Using insights from archaeology, Biblical narratives, historical 
parallels, and anthropological insights, this class led by Dr. Lynn 
Tatum will focus upon the clan of Abraham — Abraham himself, 
his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Abraham 
not only becomes the father of the twelve tribes of Israel but 
also becomes the ancestral founder of the largest religions on 
earth. Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike claim Abraham as their 
founding father. Looking at both ancient archaeology and 
contemporary Bedouin/Arab culture, this course will attempt to 
make sense of the stories of one of the most important persons 
in human history