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 Social Services, Policy & Advocacy

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
SOC 001	INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY	3
SOC 042	SOCIOLOGICAL INQUIRY	3
SOC 060		3
SOC 065		3
SOC 175	THEORIES OF INEQUALITY	3
SOC 199	SENIOR CAPSTONE	3
Select one methods course from the following:		3
ANTH 140
ANTH 156	ETHNOGRAPHIC METHODS
SOC 159	METHODS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH
SOC 165	THE ART OF THE INTERVIEW
Select one of the following Communication Electives:		3
ANTH 136	DIGITAL STORYTELLING
ENG 094	BUSINESS & ADMIN WRITING
ENG 119	COMMUNITY WRITING
ENG 119	COMMUNITY WRITING
SOC 090	EFFECTIVE LISTENING
WLC 148	INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
Track Electives
Select six of the following: 1		18
ANTH 143	TRANSRACIAL ADOPTION
ANTH 175	MEDICAL ANTHROPOLOGY
ANTH 180	RITUAL AND MYTH
ASL 070	DEAF CULTURE
EDUC 162	URBAN EDUCATION IMMIGRATION
EDUC 186	YOUTH, CULTURE, AND SOCIETY
EDUC 164	PERSPECTIVES IN RACE, ETHNICITY, AND GENDER
ENSS 107	CIVIC ENVIRONMENTALISM AND GROWTH
ENSS 135	GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE: THE SCIENCE AND POLICY OF GLOBAL WARMING
ENSS 138	WATER RESOURCES AND POLICY
HIST 185	PUBLIC HEALTH AND MEDICAL HISTORY
HIST 188	URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY
HSCI 025	INTRODUCTION TO US HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS
HSCI 108	INTRODUCTION TO US HEALTHCARE POLICY
HSCI 144	INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC HEALTH
LPS 113	LAW AND SOCIAL CHANGE
LPS 133	DRUGS, LAW, AND SOCIETY
LPS 138	REPRODUCTIVE LAW AND POLICY IN THE UNITED STATES
MGMT 135	NON-PROFIT MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP
PHIL 117	HEALTH CARE ETHICS
PHIL 124	HEALTH AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
POLS 156	GLOBAL HEALTH
ANTH 176	DOCUMENTING LIVES
SOC 050	SOCIOLOGY OF THE FAMILY
SOC 078	SOCIOLOGY OF CHILDHOOD
SOC 080	SOCIAL PROBLEMS
SOC 081	MEDICAL SOCIOLOGY
SOC 085	SOCIOLOGY OF EVERYDAY LIFE
SOC 090	EFFECTIVE LISTENING
SOC 105	RACE, GENDER & POVERTY
SOC 122	MAKING FAMILIES PUBLIC
SOC 137	WOMEN, MADNESS & CULTURE
SOC 146	RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
SOC 154	POVERTY & SOCIETY
SOC 171	GRIEF AND LOSS
SOC 177	GENDER AND VIOLENCE
SOC 180	CONSTRUCTING NORMAL
SOC 181	DEATH & SOCIETY
SPAN 153	CULTURE AND SOCIETY
SPAN 154	CULTURAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES
Total Hours		42

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At least 9 credits need to be over 100. 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..