Middle East Studi es Program (MES) The Middle East Studies Program based in Cairo, Egypt, allows students to explore and interact with the complex and strategic world of the modern Middle East. The interdisciplinary seminars give students the opportunity to explore the diverse religious, social, cultural and political traditions of Middle Eastern people. In addition to seminars, students study the Arabic language and work as volunteers with various organizations in Cairo. Through travel to Jordan, Syria and Turkey, students are exposed to the diversity and dynamism of the region. At a time of tension and change in the Middle East, MESP encourages and equips students to relate to the Muslim world in an informed, constructive and Christ-centered manner. Participating students may earn 16 semester hours of credit. For information contact Dr. Judith Rood (judith.rood@biola.edu) or the Department of History, Govern- ment & Social Science. Components Recommended Credits Arabic Language.......................................................................................... 4 Seminars: Peoples & Cultures of the Middle East.................................................. 4 Islamic Thought & Practice. ...................................................................... 4 Conflict & Change in the Middle East................................................... 4 16 units Russ ian Studi es Program (RSP) The exquisite domes of St. Basil’s in Red Square. The staggering treasures of the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. The ancient heritage of the cities of the Golden Ring. Were it only for its culture that students were to visit Russia, they would find themselves exposed to astonishing wealth indeed. In the Russian Studies Program, however, students have the opportunity not simply to glimpse monuments in passing, but to immerse themselves in the litera- ture, language and lives of the Russian people. In a semester spent in three of Russia’s largest cities —Moscow, St. Petersburg and Nizhni Novgorod—students will explore Russian culture, history, politics, economics and religion through language study and interdisciplinary seminars. Three seminars will focus on Russian History & Sociology of Religion, Russian Cultures & Literature, and Post-Communist Russia in Transition; a fourth seminar, Interna- tional Relations & Business in Russia, may be taken by those with proficiency in Russian who opt to take four rather than six credit- hours of language coursework. The RSP strives to give students a wide experience in this complex nation, beginning with time spent in Moscow, the heart of both medieval and modern Russia. Students then spend 12 weeks in Nizhni Novgorod, an 800-year- old city strategically located on the Volga River. After six weeks of language instruction, students live with a Russian family for the remainder of their stay in this city. Students also participate in a service opportunity in Nizhni Novgorod. The program concludes with a week spent in the magnificent city of St. Petersburg, the sea-fortress envisioned by Peter the Great that became the Rus- sian “window to the West,”which allows students to earn up to 16 hours of credit toward their Biola degree. More importantly, it
provides an opportunity to grow in their faith in a multinational, culturally diverse setting. For additional information contact Dr. Aaron Kleist (aaron.kleist@biola.edu) in the English Department. Recommended Credits Russian Language Study.................................................................... 4 or 6 International Relations & Business (optional course). .................... 2 History & Sociology of Religion. ............................................................. 3 Russian Peoples, Culture & Literature................................................... 4 Russia in Transition...................................................................................... 3 16 units Components The Scholars´ Semester in Oxford (SSO) The Scholars´ Semester in Oxford, the “City of Dreaming Spires,” allows students to engage in intensive scholarship within this historic seat of learning. Students work with academic tutors to hone their skills and delve into areas of interest, broadening their thinking by living and learning in this major crossroads of the academic world. As the Oxford tutorial style differs from the North American system of education, many students find this a stimulat- ing and challenging transition, requiring experience and maturity. The program is designed to be academically rigorous and a GPA of 3.5 or above is required. Students are generally members of an Honors Program, although high–achieving, academically gifted students are also encouraged to apply for their junior or senior year. Students select one primary tutorial, a secondary tutorial, and an integrative seminar. In addition, they participate in a spe- cial lecture program and attend Oxford Faculty Lectures. Students enrolled in the SSO are granted Visiting Student status and as such are members of Oxford University through Wycliffe Hall. This gives them full access to the Bodleian Library and relevant faculty libraries, university lectures, as well as sports teams and social organizations. Wycliffe Hall is one of 45 colleges and halls that comprise Oxford University. As a theological college, Wycliffe Hall seeks to build up future Christian leaders from around the world. Students may be housed in student lodgings in residential areas of Oxford. For more information contact Dr. David Horner (david. horner@biola.edu or ext. 5449) in the Biblical Studies Department. Also visit www.bestsemester.com. Recommended Credits Christianity & Cultures................................................................................ 4 Oxford Integrative Seminar...................................................................... 4 Primary Tutorial............................................................................................. 6 Secondary Tutorial....................................................................................... 3 17 units Components Uganda Studi es Program (USP) The Uganda Studies Program offers an invaluable opportunity for studies in and about Africa, for authentic cross-cultural exposure, and for participation in the lively faith and worship of Global South Christianity. Studying at Uganda Christian University is a unique experience in the British lecture and tutorial style of learning. Opportunities include academic classes taken alongside
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General Information
2007–2009 Catalog
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