Why Study Anthropology and Sociology at K?
Small class sizes, community engagement opportunities, immersive study abroad programs, and close relationships with faculty make K an excellent school to study anthropology and sociology.
As an anthropology and sociology (ANSO) student, you will learn how communities, organizations, institutions, systems, and cultures affect and are affected by the people who form them. By integrating the two disciplines, you will be able to explore these topics from multiple perspectives, research methodologies, and types of evidence—providing a more nuanced understanding of the local and global aspects of modern issues.
To perform this in-depth analysis of society, you need to understand how politics, economics, culture, and identities (class, gender, ethnicity, race, and sexuality) interact with one another. You will gain this critical awareness through your coursework, community engagement, research, study abroad/away experience, and the completion of your Senior Integrated Project.
Notably, in your courses—such as Sex and Sexuality; Money, Technology and Material Culture; Medicine and Society; and Africa in a Global Context—you will learn about aspects of society through the retelling and analysis of lived experiences: readings, discussions, case studies, and service-learning components with partner organizations in Kalamazoo.
The lessons you will learn during your four years with the department will not only prepare you for a career in anthropology and sociology, but also in related fields, such as journalism, law, medicine, public health, urban affairs, international development, government, business and education.
What can you do with an Anthropology and Sociology degree?
Below are some of the careers, employers, and graduate schools of our ANSO alumni.
Careers
- Therapist
- Project Manager
- Teacher
- Communications Specialist
- Attorney
Employers
- The Atlantic
- Peace Corps
- AIDS Action Committee
- Northwestern Mutual
Graduate Schools
- University of Michigan
- Michigan State University
- Cornell University
- University of Southern California
- Queen Mary University of London
Program Spotlights
Discover your home in ANSO and take that knowledge out into the world
Many of our students find their home in the Anthropology and Sociology Department because they are interested in a specific topic—such as migration, public health, or politics—and then come to appreciate this uniquely human line of thinking and research. Given how anthropology and sociology cover the broad spectrum of humanity—from individuals to institutions—our recent alumni have been able to apply their knowledge in numerous ways throughout their careers as lawyers, policy experts, public health figures, teachers, and more!
Your coursework in action through study abroad
Before you embark on one of the College’s 50+ study abroad programs, your coursework will provide tools for more sophisticated analysis and understanding of your experience. For students interested in programs with built-in community engagement, the department recommends the community and global health or sustainable development programs in San José, Costa Rica, or the cultural conservation and decolonization program in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Conduct meaningful research in your Senior Integrated Project (SIP)
All K students complete a SIP as a part of their K-Plan; typically, students use this as a chance to research a subject of their choosing. Then in the spring, we celebrate all your hard work at the annual Hightower Symposium, where you will present your findings to your professors, classmates and family. Many of our students have presented their research across the country at conferences, such as the Midwestern Sociological Society, the North Central Sociological Association, and the National Association of Chicana and Chicano Studies.
Meet the Current Departmental Student Advisor
Jay Wholihan
(she/her)
Major: ANSO & WGS
Study Abroad: Northern Ireland
Best Adjective to Describe You: Diligent
What is the best thing about being part of this department?
The depth of learning you are able to achieve from both faculty and peers.
What has been your favorite class at K?
So far my favorite class has been WGS 390: Queer Kinship!
How have you taken advantage of the flexible curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
Not having gen eds not only allowed me to dive into what I really wanted to study but also take classes on subjects I never thought of studying in college before like CES, religion, or classics. It’s been really interesting to be able to explore different departments’ structures and teaching styles!
What is your Senior Integrated Project (SIP)?
Sapphic Signals: Strategic (In)Visibility and Queer Codes
What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
I currently work at a youth shelter and want to continue to do boots-on-the-ground organizing in my community.