Foreign Study Program

The Religion program offers an expanded curriculum in the study of religion through its arrangement with New College of the University of Edinburgh. Also available is the opportunity to study with international eminent scholars who teach in this major Scottish university.

Students on FSP going for a walk in the highlands.

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Applications for AY 27-28 will open in October

Applications Due: February 1
Decisions Sent: March 1

Dartmouth Faculty Director Course

Faculty Contact for Fall Term 2027: Professor Rachel Z Feldman

REL 74.21 Healing the Self, Saving the World: New Age Religion and Social Transformation
What is "New Age" religion? This course explores spiritual movements that emerged after World War II in response to nuclear threat, environmental crisis, civil rights struggles, feminism, and changing ideas about the self. Through case studies of psychedelics, meditation, neo-shamanism, witchcraft revival, utopian communes, and apocalyptic movements, we examine how spiritual practices travel across cultures and promise both personal and social transformation. Students will engage with primary texts, New Age material culture and rituals in Edinburgh, and spend an immersive weekend at Findhorn Ecovillage. We will also confront the darker sides of New Age spirituality, including exploitation, commodification, cultural appropriation, and neocolonialism. Ultimately, the course asks how religion generates creativity, hope, and new ways of imagining the future..

About the Program

The program of study in Edinburgh consists of three courses: two courses chosen by each student from among those offered by the New College faculty. These courses are given the Dartmouth designations REL 70 and 71. REL 74 is taught by the accompanying Dartmouth faculty member. All three courses are graded and then also recorded by the Registrar at Dartmouth College. REL 70, 71, and 74 count as intermediate courses when fulfilling the requirements for the religion major.

Prerequisite: At least one course in Religion, and applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.0.

Enrollment: Limited to 15 students

Program Dates: Alternating Fall terms (e.g., odd-years), September - December

Accommodations: Students live in residence facilities at the University of Edinburgh.

Curriculum:

Religion 70 - Foreign Study in Religion I, taught by University of Edinburgh, New College Faculty
Religion 71 - Foreign Study in Religion II, taught by University of Edinburgh, New College Faculty
Religion 74.xy - Taught by Dartmouth College Faculty Director

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New College, University of Edinburgh

Off-Campus Programs Office

A double rainbow over Urquhart Castle.
Students enjoying a walk in the countryside.
Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh's Holyrood Park -- a perfect backdrop for FSP friendships.
Students on FSP going for a walk in the highlands.