University of Northern Iowa

Faculty Member, History

Associate Professor of History

Social and Behavioral Sciences

About

I am currently an Associate Professor of History at the University of Northern Iowa. I have also been a faculty member in the Department of Philosophy and World Religions at the same institution. I teach a variety of courses in Bible, ancient history, Middle East (ancient and modern), and world religions. My publications include two academic books, two textbooks (one for young adults), and numerous professional articles. I have an extensive record of presentations at the leading academic conferences in several countries, and numerous speeches to popular audiences. Before beginning my academic career, I was employed in many different jobs. My work experience includes time as a factory worker in the Detroit area, a kibbutz laborer, an archaeologist, a soldier in Cold War Berlin, and several years as a full-time traveler. In my classes I try to make the past and present come alive for my students by incorporating some of my life experiences into my lectures.

My research focuses on biblical studies, Dead Sea Scrolls, the ancient historian Josephus, archaeology, ancient Judaism and Christianity, and World Religions. You can find out more about me by reading my short biography on my web page (http://www.uni.edu/atkinson)

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