Teaching course of the EKD
The teaching course of the German Protestant Institute was founded in 1903 by the first director of the institute, Gustaf Dalman. It serves as an introduction to the methods and results of the archaeology, regional studies and cultural history of the Holy Land and the Levant.
The course is primarily aimed at young academics from the field of theology, as well as graduates of theological courses in general, archaeology and ancient studies. The Evangelical Church in Germany awards up to six scholarships each year, which cover most of the costs.
The course consists of different modules that connect places and landscapes in Jordan and Israel/the Palestinian territories.
Module 1: Event in Wuppertal (compulsory event): Consultation of the course participants about the joint trip
Module 2: Journey through the Middle East (in the semester-free period from July to September, usually 4 weeks)
Under the guidance of the institute directors and with the help of specialist speakers, as well as through visits to various institutions (municipalities, embassies, foundations, universities, etc.), the aim is also to provide an insight into modern society in the respective countries.
A list of all previous directors and scholarship holders from 1903 to 2024 is available for download here.
Application
Guidelines for participation in the training course
The course is aimed at theologians, archaeologists, religious and cultural scholars with an academic degree as well as professionals (pastors) with an in-depth interest and/or academic career.
The following documents are required for the application:
- a short letter of application addressed to the DEI Board of Directors, explaining your particular interest in the course,
- a curriculum vitae (also in tabular form),
- an expert opinion from an academic teacher or church representative and
- a declaration that you will accept the scholarship if selected.
The introductory course in Wuppertal is compulsory. The minimum duration for participation in the training course is 4 weeks in total and is documented with a certificate. The application deadline is October 15, Please direct any questions about the courses to: Professor Dr. Dr. Dr. h.c. Dieter Vieweger, vieweger@uni-wuppertal.de and Dr. Brita Jansen, gpiaamman@gmail.com
Interested parties should send their application documents to:
Evangelical Church in Germany
German Protestant Institute for Classical Studies of the Holy Land
Management; for the attention of OKR Erik Schumacher
Herrenhäuser Straße 12
30419 Hannover
Planning for 2025 and 2026
2025: Academic training course for young scientists in Israel/Palestine and Jordan
2026: Hiking course through Israel/Palestine (heat resistance, very good physical condition and health are required) Hike from north to south, mostly on the Israel Trail; enquiries to vieweger@uni-wuppertal.de