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.
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. Coursework drawn from a variety of academic departments allows students to appreciate the diversity of Jewish life and culture as they evolved in both Western and non-Western societies.
Judaism is a tradition with a rich and varied history that spans more than 3,000 years. To explore Judaic studies is to open a window onto a world that has influenced our own world in many important ways: Judaism's pivotal role in the development of 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.
Local Jewish services and events and activities of interests can be found at Congregation Beth Tikvah in Carlisle as well as at the United Jewish Community and Jewish Community Center in nearby Harrisburg. And Dickinson has three partner programs that take students abroad to Israel.
"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
Student Outcomes
Where Our Students Go From Here
Jobs
Community Synagogue of Rye
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
Temple Aliyah
Graduate Schools
University of Pennsylvania
Brandeis University
George Washington University
Boston University
Where Our Students Have Interned
Chisuk Emuna Religious School
Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center
Cumberland County CASA
Dickinson College / Center for Service, Spirituality & Social Justice
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.
“Studying immunology in the midst of the COVID pandemic has made for especially relevant lessons,” says Galil Cohen ’23, a biochemistry & molecular biology major and a Red Devil soccer player.