“While American high schools provide a foundation for much of American studies, it is nowhere near as expansive as the expertise that professors in this department posses. Our class departments are full of unique takes on this subject and areas of American history, literature, politics, and art that you wouldn’t expect.”

Lyrica Gee, K26 DSA

Suggested Courses:
History of the US I (HIST/AMST-110); Intro to Society & Culture (ANSO-103); Reading the World: Classical Hollywood (ENGL-153)

“The ANSO department provides an inclusive community where students can engage in interdisciplinary exploration, collaborate with passionate and knowledgeable faculty and peers, and develop the analytical tools and empathy needed to navigate and contribute to an increasingly complex world.”

Sara Reathaford, K25 DSA

Suggested Course:
Intro to Society & Culture (ANSO-103)

“Art History classes bring in more than just learning about art. They introduce social contexts, different theoretical lenses, and contemporary meanings that help you navigate the world in a beautiful way.”

Elena Pulliam, K25 DSA

Suggested Courses:
Basic Drawing (ARTX-105); Ceramics: Wheel Throwing (ARTX-125); Global Art Exchange (ARTH-145); Printmaking (ARTX-233)

“So much of the western world was built on Greek and Roman philosophies and ideologies, innovations, and various art forms and movements—one of the best examples are the Greek- and Roman-style colonnades that we still model after today. Many deep rooted issues stem from these cultures, too. A lot of the bigotry that society holds is based in ancient philosophy and thought, and learning about it helps me to break down the societal norms that it has shaped.”

Xander LeBlanc, K25 DSA

Suggested Courses:
Beginning Latin (LATN-101); Pompeii (CLAS-229); Roman Civilization (CLAS/HIST-226)

“Every course at K exists because people want to give you an opportunity to learn something you haven’t before. No course expects you to know everything going in, but all of them will have something new to share.”

Zoe Klowden, K26 DSA

Suggested Courses:
Biology Explorations (BIOL-101); Calculus I (MATH-112); Chemistry: Composition & Structure (CHEM-110)

“Studying computer science equips you with problem-solving skills and logical thinking abilities that are essential in virtually every industry. Exploring this field allows you to understand and create the technology that drives our world, from software development to artificial intelligence.”

Lelo Khaba, K25 DSA

Suggested Courses:
Intro to Computers & Computing (COMP-101); Programming Basics: JavaScript/Web Development (COMP-102); Programming Basics: Python/Scientific Computing (COMP-104)
(NOTE: COMP-101, 102, and 104 are .5 unit courses. A combination of COMP-101/102 or COMP-101/104 should be taken to equal a full 1.0 unit course)

“I took Japanese language classes on a whim, because it seemed as different as possible from the French I took in high school, and a few terms and a Study Abroad later I’m the DSA for East Asian Studies. For me, learning about East Asia showed me how big and complex the world is, and gave me a sense of how short the existence of the US is in the timeline of world history. If you’re interested in EAS classes, you should try them. My advice is just the same for any department or class you’re interested in, you’re sure to learn lots, and all of it will make you a more complex and interesting thinker.”

Grey Gardner, K26 DSA

Suggested Courses:
Beginning Chinese (CHIN-101); Beginning Japanese (JAPN-101)

“Dive into the fascinating world of economics with our exciting courses! Discover how money flows through society and impacts everything from your daily cup of coffee to climate change. Whether you’re into politics, environmental issues, or just curious about how the world works, our econ classes offer something for everyone. Join us to see how economics shapes our lives in surprising and interesting ways!”

Sage Lewis, K25 DSA

“New students should consider taking courses within the business department to develop essential skills in communication, teamwork, and personal growth. These foundations will help students become well-rounded professionals, no matter which career path they choose.”

Grace Westerhuis, K26 DSA

Suggested Courses:
Principles of Accounting (BUSN-150); Principles of Economics (ECON-101)
(NOTE: Principles of Economics is a required course for Economics or Business majors; Accounting is required for Business majors)

“The best things about being part of the English department are the faculty, the large selection of classes, and constantly being surrounded by people who are open to having interesting, weird conversations.”

Liam Diaz, K25 DSA

Suggested Courses:
Creative Writing (ENGL107); Reading the World: Classical Hollywood (ENGL-153); Reading the World: Time Travel (ENGL-150)

“You won’t find film courses like this anywhere but K, not in high school or any other college. I explain it to my parents along the lines of ‘I feel like I’m learning how to be a good person in the world’.”

Oliver Sajan, K26 DSA

Suggested Courses:
19th-Century Philosophy (PHIL-208); Intro to Music (MUSC-105); Reading the World: Classical Hollywood (ENGL-153); Theatre of Illusionism (THEA-270)

Your First-Year Seminar provides a great chance to delve into something different and exciting. Every first-year student is required to take one First-Year Seminar in the fall. The topics vary widely and no prior knowledge of or experience with the subject is required.

Think about trying one of these:
Diversity in Storytelling (SEMN-177); Exploring Technology for Accessibility (SEMN-107); From the Borders to the Lake (SEMN-146); Migration, Community, and Self (SEMN-104); Performing Art in China: Tradition and Innovation (SEMN-164); Songs in the Key of Life: Society and the Individual Through the Music of Stevie Wonder (SEMN-156); Wheels of Change (SEMN-182)

“One of the fun things about K is that classes are so specialized. Much of the history department isn’t generic topics you may have studied in high school like “American history,” but rather specific topics that reflect broader historical themes. If you didn’t like generic history in high school (and I didn’t like it that much either), there’s still a good chance you’ll be really interested in the topics K classes offer!”

