The Facilities
The Academic Center provides a modern and comfortable atmosphere for the study of Near East culture and archaeology; and religion. This ultramodern complex contains classrooms, computer facilities with student access to the internet, laboratories, faculty offices, and the Detweiler Planetarium. In addition, the Archaeology Lab contains an extensive collection of full-color slides, maps, and samples of pottery from all major historical periods.
Also located in the Academic Center is the John G. Snowden Memorial Library, which recently added the American Theology Libraries Association (ATLA) Religion database to its excellent on-line research resources. The library contains a small collection of Near Eastern pottery and other archaeological artifacts--bowls, jugs, and juglets, several oil lamps, and some very interesting scarabs. In 2004, Snowden Library received a generous book donation from the A.G. Leventis Foundation. To view some of the titles received (all of which reflect an interest in the art and archaeology of Cyprus), click on Cyprus books. Snowden Library is also home to the United Methodist Archive of the Central Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Special Academic Opportunities
Internships - Interns in religion usually work in local churches under the supervision of the pastor and a member of the faculty. Archaeology and museum internships are also available.
Independent Studies - Current study areas are in the Biblical languages, biblical history and theology, Biblical archaeology, comparative religions, and the ethics of technology.
Independent Study for Departmental Honors - Normally undertaken in a student's major, the honors project is available to exceptionally well-qualified students who have a solid background in the area of the project and are capable of considerable self-direction.
May and Summer Term - Opportunity for travel and archaeological excavation in the Near East. For an example, take a look at a few pictures of our recent dig at the ancient city of Idalion in Cyprus.
Prizes and Awards - Find out about our established prizes, awards and other opportunities for Religion and Archaeology majors to shine.
What's Going On - Find out about campus events this term that might be of interest to Religion majors and minors, Archaeology majors and minors, diggers past and future, and students interested in pursuing a religious profession.
Lycoming College's Commitment to Students
United Campus Ministry - located in the eastern lower section of Clark Building and Chapel, the United Campus Ministry Center contains St. John Neumann Chapel, which is used for religious services as well as for meetings. Also readily accessible here are the offices of both ministers, a kitchenette and a study/social lounge.
Religious Exploration At Lycoming (REAL) is a student-initiated group dedicated to exploring and educating itself about the religious diversity in the Williamsport area by visiting religious services of all kinds - from the Quaker Meeting to the Door Fellowship and beyond. The group is using a directory of the United Churches of Lycoming College from the local Chamber of Commerce. Student leaders are Cynthia Betz and Stamatis Zeris. The faculty advisor is Religion Prof. Steve Johnson.
The Tolerance Project at Lycoming College was initiated a couple of years ago in conjunction with the spring symposium on "East/West - Points of Contact," funded in part by a grant from the Lilly Foundation, and included some major public art as well as this brief presentation of world religions by former Religion Instructor Vaughan McTernan.
Career Counseling and Placement
The Career Development Center at Lycoming College provides career counseling, information resources, job search, and placement assistance for all students. Whether you are a freshman or a senior, the Career Development Center is equipped to help you with your career and planning needs.
Lycoming College's Systems Administrator has compiled a listing of sites focusing on employment tidbits which is available at Career Development Center Employment Information.
Preparation for Theological Professions (Pre-Ministry)
The Theological Professions Advisory Committee (TPAC) acts as a "center" for students, faculty, and clergy to discuss the needs of students who want to prepare themselves for the ministry, religious education, advanced training in religion, or related vocations. Upon entering Lycoming, students should register with TPAC if they plan to investigate the religious vocations.
Professional Affiliations
Religion Department faculty are members of the following organizations:
Other Interesting Sites
