Judaic Studies Program Dickinson College

 

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.

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The Curriculum

A major in Judaic studies includes the study of Hebrew language, Jewish history, Jewish thought, and Hebrew Scriptures. In addition, students investigate such diverse topics as Gender in modern Judaism, American Jewish literature, Jewish mysticism, the history of Christianity and the Arab-Israeli conflict. The Department of Religion at Dickinson provides an important resource for Judaic studies majors interested in comparative traditions and methodological issues in the study of religion; a wide variety of religion courses enrich the Judaic studies curriculum. There is, therefore, ample opportunity for tailoring the major to suit each student's individual interests and future plans.

Sample Internships

Students have the opportunity to augment their academic experience through internships with Jewish social and communal organizations in Harrisburg. One student is presently organizing the archives of the local Jewish community. 

 

"During my senior year, I worked as an intern for the United Jewish Community of Greater Harrisburg doing research on unaffiliated Jews.  The internship was a good learning experience.  I believe it also helped the Jewish community of Harrisburg."

-- Benjamin Blutstein '99

1998 winner of the Stanley Ned Rosenbaum scholarship in Judaic Studies

  

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.

International Study

Students are encouraged to spend one semester or one year in Israel and have done so through programs at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and at Tel Aviv and Haifa Universities. In addition, Dickinson's summer program in Jerusalem, directed by Professor Theodore Pulcini, affords students the opportunity to explore ancient and modern dimensions of Israel's history. "Jerusalem Layer by Layer" is an intensive six-week course which examines the centrality of Jerusalem in the evolution of  Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Through the study of monumental structures, archeological remains, and textual records, Jerusalem's story is uncovered "layer by layer" with special attention directed to the social and political dynamics which have shaped its monotheistic communities through the centuries.

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.  The center was dedicated in April 2003.  Please take the time to read the article and view the photographs.

 

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.

This site was designed and maintained by Barbara McDonald.
Last updated October 2004
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