Grounded in the study of modern Hebrew language and classical texts, this interdisciplinary major encourages students to engage Judaism as a living, vibrant civilization with courses in history, religion, literature, anthropology, sociology and American studies. Students explore varieties of Jewish experience in both western and nonwestern societies, from antiquity to the present.
Judaic Studies is an interdisciplinary major designed to foster
broad comprehension of the history and development of Jewish
civilization from its Ancient Near-Eastern origins through present
times. Course work drawn from a variety of academic departments allows
students to appreciate the diversity of Jewish life and culture as it
has evolved in both Western and and non-Western societies.
Judaism
is a tradition with a rich and varied history that spans more than
three thousand years. To explore Judaic studies is to open a window
onto a world which has influenced our own world in many important ways:
Judaism's pivotal role in the development major world religions
(Christianity and Islam) and its importance for understanding the
politics of the modern Middle East, are among a number of important
examples.
Internships
Students have the
opportunity to augment their academic experience through internships
with Jewish social and communal organizations in Harrisburg.
Faculty/Student Research
Students
find ample opportunity to supplement course work with research and
special projects undertaken in close cooperation with professors.
Projects have included the study of ancient Egyptian art, architecture,
and astronomy; advanced Hebrew training (biblical and modern); ancient
Semitic civilizations and mythology; and advanced text-study.
Campus & Regional Resources
Dickinson
Hillel: Judaic Studies frequently sponsors and supports educational
programs in conjunction with the campus chapter of Hillel. Recent
programs include a Tu b'shevat study session on Judaism and the
environment and formal lectures by noted authors Martin Gilbert and
Rodger Kamenetz.
Milton B. Asbell Center for Jewish Life
at Dickinson, 262 West High Street. http://www.dickinson.edu/student-life/resources/asbell-center/ The center was dedicated in April
2003. Please take the time to read the article and view the
photographs. http://www2.dickinson.edu/news/features/2004/asbellchair/address.html
Jewish Community Center, Harrisburg, hosts
family programs: a home for the aged, educational programs, and
recreational facilities. United Jewish Community, Harrisburg,
Congregation Beth Tikvah, Carlisle. The local congregation holds its
services on campus with students and holds other joint activities such
as annual Passover Seders and the building of a community Sukkah.
Synagogues representing traditions ranging from Reconstructionism to
Hasidism can be found within a half-hour's drive from campus.
Graduate
School Placement
In addition to attending graduate schools
in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies, students have also been accepted at
rabbinical seminaries and Christian divinity schools. Others have
completed training in law, banking, and a variety of other fields.
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