Course offerings

This programme, offered in collaboration with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, was originally designed primarily to provide students with an opportunity to deepen their knowledge of Biblical Hebrew. Admission to the programme required students to have already completed the qualifying examinations. The programme ran from July to January, although students could also enrol only for the October–January period, since the summer session was devoted mainly to the study of Modern Hebrew as a foundation for the study of Biblical Hebrew. Students participating in the programme received credits for the following courses in the Licentiate curriculum: Hebrew A–B, Biblical Archaeology and Geography, History of the Old and New Testaments, a seminar without a written paper, and, for those who had not already completed it, Greek A. The language of instruction was English.

Beginning in 2023, a new approach was introduced, moving beyond the model of rigid and narrowly defined programmes and instead offering a broader range of academic options, with greater flexibility and adapted to students’ different levels of formation. The new approach also makes greater use of the partner institutions based in Jerusalem. From the 2026/2027 academic year onward, this period will be reserved for advanced students who have completed Hebrew A–B and Greek A–B. The programme is arranged on an individual basis in consultation with the academic coordinator in Jerusalem and is subject to the approval of the Dean, taking into account each student’s specific academic and formative needs.

The aim of the course is to explore the four Passion narratives of the canonical Gospels, considering the theological perspectives of each evangelist and the specific characteristics of each narrative, while keeping in mind the key issues surrounding Jewish–Christian dialogue. We will begin with the question of the formation of the Passion narratives and then exegetically analyse selected texts from each narrative, from the perspective of their formation and their relationship to the history and geography of Jerusalem.

Part of the residential programme on Judaism and Jewish–Christian relations, May 2027.

Archaeology and Geography in the Holy Land
ECTS: 3

Language: Italian

Description

This intensive course offers an introduction to the archaeology and geography of the Holy Land, addressing a number of fundamental topics for understanding the world of the Old and New Testaments. It explores how archaeology, history, and geography can contribute to a critical reading of the biblical texts.

Objectives

The aim of the course is to help students approach key issues critically and to provide them with the basic tools needed to assess more effectively the contribution of archaeology and geography to the interpretation of the Bible.

Course Format

The course consists of a series of introductory lectures on various topics related to the history of the Old and New Testaments. In addition, a number of field visits are an integral part of the course:

• Visits to sites in Jerusalem: the Holy Sepulchre, the Mount of Olives, Mount Zion, and the City of David.
• Five study trips from Jerusalem:
• 1. Bethlehem and ‘Ain Karem;
  2. the Dead Sea: Masada, Qumran, and Jericho;
  3. the Shephelah: Beit Guvrin, Ashkelon, and Lachish;
  4. Samaria: Shechem/Tell Balata, Sebasteh/Samaria, and Mount Gerizim;
  5. the Negev: Beersheba, Arad, and Mamshit.
• A four-day study trip in Galilee:
• 1. Qasr al-Yahud, Beth Shean, Beth Alpha, and Nazareth;
  2. Tabgha, Capernaum, Bethsaida, and Chorazin;
  3. Hazor, Caesarea Philippi, and Dan;
  4. Megiddo, Caesarea Maritima, and Emmaus Nicopolis.

Required Reading

BRIFFA, J. M., Archaeologia et Geographia Biblica. Unpublished course materials (Jerusalem–Rome: Pontifical Biblical Institute, 2025).

Further Reading

FINKELSTEIN, I. – SILBERMAN, N., The Bible Unearthed: Archaeology’s New Vision of Ancient Israel and the Origin of Its Sacred Texts (Simon and Schuster, 2002) [available in several languages].

MURPHY-O’CONNOR, J., The Holy Land: An Archaeological Guide (Oxford University Press, 2014) [also available in French and English].

CHARLESWORTH, J. H. (ed.), Jesus and Archaeology (Grand Rapids, 2006).

FINKELSTEIN, I. – MAZAR, A., The Quest for the Historical Israel: Debating Archaeology and the History of Early Israel (Atlanta, 2007).

Assessment

There will be an oral examination at the end of the course.

Option to Take the Course for Double Credit

(in conjunction with History of the Old/New Testament)

This September course in the Holy Land may be taken for a total of 6 ECTS. In addition to the 3 ECTS awarded for the Archaeology and Geography course, students may earn an additional 3 ECTS applicable to either the History of the Old Testament or the History of the New Testament, as provided for in the curriculum for the Licentiate.

Students who choose this option will be assigned additional readings, to be discussed in two seminar sessions during the following first semester, as well as two written assignments:

• a review of one of the assigned chapters (40%);
• a short written paper of approximately 1,500–2,000 words, on a topic agreed upon with the instructor (60%).

The Fondazione Comunità di Connessioni, in collaboration with the Pontifical Biblical Institute of Jerusalem, offers a one-week residential formation course for people in Italy engaged in social and political activities.

The course is designed as an immersive experience, allowing participants not only to attend lectures and discussions, but also to share a common life and to engage personally with the social, cultural, religious, and political realities of Jerusalem.

Jerusalem: A Place of Encounter and Fraternity

The central theme of the course is the city of Jerusalem, a unique place where the three monotheistic religions meet and coexist, but also a city marked by profound divisions and conflict.

The course seeks to explore how fraternity can be fostered precisely where conflict has taken root. Through study, dialogue, prayer, silence, and direct encounter with the people and communities of the region, participants will be invited to reflect on the meaning and practice of political fraternity.

The programme, currently being developed, will combine different forms of learning and experience: lectures and opportunities for discussion, visits to holy sites, encounters with local organisations and communities, moments of spirituality and silence, and time for personal reflection.

Daily Programme

Morning

• Reading of a Psalm
• Introduction to the theme of the day
• Guided visit to a significant site, followed by the reading of a biblical passage and a time of meditation

Afternoon

• Lecture
• Group discussion and dialogue
• Free time

Evening

• Review and reflection on the day

Visits Outside Jerusalem

The programme will also include two visits outside Jerusalem:

• Bethlehem

A visit to a Bedouin village