Pitzer College, as a liberal arts institution within the Claremont Colleges consortium, offers a wide array of interdisciplinary courses emphasizing social justice, environmental sustainability, and global perspectives. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and community engagement through small class sizes and collaborative learning.
- Anthropology: Courses explore human cultures, societies, and evolution, including topics like ethnographic methods, indigenous studies, and cultural anthropology in contemporary contexts.
- Art: Studio-based classes in painting, sculpture, digital media, and performance art, encouraging experimentation and social commentary through visual expression.
- Biology: Focus on molecular biology, ecology, and organismal biology, with hands-on lab work and field studies in local ecosystems.
- Chemistry: Introductory to advanced organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, integrating environmental applications and research opportunities.
- Classics: Study of ancient Greek and Roman literature, history, philosophy, and archaeology, bridging antiquity with modern ethical dilemmas.
- Computer Science: Programming, algorithms, data structures, and AI ethics, with an emphasis on computational thinking for social good.
- Dance: Technique classes in contemporary, ballet, and hip-hop, alongside choreography and dance history exploring identity and movement.
- Economics: Micro and macroeconomics, behavioral economics, and development economics, analyzing inequality and policy impacts.
- English: Literature from diverse voices, creative writing workshops, and literary theory, promoting narrative as a tool for change.
- Environmental Analysis: Interdisciplinary courses on climate change, sustainability, policy, and urban ecology, with fieldwork in Southern California.
- Gender and Women's Studies: Intersectional approaches to feminism, queer theory, and gender in media, politics, and health.
- History: Global histories, U.S. social movements, and oral history projects, connecting past events to present activism.
- Humanities: Broad explorations of philosophy, religion, and cultural studies, including interfaith dialogues and ethical reasoning.
- Organizational Studies: Management, leadership, and nonprofit sectors, with case studies on ethical organizations and social enterprises.
- Philosophy: Ethics, logic, existentialism, and philosophy of science, debating moral issues in technology and society.
- Politics: Comparative politics, international relations, and political theory, focusing on democracy, human rights, and global justice.
- Psychology: Cognitive, social, and developmental psychology, including research on mental health and community well-being.
- Religious Studies: World religions, spirituality in modern life, and religion's role in social movements.
- Sociology: Social structures, inequality, race, class, and gender dynamics, using qualitative and quantitative methods.
- Spanish: Language proficiency, Latin American literature, and cultural studies, with immersion opportunities abroad.
- Theater and Dance: Acting, directing, playwriting, and ensemble performance, addressing social issues through dramatic arts.
Additionally, Pitzer's off-campus study programs and internships integrate coursework with real-world experiences, allowing students to tailor their education across disciplines. The college supports double majors and self-designed majors, ensuring a personalized path that aligns with individual passions and societal needs. This holistic approach prepares graduates for diverse careers in activism, education, policy, arts, and beyond, with a commitment to equity and inclusion in all academic pursuits.
