Michael Pytlik

Dr. Michael Pytlik teaches courses in Anthropology, specializing in the archaeology of Israel, and in Judaic Studies.  He has led the study abroad program to Israel since 2009.  This trip includes a field school in archaeology at sites in Israel.  The trip also includes a tour of the country. His doctoral studies focused on the historical King David through the disciplines of archaeology, history, biblical studies, and on subsequent narrative traditions about the king.  He also studies the formation of the early Judean monarchy and its formation in ancient Judah/Israel. Dr. Pytlik also teaches a course in the formation of religious sites important to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, focusing mostly on Jerusalem.  He teaches several courses in Judaic Studies, including introductory courses and upper-level courses in mysticism, sacred texts, Spiritual but not Religious and more. He is the Director of Judaic Studies and the Director of the Cis Maisel Center for Judaic Studies and Community Engagement.