Religion is one of the most powerful forces in society—from ancient times to today, religious beliefs, practices, texts and traditions have played a formative role in nearly every aspect of human life. Politics, economics, literature and great works of art have long been inspired by religion—perhaps today even more so than in antiquity.

Our department explores the study of religion from intercultural, comparative and multidisciplinary perspectives. As scholars of religion, our faculty members feel strongly that religious literacy is essential knowledge for the exercise of informed local, national and global citizenship in an increasingly complicated world.

Whether you think of religion as an expression of ultimate meaning, a binding social force, a physiological impulse or a set of beliefs and practices, we will challenge your presuppositions and help you think critically. 

Contact Info

Chair

Nitsa KannAssociate Professor of Religion

Department Coordinator

Stephanie Dyson

Phone

717-245-1493

Fax

717-245-1683

Location

East College 206 Mailing Address

Department Features


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Study Abroad
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Current Courses

Student Outcomes

Where Our Students Go From Here

Jobs

  • The  Advisory Board Company
  • Brandeis University
  • Linda Gaunt Communications
  • Community Synagogue of Rye
  • Walt Disney Imagineering
  • IFF (CDFI)
  • Definitive Healthcare
  • United States Army
  • Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
  • Biosense Webster
  • Mennonite Central Committee

Graduate Schools

  • George Washington University
  • Harvard University
  • Penn State Dickinson School of Law
  • Georgetown University
  • Temple University
  • Boston University
  • New York University
  • University of Chicago
  • Brandeis University
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Northwestern University
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Claremont Graduate University
  • Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • American University
Where Our Students Have Interned
  • U.S. Army Heritage Center Foundation
  • Yale University
  • National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations (PLO Delegation)
  • Chisuk Emuna Religious School
  • Cumberland County CASA
  • Dickinson College / Center for Service, Spirituality & Social Justice
  • Dickinson College / Trout Gallery
  • Linda Gaunt Communications
  • Mercy Medical Angels
  • Middlesex Hospital
  • National Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute at the National Institutes of Health
  • U.S. Army War College, Peacekeeping & Stability Operations Institute
  • University of Maryland Marlene & Stewart Greenebaum Center

Student Perspective

"Dickinson prides itself on providing students with a global education, and increasing religious literacy has never been more important than in today’s globalized world."

—Abbie Cottle ’20


Religion News

All News Department News
Celebrating the Past, Present and Future of Jewish Learning and Leadership at Dickinson

Celebrating the Past, Present and Future of Jewish Learning and Leadership at Dickinson

Dickinson marks meaningful anniversaries in its Judaic studies program with a celebration of Jewish life, learning and leadership.

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Dickinson College to Host Discussion on the Importance of Faith-Based Institutions

Dickinson College to Host Discussion on the Importance of Faith-Based Institutions

Michael Pappas '83, executive director of the San Francisco Interfaith Council, will explore the importance of faith-based institutions in community organizing and addressing community needs.

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Dickinson College to Host Talk on Racism and Religious Freedom

Dickinson College to Host Talk on Racism and Religious Freedom

The discussion, which marks the annual Wesley Lecture, will focus on the intersection of race and the Muslim identity in the U.S.

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Student Snapshot: Cassandra DiPierro ’23

Student Snapshot: Cassandra DiPierro ’23

Learn more about Cassandra DiPierro ’23, a psychology major with two minors, who's pursuing a health-studies certificate, is an avid hiker and is certified in reiki.

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Dickinson College to Host Virtual Discussion on Race, Religion and Sexuality

Dickinson College to Host Virtual Discussion on Race, Religion and Sexuality

Pastor and scholar Jay Williams will deliver this year’s annual Wesley Lecture, "Black Queer Christian Lives Matter: Race, Religion and Sexuality—an Intersectional Conversation.”

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Dickinson College to Host Virtual Talk on Political Polarization

Dickinson College to Host Virtual Talk on Political Polarization

Robert B. Talisse, internationally recognized theorist of democracy, will discuss the overwhelming effects of political polarization in a virtual lecture.

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