Major Minor
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
Maya Nathwani (She/Her/Hers)
Majors: Anthropology and Sociology and Biology
What is the best thing about being part of this department?
You never stop learning and growing! Everyone, both the faculty and other students, are so supportive!
What has been your favorite class at K? Why?
One of my favorite classes at K was ANSO-103: Intro to Society and Culture. This class introduced me to the department and the field, and I will never forget all that I learned while taking this course. It really changed the way that I thought about things and was the class that garnered my interest in ANSO!
How have you taken advantage of the open curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
I entered K as a pre-med student, so I have taken my fair share of STEM classes, however, I’ve been able to explore other interests by taking ANSO courses, psychology courses, and English courses! I’ve also taken my freshman and sophomore year seminars in the religion and history departments.
What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
I have been on the KDesi eBoard since my sophomore year and will be the President this year! I also was on the eBoard for the Multicultural Association for Pre-Health students (MAPS) my sophomore and junior years and was a Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leader for EvGen my junior year!
What is your Senior Integrated Project (SIP)?
I am doing a qualitative research SIP on the South Asian expulsion from Uganda.
What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
I plan on taking a gap year after K and then possibly pursuing a master’s in public health! I think my main aspirations for my career would be to combine my interests in medicine with ANSO in some way!