“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)

“Students should take courses in the ANSO department because it applies to every other subject in one way or another. Students can apply their passions to their lived experiences and backgrounds in newer and more in-depth ways.”

Ella Flourry, K26 DSA

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

“I think every student should take at least one art history course because it especially has the power to challenge your mind to think differently. You not only get to learn about the history of art and its creation but you also get to hear from peers what different art means to them. I love the way minds collaborate in the classroom to make sense of what we are looking at. Take a class! Learn something new!”

Lili Stout, K26 DSA

“All of the introductory art classes are catered to students who have no to little previous experience, while also being appropriate for more experienced students.”

Henry Black, K26 DSA

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

“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)

“Don’t be afraid to take Classics classes! Even if it’s a new subject for you, you might find something new that you are interested in! I would say to start taking Classics classes early, but regardless of when you first get involved, it is super easy to be connected with this department.”

Sally Eggleston, K26 DSA

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

“Computer science can be combined with almost every other discipline. Taking computer science courses enhances your problem solving skills; if you are a fan of puzzles and games, you will love the challenge of learning about computers! You are not expected to have any background information in the intro courses and all professors and TAs are happy to help you throughout the course!”

Jordan Doyle, K26 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)

“Critical Ethnic Studies helps you see the world and yourself in a deeper, more connected way. It’s a space where questions are welcomed, identities are explored, and you learn how history, culture, and power shape everyday life in ways you might not have noticed before.”

Shyane Barnes-Taylor, K26 DSA

Suggested Courses:
Argument with the Given (CES-200); Intro to Society & Culture (ANSO-103)

“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)

“I think taking courses in economics is essential to young college students because it gives insights into how the world works. Economics provides essential skills such as critical thinking and analytical skills useful for your future career and understanding of how society works.”

Sophie Hartl, K26 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 English classes here at K are such a wide variety of different classes that there truly is a class for everyone. The skills that English classes teach, such as critical thinking, media literacy and writing concisely, are applicable in all subjects. No matter what major a student intends to pursue, English classes will supplement it well.”

Karis Mulcahy, K26 DSA

Suggested Courses:
Creative Writing (ENGL-107); 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)

Ranking of people, schools, products, countries and just about everything else is part of our daily life. We like to compare ourselves to others and see who is stronger, richer, better, cleverer. Our love of comparison led to our fad to make rankings. Ranking is about becoming more organized and we like the idea of being more organized! We are in a paradoxical relationship with ranking: ”ranking is good because it is informative and objective; ranking is bad because it is biased and subjective, and occasionally, even manipulated.” This course is about the cognitive science and social psychology of ranking.

Dr. Peter Erdi

Suggested Course:
Ranking as a Social Game (IDSY-195)

“I have always been drawn to international studies, and this department allowed for me to foster that in a way that elicits a more inquisitive mainframe. With this being an interdisciplinary major I’m taking classes from many departments, which has allowed me to branch out a lot more. I also have always enjoyed being able to learn about certain topics and piece learned knowledges together.”

Kennedy Campbell, K26 DSA

Suggested Courses:
Intro to Society & Culture (ANSO-103); Principles of Economics (ECON-101); Intro to International Politics (POLS-107)

“College courses are way more specific and nuanced than high school classes from my experience and college courses at Kalamazoo College around Jewish Studies are no different in the sense that you get a way better understanding of Jewish identity, issues, and history overall. So I’d say, don’t come in thinking it will just be like high school. College is about exploring new paths and getting a deeper sense of what you are passionate about overall.”

Caleb Kipnis, K26 DSA

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

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 have always prioritized taking the unique or untraveled route in my life. It is so important that not only in college but also in life that you put yourself outside of your comfort zone so you can learn more about yourself and grow. Studying Chinese will provide you with perspective of one of the largest countries in the world as well as provide you the opportunity to study there.”

Conner Bell, K26 DSA

[Take Japanese courses because] “leading up to college, a lot of curriculum is very Euro-centric, and it’s important to learn about different cultural contexts and view things from a different lens.”

Hannah Ulanoski, K26 DSA

“Going into college, I never anticipated that I would be able to say that I can read Latin, but I can now because I took classes that I had no background in. It’s definitely good to step out of your comfort zone because you have no idea what new niche topic you’ll find interest in.”

Sally Eggleston, K26 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

“Whether you grew up speaking Spanish at home or are learning it as a second language, the Spanish department offers meaningful experiences for everyone. The courses not only strengthen grammar and vocabulary in an engaging way but also invite you to explore culture, language, and social issues, pushing you to think critically and immerse yourself deeply in the language.”

Lissette Reynoso, K26 DSA

[Take French courses because] “in addition to learning a beautiful language, the content is extremely interesting and often focused on glossed over topics in the realm of political science, history, sociology, and philosophy. Thus, not only is does your French language improve, but your understanding of global and historical events as well..”

Elle Bernas, K26 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)

“The breadth of academic variety in neuroscience brings me so much joy. But much more than that, because of the broad scope of the curriculum, my peers span many departments and disciplines. I get to connect with and learn from so many incredibly passionate and interesting people, both professors and peers.”

Elana Mitchell, K26 DSA

Suggested Courses:
General Psychology (PSYC-101); Biology Explorations (BIOL-101); Ranking as a Social Game (IDSY-195)

“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)

“Psychology helps you build empathy and gain a broader perspective on the world and yourself, skills that are valuable in any field.”

Mia Pellegrini, K26 DSA

Suggested Courses:
General Psychology (PSYC-101); Ranking as a Social Game (IDSY-195)

“No pre-requisite knowledge is required. Our department gives students a great opportunity to learn about religion, while taking an analytical deep dive into the topic, challenging the way religion is usually thought about.”

Reagan Woods, K26 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)

“WGS courses offer a wide range of ideas and perspectives that challenge how we see the world and relate to others. If you are hesitant about trying something new, WGS-101 is a great place to start and can open up new ways of thinking you may have never considered before.”

Rachel Harman, K26 DSA

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