“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)

“ANSO lets you understand so much about the world we are in right now. The courses really open your eyes to so many of the broader systems at play around you and help you understand others better.”

Jay Wholihan, K27 DSA

Suggested Courses:
Intro to Society & Culture (ANSO-103); Thinking Africa (ANSO/AFST-210)

“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:
Ceramics: Wheel Throwing (ARTX-125); Design Fundamentals (ARTX-110); Modern Art Museum (ARTH-227); 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); Greek Civilization (CLAS/HIST-225)

“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)

“During my time in China, my passion for East Asian history and culture only grew, and after returning to K, one of my professors recommended that I pursue the Major. I saw it as a great opportunity to connect with other students who shared a similar affection for learning more about East Asia and to broaden my horizons outside of China. To me, the EAS department is the best of both worlds: I get to explore China’s history more deeply and apply my knowledge to gain a comprehensive understanding of the language and culture. You can tell that the students and professors love being a part of this department.”

Thelma Hazen, K27 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:
Business Ethics (BUSN-2950: 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)

“English courses at K go far beyond just reading books and writing essays. They help students become stronger communicators, more thoughtful readers of the world around them, and more confident in expressing their own ideas while exploring perspectives and experiences they may never have encountered before.”

Ella Myers, K27 DSA

Suggested Courses:
Creative Writing (ENGL-107); From Oz to Wicked (ENGL-295); Intro to Journalism (ENGL-105); Reading the World: Classical Hollywood (ENGL-153); Reading the World: Genre – Haunting Literature: Monsters, Ghost Stories, and the Visual Imagination (ENGL-152)

“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); Lighting Design (THEA-210); 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:
The Arts in Stalinist USSR (SEMN-165); Diversity in Storytelling (SEMN-177); Disasters, Destruction, and Resilience in the Ancient World (SEMN-181); Performing Art in China: Tradition and Innovation (SEMN-164); Truth, Lies, and Politics (SEMN-144)

“The history courses at Kalamazoo are not just focused on memorizing timelines, dates, or important historical moments. While important, the history department allows students to critically engage in specific historical time periods and moments through emphasis on group discussion, debate, and exploration. You will gain important skills in critical thinking, writing, and communication skills.”

Maja Smith, K27 DSA

Suggested Courses:
Greek Civilization (HIST/CLAS-225); History of the US I (HIST/AMST-110); Modern Europe (HIST-102); Native American History (HIST-201); Women, Gender & Sexuality in Premodern Europe (HIST-238)

“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)

“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); Women and Judaism (RELG/HIST-267)

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.

“If you have any interest in anything originating from Europe at all, or have any interest in living there in the future for any and all purposes (such as having an invested interest in European Philosophy or History, or simply wanting to have a job or future there), then learning the German language, one of the most significant European countries, is a pretty good shout..”

Newt Johnson, K27 DSA

“Learning Mandarin is a unique challenge for speakers of Latin languages, and can often feel more like a mathematical experience than a linguistic one. I believe this unique quality makes learning Chinese more group-based, and much more rewarding! Adding on to this, the small classes and very supportive staff makes this department my absolute favorite! I have learned so much.”

Luke Barnum, K27 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)

“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)

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

“Every single thing is political! Engaging with political schools of thought provides new understandings within any discipline or area of life.”

Ryan Sanborn, K27 DSA

Suggested Course:
Politics of Revolution (POLS-205)

“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 Course:
General Psychology (PSYC-101)

“I have always been interested in learning about people. I feel that in studying religion, we can better appreciate the people in our own diverse community. The religion department offers classes that are applicable to your everyday life. You do not need to know theorists upon theorists to be successful in class, your life experiences are just as valuable to any discussion.”

Jordan Wesaw, K27 DSA

Suggested Courses:
Intro to Jewish Traditions (RELG/HIST-107); Religion and Star Wars (RELG-132)

“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); Lighting Design (THEA-210); 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)