The Dead Sea Scrolls at Sixty:
Past, Present, and Future Prospects

June 16 - 20, 2008

Program

In 1947 a young Bedouin shepherd named Mohammed edh-Dhib made an unlikely discovery along the northwest shore of the Dead Sea that would forever change our understanding of the Judeo-Christian tradition and the Bible. Arguably one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, the Dead Sea Scrolls have provided us with an unprecedented opportunity to peer into the rather nebulous yet important period of time that gave rise to two of the world’s major religious traditions: rabbinic Judaism and Christianity. Not only have these ancient documents presented us with invaluable information regarding the composition, transmission, and status of the writings that would eventually find their way into the canon of texts known as the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, but the Dead Sea Scrolls have also given us a rare glimpse into the intellectual, theological, political, and liturgical concerns of a prominent Jewish sect that was active during this interesting and formative period: the Essenes.

In honor of the 60th anniversary of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, Saint Martin’s University and the Spiritual Life Institute are proud to present a weeklong symposium on the past, present, and future prospects of Dead Sea Scrolls’ research. We invite you to join our panel of internationally recognized experts on the Dead Sea Scrolls for what is sure to be an exciting and informative week!

Fees

Academic Credit
Religious Studies 494 (3 Semester Credits) Fee: $1500

Saint Martin’s University undergraduates receive three semester credits for the successful completion of this five-day course. The requirements for those wishing to receive credit include: attending all lectures and presentations, reading the required texts, submitting a critical journal, and composing a 4,000-word research paper.

Audit
Religious Studies 094 (non-credit) Fee: $700

For a reduced fee, students may attend the Institute without receiving academic credit.

Continuing Education Certificate
CEC 080 (30 clock hour credits) Fee: $200

Saint Martin’s University invites those who are seeking continuing education credit to attend the Spiritual Life Institute for their own personal enrichment and spiritual growth. Participants are required to attend all lectures and presentations in order to receive their certificate of continuing education.

Daily Attendance Fee
Spiritual Life Institute Daily Attendance Fee (non-credit) Fee: $40

For those members of the community who are unable to attend the Institute in its entirety, Saint Martin’s University now offers a daily attendance fee. This non-credit attendance option enables those individuals with a busy schedule or prior commitments to participate on a level that works for them. Simply select the number of days that you would like to attend the Institute, submit your payment in advance, and participate on the days that suit you best.

Evening Public Presentations
Fee: Free

Housing
On-campus living is encouraged as an important part of the Spiritual Life Institute. Residence halls are located in a peaceful, forested setting. Please contact the University director of residence life at (360) 438-4299/4546 in order to make reservations for University housing. Note: Housing fees are billed separately from the Spiritual Life Institute program tuition.

To register for academic credit or to audit this course, please click here: http://www.stmartin.edu/summer_session/registration.htm.

To register for continuing education credit or for the daily attendance option, please click here: http://www.stmartin.edu/spiritual_life/SLIRegistration.pdf.

(Please note that fees and tuition are subject to change)