Sociology/Anthropology

The Major

Students majoring in Sociology/Anthropology complete at least 40 credits in the Department, of which up to four credits may be at the 100 level.

The following classes are normally required of all majors:

  • SOAN 115 Culture and Conflict

  • SOAN 118 Institutions and Inequality

  • SOAN 215 Identity and Social Movements

  • SOAN 216 Theory and Ethnography

  • SOAN 240 Sophomore Seminar

  • One of the following courses in Social Thought:

    • SOAN 340 Classical Social Thought

    • SOAN 341 Contemporary Social Thought

  • One of the following options in Research Methods:

    • SOAN 345 Social Research Methods

    • SOAN 346 and 347 Ethnographic Research Practicum I and II

  • SOAN 488 Senior Capstone Experience (Each senior also is expected to enroll in SOAN 487: Senior Thesis for the Spring Semester.)

AND

  • 20 credits of upper-level SOAN courses, excluding SOAN 487 Senior Thesis

Note: In cases where a different configuration would strengthen a student's course of study in the Major, the Department will work with the student to develop an appropriate course of study.

Students are strongly encouraged to include an internship or foreign study in the Major program. Students majoring in Sociology/Anthropology may take up to four credits in other departments or on off-campus programs at the discretion of their departmental adviser (and according to departmental criteria established for off-campus programs).

Students are normally expected to complete a research methods course by the end of the Junior year. In addition, in the Spring Semester of the Junior year, students meet with departmental faculty to discuss the Senior Capstone Experience requirement.