Anthropology and Sociology

PROGRAM OVERVIEW The combined anthropology and sociology major (ANSO) includes courses in anthropology and sociology, encouraging a multidisciplinary perspective on self and society. Classes focus on how cultures construct meaning, cultural variation, the organization of societies around social difference, and power relationships. Drawing together biography, history, and cultural narratives, the major encourages students to critically reflect on the cultural and social diversity of human experience and to seriously engage social problems.

The combined anthropology and sociology major (ANSO) includes courses in anthropology and sociology. Students who choose the ANSO major benefit from the related yet distinct foci of the disciplines so as to better understand and participate in a world that is internationally and multiculturally linked. The anthropology curriculum at Drake focuses on cultural anthropology.

DEGREE OPTION Bachelor of Arts in anthropology and sociology

PROGRAM SIZE The average class size is 30, although often less in sociology and anthropology courses beyond the introductory level.

FACULTY The ANSO program includes seven full-time faculty; all have earned their doctorate degrees. All full-time faculty are engaged in teaching classes from the introductory to advanced levels. Faculty specialize in transnational culture, social inequality, deviance, race/ethnicity, sexuality, community and organizational change, gender and feminist studies, and science studies.

ACADEMIC PREPARATION There are no prerequisite high school courses or requirements needed for enrollment in the anthropology and sociology program, but students should have a well-rounded high school curriculum.

REQUIREMENTS FOR MAJOR To major in ANSO, 36 credit hours are required in anthropology and sociology courses, with a minimum of 15 hours of coursework in anthropology and 15 hours of coursework in sociology.

DRAKE CURRICULUM The Drake Curriculum, required of all undergraduates, is designed to help students meet personal and professional goals as they acquire fundamental knowledge and abilities in ten Areas of Inquiry, including communication, critical thinking, artistic experience, historical consciousness, information and technology literacy, international and multicultural experiences, scientific and quantitative literacy, values and ethics, and engaged citizenship. Students work closely with their academic advisers to craft a program of study in general education that prepares students for civic and professional leadership.

The Drake Curriculum also requires a First Year Seminar, which fosters development of critical thinking and written and oral communication skills through a topical focus, and a Senior Capstone in which students demonstrate the capacity to bring information, skills, and ideas to bear on one project.

INTERNSHIPS & OPPORTUNITIES Students have access to a wide range of internships in Des Moines and central Iowa. These include significant experiences in the fields of social work, political advocacy, women’s issues, criminology, and the arts; they are typically done in the final two years of study. Students can complete independent and faculty-collaborative research to present at regional and national conferences. ANSO majors are eligible for membership in state, regional, and national academic associations.

CAREER OPTIONS The ANSO major prepares students for a variety of careers as well as graduate study in anthropology, sociology, and various interdisciplinary programs, such as multicultural studies and women's studies. Students often double major. ANSO offers good preparation for law school and various other professions, including advocacy, public policy, and work in museums. Finally, majors can tailor their program to fit developing career plans.

HONORS Qualified students are invited to receive departmental honors, and anthropology and sociology majors are eligible for membership in state, regional, and national academic associations.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS AND ACTIVITIES Lambda Alpha is a national collegiate honors society for undergraduates that recognizes excellence in both anthropology courses and general academic work. It requires completion of 12 hours of anthropology courses as well as a cumulative GPA of 3.0.

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