“It is so incredibly important to branch outside of academic areas that you are familiar with in order to gain a deeper understanding of the structures, politics, and histories that exist within our world. African Studies provides an essential shift away from the Western and Eurocentric viewpoints that dominate most other college disciplines, providing critical discussions that will give students a more nuanced and holistic perspective on global politics and contemporary issues, and open their worldviews beyond their everyday experiences.”

Asha Dawson, K27 DSA

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

“New students can gain a new perspective to studying the US that expands beyond the typical government and history classes they may have taken in high school. Students will be surprised at the variety of subjects they can explore under American Studies, from English and Theatre, and even foreign languages like French!”

Isabelle Mason, K27 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)

“Art history helps you look at the world from a new perspective and deepen your understanding of how art and society have shaped each other, as well as improve your ability to look at and understand art. Also, you can flex on your friends and family with all your cool art knowledge when you go to museums together.”

Maya Arau, K27 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)

“The best thing about the biological physics department is the community. It is the bridge at K that takes students from all departments, including biology, chemistry, physics, and math.”

Sara Cate, K27 DSA

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

“The Classics department at K is incredibly accessible, even if you’ve never interacted with Classical history before! Additionally, the courses offered by the Classics department at K is incredibly interconnected with material offered in other courses and allows students to interact with broad areas of study, such as theatre, religion, history, and political science in a single class.”

Aubrey Benson, K27 DSA

Suggested Courses:
Beginning Latin (LATN-101); Greek Civilization (CLAS/HIST-225); LGBTQUIAntiquity (CLAS-220)

“From a practical perspective, coding experience is relevant for many fields in STEM, and even those outside of it; since most sciences use data science tools and virtually everything is encoded digitally, including photographs and videos. Computer science also teaches problem solving, troubleshooting, and online research skills; since learning to program and solving problems in computer science can often be a sort of puzzle.”

Juniper Pasternak, K27 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)

“The best part of being part of the CES department is the relationships and community you create! The department encourages you to branch out within the college to other departments and to engage with the Kalamazoo City community! It creates spaces to cultivate relationships with people from all over, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting some of my closest friends through the department.”

Ash Rodriguez, K27 DSA

Suggested Courses:
Argument with the Given (CES-200); Intro to Society & Culture (ANSO-103); Traditional Ecological Knowledge (CES-100)

“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)

“Economics is a very broad subject, with applications from anthropology to political science, while applying things that you may have learned in physics or mathematics classes. Given this, I believe any student would be very fit and welcome in the economics department.”

Tony Väisänen, K27 DSA

“Students should take business courses because no matter what field they go into, they’ll likely end up working with or within a business in some way. Having that basic understanding of fundamental business concepts can be really helpful later on and gives you skills you can apply in almost any career.”

Jackie Stoddard, K27 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)

“Since there’s such a variety of courses that fall under Film & Media Studies, I think the breadth of new perspectives is one of the highlights about taking courses within the department. Getting to watch, read, and interpret so many pieces of art from all over the world is a really important thing.”

Charlie Doyle, K27 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)

“As an interdisciplinary major, there are various required courses in other departments. IAS students have more freedom to decide how they wish to learn about their region, however the experiences gained through a regional focus are vast. Knowing the culture, politics, and language of another region can allow people to think in different ways, and aligns strongly with K’s liberal arts education.”

John O’Neill, K27 DSA

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

“Jewish Studies is not exclusive to Jewish Students! These courses offer a unique mix of religion and history and are open to everyone!”

Abigail Samson, K27 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

“The best thing about the Japanese department is the diversity within. Many different people join the Japanese department for different reasons, but the one conclusive goal being to learn more about Japan and the culture. So bringing together those from different backgrounds and inspirations creates a great atmosphere.”

McKenna Acevedo, K27 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

“In high school I took a lot of Spanish classes but didn’t feel like I was making any progress; however at K, the courses are more intensive so I really noticed the progress I was making from one level to the next. Moreover, students can work on their intercultural skills and learn about the history and cultures of the 23 Spanish speaking countries including the U.S.”

Estela Marquez, K27 DSA

“French at K is different than French at many high schools. It is a lot less focused on testing and more focused on comprehension and applied learning. The classes are small, typically under twenty people. This allows the professors to have individual time with you to help you improve your French skills. Over the years I’ve been able to see myself and my classmates improve and it’s been special to experience that.”

Estelle Metz, K27 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 can be applied to virtually every other field, having knowledge in philosophy can open your eyes to certain aspects of ideology and how you might be able to bend the rules a bit and come up with something unique and interesting. Taking philosophy classes also makes you better at articulating your thoughts and opinions and can give you a better sense as to your identity and place in this world.”

Nicholas La Framboise, K27 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); LGBTQUIAntiquity (CLAS-220)