Introduction to the Wilderness Learning Pathway

The Wilderness Learning Pathway is part of a teaching and learning project titled "Text and Context." This project is designed to bring the study of religion to life through the use of computer technology and the internet. Sponsored by the Appalachian College Association, the project will include a range of independent pathways enhancing the study of the religions of the world. The pathways are intended to be used as exercises accompanying a classroom course or courses, not as a stand alone, online course. Each pathway is an independent learning activity. The first phase of the project focuses on Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

The purpose of the project is to help students begin to

• recognize the complexity of the historical, social, and cultural realities that have shaped the beliefs, texts and practices of religious communities
• gain an awareness of the impact that their own assumptions and social location have on their readings of religious texts and on their interpretation of beliefs and practices
• gain an appreciation for the possibility of alternative readings of ancient texts and
• recognize the ethical implications of particular readings.

As part of a course or unit on the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament, the Wilderness Pathway looks specifically at wilderness as both "place" and symbol. Students who follow the pathway will think about their own assumptions about wilderness - what it is, what it represents, what experiences might be described as "wilderness experiences." They will gain an overview of wilderness areas in and around ancient Palestine and contrast those with places that are not considered wilderness. They will explore a range of Hebrew Bible texts in which wilderness plays an important role and will reflect on the meaning of wilderness in various contexts. Through exploring wilderness in the Hebrew Bible, they will begin to engage the richness of this ancient body of religious literature and to connect it with the ancient world and people that produced it.

To follow the learning pathway click on the pathway button on the menu bar or go to the  .