BA.SOAN - Sociology and Anthropology, B.A.

One course in Theory and one course in Practice. Together, these classes assess and apply key theories and methods in Sociology and Anthropology.

One course in Theory and one course in Practice. Together, these classes assess and apply key theories and methods in Sociology and Anthropology.

One course that explores the experience of being an “other” in a social setting.

Students may substitute up to 4 credits of internship for one 300- or 400-level elective.

In their senior year, students will complete a culminating experience by either taking a 400-level course, pursuing departmental honors, or completing a community-based learning experience. Students must have attained senior standing to complete the capstone requirement.

Capstone Course: Courses designated as 400-level may be taken as a capstone. Typically, these courses require students to draw upon and synthesize the knowledge and skills they have gained as SOAN majors as they apply them to a research question of their choosing. Prerequisites for 400-level capstone courses are SOAN 201 AND a Theory or Practice course, OR instructor permission

Honors Thesis (minimum 4 credits of SOAN 499): Students are required to have a 3.00 GPA in the major to pursue honors in the department. They begin to plan their projects in consultation with one or more permanent faculty members during their junior year, including developing a research proposal in their Practice course. Honors proposals are reviewed by all department faculty. If approved, students will engage in independent research throughout the fall and spring of the senior year under the guidance of their faculty mentor. A major written report is followed by a public presentation and oral examination. A maximum of four credits of SOAN 499 may be counted toward the 34-credit minimum for the major.

Community-Based Learning Experience: Early in the fall of their senior year students may apply for the opportunity to complete a community-based learning experience. Students identify such opportunities, secure their faculty mentor, and complete the experiences, which take place in the community and may include service-oriented internships in local organizations; original research projects that aim to uncover issues affecting local communities; developing and implementing community-based projects; and service-oriented group projects. Students will reflect on their experiences in a written report that they submit to their mentor at the end of the term.