
Student Snapshot: Sophie Asbell '24
Learn more about how student-leader Sophie Asbell '24 helped plan a major event on Dickinson's Jewish history and conducted research to analyze comedian Larry David through a religious lens.
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.
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"I love being a religion major, because it is so interdisciplinary. In fact, I received a Judaic studies major and Middle Eastern studies minor by accident! I have the freedom to take classes in other departments and still get credits for my major. I also have close connections with many of the professors in the department, even if I only took one class with them."
— Sophie Asbell '24
Learn more about how student-leader Sophie Asbell '24 helped plan a major event on Dickinson's Jewish history and conducted research to analyze comedian Larry David through a religious lens.
Dickinson marks meaningful anniversaries in its Judaic studies program with a celebration of Jewish life, learning and leadership.
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.
The discussion, which marks the annual Wesley Lecture, will focus on the intersection of race and the Muslim identity in the U.S.
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.
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.”