Religion

The Religion program at Dartmouth College offers students a comprehensive exploration of religious beliefs, practices, and traditions across diverse cultures and historical periods. Rooted in a multidisciplinary approach, the program encourages critical analysis of religious texts, rituals, and institutions, fostering a deeper understanding of how religion shapes and is shaped by social, political, and cultural forces throughout history. Students engage with a wide array of topics, including the origins of world religions, the development of theological thought, ethical issues in religious contexts, and contemporary spiritual practices. The curriculum combines rigorous academic study with opportunities for experiential learning, enabling students to examine religious phenomena from philosophical, historical, and anthropological perspectives. Faculty members are renowned scholars in their fields, guiding students through close readings of sacred texts, field research, and the examination of religious art and architecture. The program promotes active scholarly inquiry, critical thinking, and open dialogue, preparing students for careers in academia, public service, law, journalism, non-profit work, and other fields where understanding religious diversity is essential. In addition to coursework, students are encouraged to participate in religious communities, internships, and study abroad programs to gain practical insights into the role of religion in society today. Graduates of the Dartmouth College Religion program leave with a nuanced perspective on religious life, equipped with skills in analysis, communication, and cultural understanding that are valuable in an increasingly interconnected world.

Requirements for the Major

Prerequisite: REL 1 Patterns of Religious Experience.

Requirements: In addition to REL 1, the major consists of nine courses including:

1. At least two courses from the Introductory series on Religion (REL 2 Religion in the Modern World, REL 3 Modern Religious and Anti-Religious Thinkers, REL 4 Religion of Israel: The Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), REL 5 Early Christianity: The New Testament, REL 6 Introduction to Judaism, REL 7 First-Year Seminars in Religion, REL 8 Introduction to Islam, REL 9 Hinduism, REL 10 The Religions of China, REL 11 Religion and Morality, REL 12 Religion in Early America, REL 13 Religion in Modern America, REL 14 Introduction to African Religions, REL 15 The Christian Tradition, REL 16 Modern Islam, REL 17 African Religions of the Americas, REL 18 Indian Buddhism, REL 19 Special Topics in Religion-Introductory Level).
2. At least one course from the Theories in the Study of Religion series (REL 20.01 Classic Works in the Study of Religion, REL 20.02 Magic, Science, and Religion, REL 20.03 Reason and Religious Belief, REL 20.04 Theoretical Approaches to the Study of Myth: Interpreting Ancient Near Eastern Mythology, REL 20.05 What is Religion?).
3. At least two courses from the Intermediate series on Religion (REL 21 Judaism in Late Antiquity: The Rabbinic Revolution, REL 23 Jewish Mysticism, REL 24 Jewish Philosophers of Religion, REL 25 Islamic Mysticism (Sufism), REL 26 Islam in America, REL 27 The Qur'an and the Prophet, REL 28 Topics in the Study of Islam, REL 28.02 The Islam of Morocco, REL 29 Kierkegaard and Existentialism, REL 30 Sacred Cities, REL 31 Sex, Celibacy, and the Problem of Purity: Asceticism and the Human Body in Late Antiquit, REL 32.02 Dante's "Divine" Comedy, REL 32.04 Spiritualities of the Christian Church, REL 33 Christians, Jews, and Muslims in the Age of the Crusades, REL 34 Christianity and Conversion in the Northern World: Vikings, Celts, and Anglo-Saxons, REL 35 Religion and Science, REL 36 Religion and Literature, REL 37 Animal Rights in Religion, Film, and Literature, REL 38 Spiritual Autobiography, REL 39 Magic, Madwomen, and Mystics, REL 40.01 Gods, Demons, and Monkeys: The Ramayana Epic of India, REL 40.05 God’s Fools: Saints, Music, And Mysticism In South Asia, REL 41 Readings in Buddhist Literature, REL 42 Goddesses of India, REL 46 Daoism: Transformations of Tradition, REL 47 Buddhism in China, REL 48 Body and Sex in Chinese Religions, REL 49.01 Apocalyptic Thought, REL 50 Indigenous African Religions, REL 51 The Virgin of Guadalupe: From Tilma to Tattoo, REL 52 Religion and Music in Cuba, REL 53 Religion, Healing, and Medicine, REL 55 Ancient Egyptian Religion, REL 56 Women and the Bible, REL 57 Readings in the Biblical Tradition, REL 57.01 The End of the World, REL 58 Topics in the Bible and Archaeology, REL 58.02 The Bible, Sex, and Sexuality, REL 60 Reformations: Protestant and Catholic, REL 61 Religion and the Civil Rights Movement, REL 62 Religion, Politics, and the Presidency, REL 63 Mormonism, REL 64 Evangelicalism, REL 65 Sports, Ethics & Religion, REL 66 Women, Religion, and Social Change in Africa, REL 67 Religion And Imperialism, REL 70 Foreign Study in Religion I, REL 71 Foreign Study in Religion II, REL 74 Special Topics in Religion-Intermediate Level, REL 74.07 Ritual in Post-Modern Great Britain).
4. One seminar in Religion (REL 80 or REL 81). Students should note that some seminars will have prerequisites. Consult the Chair for more information.
5. As Culminating Experience, either completion of the Honors Program (REL 86 and REL 87), or the Senior Colloquium (REL 85), or an Advanced Independent Study (REL 84). Consult the Chair for more information.
6. The major must include at least one Religion Department course from among those designated as fulfilling the Non-Western requirement.