Laryn Kuchta, K26 DSA

Suggested Courses:
History of the US I (HIST/AMST-110); History of Modern Middle East (HIST-290); Medieval & Early Modern Europe (HIST-101); Roman Civilization (HIST/CLAS-226)

Kalamazoo currently offers language courses in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Latin, and Spanish. To allow yourself plenty of options for study abroad, don’t be afraid to start a completely new-to-you language. Remember: Proficiency in a second language through the intermediate level is a degree requirement at K.
The 101 introductory course of all languages is offered in fall quarter. Higher levels in many languages are also offered.

“The German department is a great way to meet other students outside of your major and you get to be apart of events influenced by German culture, such as Maifest or craft nights.”

Allison Meyers, K26 DSA

“I love the department’s emphasis on sharing culture, as learning a language cannot be done independently of the cultural context. I’ve gotten involved in events and learned about elements of Chinese culture that have deepened my understanding of both Chinese culture and language.”

Lindsey Baker, K24 DSA

“Taking Japanese language classes can lead to many opportunities, such as job opportunities around the globe and allow for more travel and or business opportunities in the future. You become more engaged with your own culture and the culture of the other language so much, it intrigues you to research the topic and learn more about it.”

Tyler Houle, K25 DSA

“The comradery within the Latin (Classics) department is unmatched, and the classes are by far the most entertaining and engaging at K.”

Eliana Orozco, K24 DSA

“Understanding Arabic will enable students to build a bridge to communities around the world and to better understand current affairs and international diplomacy efforts. Given that less than 1 percent of US college students study Arabic, Arabic language skills will separate you from the crowd, no matter your professional field.”

Prof. Abdelaziz

“Take Spanish classes at K to gain a new understanding of intercultural perspectives on various topics, including art, politics, health, and history.”

Meganne Skoug, K25 DSA

[Take French courses because] “the community aspect is a big part of being in this department. Since the department is small compared to others around campus, it is easy to get to know all the faculty members and have a relationship with them.”

Laura Oliveira, K25 DSA

“Music at K is for everyone, no matter your experience level or musical background. It’s never too late to pick up a new skill, and the music department fosters a safe space to try new things, connect with, and learn from other musicians.”

Chelsea Paddock, K26 DSA

Suggested Courses:
Intro to Music (MUSC-105); Music of World Cultures (MUSC-160)
Music lessons or ensembles (taken in addition to your three other full-unit courses)

“Philosophy is a discipline that everyone can find useful, because it pairs well with literally any other major. The study of philosophy enhances and adds to every other field– including STEM fields– and can provide a more complete critical picture or a more nuanced perspective for any other given topic.”

Noah Chun, K26 DSA

Suggested Courses:
19th-Century Philosophy (PHIL-208); Ethics (PHIL-105); Social Contract Theory (PHIL-210)

Students are required to complete 1.0 total unit of Physical Education (PE) activities to graduate. You can find the available options on the online schedule by choosing Physical Education in the Subjects column. You can also find detailed information about potential classes in the academic catalog. Course categories include Fitness, Dance, Sport Skill, Life Skill/Health, Outdoor, Independent Study, and Varsity Sport. PE classes are completed in addition to your three full-unit courses.

“Physical activity helps develop students’ competence and confidence to pursue a healthier lifestyle. The College believes in a ‘sound mind in a sound body’ approach by requiring physical education be a part of our curriculum. There is such a variety of classes offered that everyone can find a class that suits their needs and interests. I encourage students to try something new.”

Katie Miller, PE Department Chair

[Take Physics courses to gain] “a lifelong interest in understanding real-world problems and finding practical solutions for them.”

Alex Kish, K25 DSA

Suggested Course:
Astronomy (PHYS-102)
(NOTE: The introductory Physics course (PHYS-150) is offered in winter. The Astronomy course is designed primarily for students not majoring in the physical sciences.)

“As with many courses at Kalamazoo College, the courses offered by the Political Science Department are not just a copy and paste of U.S. Government, AP Government, AP Comparative Politics, etc. found at high schools. The content covered here is much more comprehensive and substantive which will not only increase the pre-existing knowledge you have of political science but also possibly challenge the beliefs you hold.”

Hollis Masterson, K26 DSA

Suggested Courses:
Intro to International Politics (POLS-107); Politics of Latin America (POLS-245)

“Studying Psychology has helped me understand more about the human mind in several different capacities. Even if you’re not going to major in Psychology, I highly recommend taking a course or two to learn more about yourself and others.”

Laura DeVilbiss, K25 DSA

Suggested Course:
General Psychology (PSYC-101)

“The best thing is how interdisciplinary the study of religion is. I am super interested in history and psychology, and I can explore both of those fields in all of my religion classes. Religion is so central to the humanities that anyone will be able to find connections to their own personal interests in the department.”

Megan Hybels, K25 DSA

Suggested Course:
Intro to Jewish Traditions (RELG/HIST-107)

“Theater classes are a great way to learn creative, collaborative problem solving in many different forms. Even if you aren’t directly interested in theater itself, those are skills that can be applied virtually anywhere.”

Evelyn Calderon, K26 DSA

Suggested Courses:
Fundamentals of Acting (THEA-120); Theatre of Illusionism (THEA-270)

“Studying Women and Gender Studies allows us to create frameworks that reclaim and reinvent systems of oppression that affect the social, political, and economic lives of everyone. WGS education is a decolonial tool that helps us to center the voices of the marginalized and is extremely important in creating long-lasting and meaningful change within our communities.”

Ellie Pollard, K25 DSA

Suggested Course:
Intro to Women, Gender & Sexuality (WGS-101)