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. Concerned with meaning, difference and power, ANSO cultivates reflexive, interpretive and empathetic forms of cultural analysis. Drawing together biography, history and ethnography, the major encourages students to reflect critically on human diversity from cultural and social perspectives. 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 anthropology courses beyond the introductory level.

FACULTY The ANSO program includes seven full-time faculty; all have earned their doctoral degrees. All full-time faculty are engaged in teaching classes from the introductory to advanced levels. Faculty specialize in globalization, social inequality, criminology, deviance, race/ethnicity, sexuality, gender and feminist studies, 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, 37 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 first-year seminars, which foster 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 Faculty in the Department for the Study of Culture and Society have a record of success in arranging internships in Des Moines and central Iowa for interested students. ANSO majors are eligible for membership in state, regional and national academic associations.

CAREER OPTIONS The ANSO major prepares students for a variety of vocations as well as graduate study in anthropology, sociology, and various interdisciplinary programs such as multicultural studies and women's studies. In addition, the major, in combination with appropriate additional course work, offers a 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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