Classical Influence on the History and Culture of the Ancient Near East
Know and be able to interpret the significant events and developments in the history and cultures of the ancient Near East, in particular of Second Temple Judaism and Early Christianity in their Hellenistic and Roman contexts.
Ancient Text Interpretation
Be able to interpret major ancient Near East texts-including the Bible, Apocrypha, historiography, and early Christian literature-and analyze their significance for understanding the cultures in which they were produced.
Critical Thinking
Develop the capacity for informed, independent, critical thinking and be able to perform appropriate library and online research utilized in the professional study of the ancient Near East.
Analytical Writing
Be able to write sources analyses and exegetical papers that utilize approaches from the Social Sciences and Humanities and that integrate language and interpretive skills to analyze ancient Near Eastern topics
Academics and Faith
Have considered and received affirmation concerning the relationship between academics and faith, and will have been encouraged to engage in a spiritually informed, lifelong pursuit of learning, scholarship, and service.