Amherst Voices

“ Comics set firmly in the heroic mainstream can still lead us into danger. ”

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Doctor Strange writer David Quinn ’82, from “Reinventing Doctor Strange,” in Amherst magazine.

Amherst Voices

“ Volatility will always annoy our surprise-minimizing brains. But it can also titillate our innate curiosity and strengthen our compassion for one another. ”

Eleonora Mattiacci
Eleonora Mattiacci, assistant professor of political science, from her essay in Amherst magazine about writing a book on volatility in international politics during one of the most volatile periods on record.
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A liberal-arts education develops an individual’s potential for understanding possibilities, perceiving consequences, creating novel connections and making life-altering choices. It fosters innovative and critical thinking as well as strong writing and speaking skills. We prepare students for many possible careers, meaningful lives and service to society.

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Amherst Facts

80%

Percentage of Amherst alumni who report that they have attended graduate or professional school

84%

Percentage of Amherst courses that have fewer than 30 students

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Latest Videos

Sustainability at Amherst

Director of Sustainability Weston Dripps discusses the relationship between environmental, racial and socio-economic injustices and the need to approach these issues from a systems perspective. He is joined by Sustainability Office Interns Luxi Sun ’25, who created the Green Living Guide for first-years students, Ivy Haight ’25 who developed the ECO Rep Program, and Joseph Raymond ’24, who has concentrated on social media outreach.

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Between 2 Mammoths

President Elliott joins Stephanie Zovich ’23, the director of operations for Amherst College Emergency Medical Services (ACEMS) to talk about this important student-run organization: what they do, how a student can get involved, and what it's like to be part of ACEMS.

In this new video series, Between 2 Mammoths, President Elliott invites a member of the community to sit down and chat about all things Amherst. [Video by Marcus DeMaio]

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The Restoration of the Emily Dickinson Museum

Stored in the loft above the garage at the Emily Dickinson Museum was the original, 9-foot tall front door of the Homestead, over four dozen original staircase balusters, and much more. The museum has now reopened after its most significant restoration project to date. — Video by Marcus DeMaio and Patrick Fecher

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Architecture: Making Time Visible

What do the buildings at Amherst College tell us about the values and visions of their creators? Follow Pulitzer Prize-winning architecture critic Blair Kamin ’79 as he takes us on a historical and philosophical tour of campus. —Video by Marcus DeMaio

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A Window Into the Science Center

Take a tour of our Science Center, which opened in the fall of 2018 and provides state-of-the-art facilities and flexible spaces to support the sciences at Amherst. —Video by Marcus DeMaio.

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A hand holding a cell phone displaying the green living guide at Amherst college. (new page)
A graphic of Two purple Adirondack chairs with trees and mountains in the background. (new page)
Aerial view of the Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst, Massachusetts (new page)
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Sun setting behind the Science Center at Amherst College (new page)
Aerial view of the Amherst College campus (new page)

Distinctive Courses

Our open curriculum lets you choose among interesting classes taught by exceptional faculty.

  • Arts
  • Humanities
  • Science & Math
  • Social Sciences
Our Majors
History; Latinx and Latin American Studies; Art & the History of Art

Frida and Diego

Description

Through discussion, lectures, readings, and visual analysis, examine the art, lives and times of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, two of Mexico’s most famous artists.

Art and the History of Art

Arts of Japan

Description

Survey the history of Japanese art from neolithic times to the present, from Buddhist art and its ritual context to contemporary artists and designers such as Ando Tadao and Miyake Issey.

Environmental Studies; History

The Wild and the Cultivated

Description

Consider human relationships with plants from a global-historical perspective, comparing trends in various regions and time periods, and focusing on the Neolithic Agricultural Revolution, seed-saving practices, medicinal plants, religious rites, food traditions, biopiracy, agribusiness, and biofuels.

English; Film & Media Studies

True Crime: Unlearning Media

Description

Delve deep into the recent boom in true crime documentary films, series, and podcasts to understand what drives the audience appetite for crime stories, and what narratives are missing. How does media shape what we believe to be true?

Neuroscience

Neurobiology of Appetite

Description

Explore how neurobiological systems and behavioral processes influence eating and body weight, including metabolism, neural mechanisms of hunger and satiety, metabolic disorders, dieting, pica, starvation, taste preference and aversion, obesity, anxiety and depression, and all eating disorders.

Black Studies

The Black Radical Tradition

Description

Explore the history and philosophy of Black resistance to domination and oppression in the new world, beginning with the Haitian Revolution and proceeding to the grand and petty revolts of the nineteenth century.

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Nondiscrimination Statement

Amherst College does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs and activities on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender expression and gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, military service, or any other characteristic or class protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Amherst College complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Inquiries should be addressed to the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Amherst College, P.O. Box 5000, Amherst, MA 01002-5000.