Major programs are subject to the approval of the Chair.

Requirements for the Modified Major

Prerequisite: REL 1.

Requirements: In addition to REL 1, eleven courses of which seven or more shall be in the Department, including:

1. At least two courses from the Introductory series on Religion.
2. At least one course from the Theories in the Study of Religion series.
3. At least one course from the Intermediate series on Religion.
4. One seminar in Religion. Students should note that some seminars will have prerequisites.
5. As Culminating Experience, either completion of the Honors Program, or the Senior Colloquium (REL 85), or an Advanced Independent Study (REL 84). Consult the Chair for more information.

The remainder may be courses in other departments provided that such courses constitute a coherent program of study in Religion. Approval of the modified major must be obtained from the Chair.

The modified major must include at least one Religion Department course from among those designated as fulfilling the Non-Western requirement.

Requirements for the Minor

Prerequisite: REL 1.

Requirements: In addition to REL 1, the minor consists of five courses to be selected as follows:

1. At least one course from the Introductory series on Religion.
2. At least one course from the Theories in the Study of Religion series.
3. At least one course from the Intermediate series on Religion.
4. Two additional courses in Religion (any level).
5. The minor must include at least one Religion Department course from among those designated as fulfilling the Non-Western requirement.

1.       SAT Reasoning or ACT (with Writing);

2.       2 SAT Subject Test Scores;

3.       The common application essay;

4.       Within the Common Application, Dartmouth’s writing supplement requires that applicants write a brief response to one of the following supplemental essay prompts. Candidates choose one topic and respond;

5.       A counselor recommendation and two teacher recommendations. In addition, a peer recommendation is strongly encouraged;

6.       Resume;

7.       Brief abstract of an independent research project;

8.       IELTS or TOEFL (no minimum scores).

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Religion at Dartmouth College offers students an in-depth exploration of religious traditions, texts, beliefs, and practices from around the world. The program emphasizes critical analysis and encourages students to examine the role of religion in shaping human experience, history, and society. Students can engage with a diverse array of religious traditions including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and indigenous beliefs, among others. The curriculum includes courses in religious texts, history of religions, philosophy of religion, ethics, and contemporary religious issues, allowing students to develop a comprehensive understanding of how religion influences culture, politics, and personal identity.

Dartmouth's Religion program also provides opportunities for interdisciplinary study, integrating perspectives from history, literature, anthropology, and philosophy. Students are encouraged to pursue independent research, participate in religious studies seminars, and engage with faculty who are distinguished scholars in their fields. The department fosters an environment of critical inquiry and open dialogue, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and beliefs. The program prepares students for various career paths, including academia, public service, non-profit work, journalism, and religious leadership. Graduates have gone on to graduate study in religion, theology, law, and related fields.

The college supports a variety of extracurricular activities related to religion, including student organizations, community service projects, and interfaith dialogues. These activities help students deepen their understanding of religious diversity and develop leadership skills. The program emphasizes both the academic study of religion and its practical implications in contemporary society, encouraging students to reflect on their own beliefs and values within a global context. The Department of Religion at Dartmouth College combines rigorous scholarship with active engagement, creating a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to understanding the complexities of religion in the modern world.