Program Overview

Sociology is the systematic and empirically-based study of human social interaction ranging from the most simple exchanges between people to complex, multi-layered and multi-scaled global processes and structures. It also examines the central place of language, a shared and dynamic set of symbols and meanings, in human lives. Students learn both about the worlds in which they and others live and how to understand and explain how these worlds work and sometimes do not. And they consider, based on these understandings, what sorts of interventions, through policy or practice, might serve to change aspects of those worlds for the better for those living in them. The department offers students literacy and training in multiple theories and methods of social inquiry, giving special attention to qualitative and historical analysis.

Students in the program enjoy frequent collaboration with the Des Moines community through research assignments, service learning, and internships. Recent graduates have gone to graduate school in social work, business, law, paralegal studies, sociology, criminology, and anthropology. They also have found jobs in government agencies, businesses, and social service organizations according to their interests and past experiences.

Sociology Major with a Track in Crime, Violence & Justice

The sociology major offers sound preparation for careers in law and public administration, medicine and public health, activism, social work, advertising and marketing, politics and public policy, business, banking, and consulting, to name just a few. The various courses in the sociology program examine social groups and processes in a wide diversity of contexts, with an emphasis on critical thinking and social justice. 

The program has flexibility built into the core course requirements and allows anthropology and rhetoric courses to contribute to the curriculum for majors. Students are encouraged to work with their advisers to assure selection of courses compatible with their educational and career objectives.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Core Requirements
SOC 001	INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY	3
SOC 042	SOCIOLOGICAL INQUIRY	3
SOC 062		3
SOC 065		3
SOC 151	CRIMINOLOGY	3
SOC 175	THEORIES OF INEQUALITY	3
SOC 199	SENIOR CAPSTONE	3
Select one of the following ethnicity and race area courses: 1		3
SOC 105	RACE, GENDER & POVERTY
SOC 161	RACE & ETHNICITY
ANTH 158	REPRESENTING RACE
SOC 167	SOCIOLOGY OF THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
POLS 117	RACE AND AMERICAN POLITICS
EDUC 164	PERSPECTIVES IN RACE, ETHNICITY, AND GENDER
Track Electives
Select six of the following: 2		18
ANTH 156	ETHNOGRAPHIC METHODS
ANTH 170	GLOBAL POLITICAL VIOLENCE
EDUC 162	URBAN EDUCATION IMMIGRATION
EDUC 183	SOCIAL CONTEXT FOR URBAN SCHOOLS
EDUC 186	YOUTH, CULTURE, AND SOCIETY
ENSS 157	ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
LPS 031	LAW AND THE BORDERS OF BELONGING
LPS 038	LAW AND ORDER
LPS 133	DRUGS, LAW, AND SOCIETY
LPS 135	SPECIAL TOPICS IN LAW, POLITICS, AND SOCIETY
PHIL 136	THEORIES OF JUSTICE
POLS 117	RACE AND AMERICAN POLITICS
POLS 152	TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE
POLS 153	RACIAL JUSTICE & HUMAN RIGHTS
POLS 154	HUMAN TRAFFICKING
POLS 162	GENDER AND WAR
PSY 135	PSYCHOLOGY OF PREJUDICE
SOC 179	MASS INCARCERATION
SOC 080	SOCIAL PROBLEMS
SOC 105	RACE, GENDER & POVERTY
SOC 140	YOUTH AND CRIME
SOC 146	RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
SOC 161	RACE & ETHNICITY
SOC 167	SOCIOLOGY OF THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
SOC 170	DEVIANCE
SOC 177	GENDER AND VIOLENCE
WLC 148	INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
Total Hours		42

¹

Additional courses on this list can count towards electives.

²

At least 9 credits need to be in sociology. The other 9 credits can be chosen from sociology, anthropology or approved courses outside of the department. No more than 6 credits can come from the same discipline with the exception of sociology and anthropology.

In addition to programmatic requirements, students are responsible for satisfying all requirements of the Drake Curriculum, including Areas of Inquiry (AOI)

Student must also satisfy university graduation requirements for all undergraduate students..