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Religion

Dickinson College

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Religion

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.

Chair: Peter SchadlerAssistant Professor of Religionschadler@dickinson.edu
Department Coordinator: Stephanie Dysondysonst@dickinson.edu

Phone: 717-245-1493
Fax: 717-245-1683
Location: East College 206 Mailing Address

Department Features

Study Abroad

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

"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

Religion News

All News Department News

Appreciating Difference: Lessons in Faith, Friendship and Pluralism

Appreciating Difference: Lessons in Faith, Friendship and Pluralism

“You can’t understand someone else’s faith tradition until you see the beauty in it." Meet Jonah Lenahan '26 (religion, political science).

Empathy, Advocacy and Law

Empathy, Advocacy and Law

“I discovered why places like Dickinson—where empathy and education are prioritized—are so important.” Meet Stella Gladson '27.

Faith, Independence and a Community That Grows With You

Faith, Independence and a Community That Grows With You

“I think the most important thing to learn from college is how to be independent, problem-solve and learn whenever is necessary.” Meet Mellie Black ’26 (religion, Judaic studies).

Alumni Gift Enhances Cross-Disciplinary Middle East Studies

Alumni Gift Enhances Cross-Disciplinary Middle East Studies

The new Middle East Programmatic Enhancement Fund will support student and faculty enhancements and a greater understanding of an often misunderstood region of the world.

Dickinson Hosts Lecture on Holy Land, Past and Present

Dickinson Hosts Lecture on Holy Land, Past and Present

Dickinson's 2024 Borges Lecture, held Nov. 11, will examine historic and current claims to land in and around Jerusalem.

Dickinson to Host Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe, One of Time

Dickinson to Host Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe, One of Time's 100 Most Influential People

Nyirumbe will deliver lecture addressing the effects of gender-based violence and how to find hope.