, the humanities, and the social sciences. The Jerusalem Center has four principal goals:

1. Provide students an opportunity to study the scriptures in the setting in which the patriarchs, prophets, and the Lord himself lived and taught, and by that study to gain understanding of and commitment to the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
2. Expand students' understanding of the religions, cultures, history, archaeology, geography, languages, and politics of the ancient and modern Near East.
3. Foster research and creative endeavors by BYU faculty, students, and visiting scholars.
4. Promote understanding with other peoples, cultures, and religious faiths that trace their roots to the Holy Land.

To achieve these goals, the Jerusalem Center offers a core curriculum with courses in the Old and New Testament and in the ancient and modern Near East. In addition, the center provides specialized courses in archaeology, geography, history, and cultures of the Near East, including language study in Hebrew and Arabic.

The Jerusalem Center has marvelous physical facilities on Mount Scopus overlooking the oldest part of the city of Jerusalem. Classrooms, a library, a learning center, auditoriums, student and faculty apartments, a gymnasium and conditioning room, and a cafeteria provide a complete learning environment.

Academic Program

Calendar and Program Emphasis. Three programs are offered during the calendar year, scheduled to approximate the Provo campus calendar: fall, winter, and spring-summer (four-month programs).

1. The semester programs are designed for students who are currently enrolled at a college or university seeking their first undergraduate degree. Most of the courses offered are at the upper-division level. Students are encouraged to prepare themselves in advance for this exceptional experience by taking such courses as Poli 170, Geog 120, Hist 300, 302, Arab 101, Heb 101.
2. All programs include field trips within the Holy Land and to Jordan and Turkey.

Curriculum. The following subject areas are currently taught at the center:

1. Biblical Studies: Old Testament and New Testament
2. Ancient Near Eastern Studies
3. Modern Near Eastern Studies
4. Introductory course in either Hebrew or Arabic.
5. Elective courses in biblical studies, ancient and modern Near Eastern Studies, and archaeology as arranged each semester.

Note: Some courses taken at the Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies may be applied toward degrees in Near Eastern Studies, International Relations, and other majors in the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences. Students should contact their advisement centers concerning specific degree requirements.