So, you've finally decided to major in Sociology. What's your next step going to be? Well, many students find it helpful to make a four year plan of the courses they would like to take in the next few years. There are many options open to you as a Sociology major and so you will want to spend some time thinking about what plans you have for the future. However, don't let this scare you. Remember, this plan is tentative and open to changes and modifications!

If you have decided to major in Sociology, chances are that you have taken care of your first requirement, Sociology 111 (Introduction to Sociology). Remember to leave space in your schedule for the other requirements: Sociology 285 (Contemporary Sociological Theory) and 291 (Methods of Empirical Investigation) as well as 8 credits (two classes) at the 300 level. Furthermore, Mathematics 115 (Into to Statistics) is also a requirement. Majors are encouraged to take Statistics their sophomore year and Theory and Methods the first and second semesters of their junior year. However, due to study abroad options, this time table is flexible.

All Sociology classes will recognize and discuss the interplay of race, class, and gender in all aspects of society. However, if you have a specific interest in either race, class, or gender, classes with a more specific focus are offered. For a more complete listing of the classes offered this year, please refer to the course catalog. Three hundred level seminars are generally taken in the third or fourth year. In addition to the regular seminars offered, the Sociology department also offers a 300 level Practicum in Applied Sociology. By choosing this option, students will receive four upper level credits for participating in a Sociology internship in Des Moines, Grinnell, or the surrounding areas. This program will include weekly meetings with the advisor and other students taking advantage of the option to discuss assigned readings, as well as their experiences in "real world" organizations.

Organizing a four-year plan may seem very daunting, but don't worry. Included in this handbook are two worksheets to help you plan. One has spaces for each semester for all four years. The next will allow you to see what specific Sociology classes you have taken, as well as how many credits you have in each division. Your advisor can help you go over these sheets, but filling them out in advance will help you plan for the future, as well as impress your advisor. Many students in pursuit of a liberal arts education study abroad for a semester, generally during their junior year. You should consider this option when making your future plans.

Up to eight credits from outside the department may be applied to the major. Possible sources of outside credit include:
1. Transfer credits from another college or university
2. Off-campus study: Must be sociological in content and 200-level or above
3. "Coagulate credits" taken in another department at Grinnell. Must be 200-level course with substantial sociological content. Must also connect with other sociology courses you have taken.

Whatever the source of outside credits, you need to bring written documentation of the content of the course (e.g. syllabus, textbook, papers you wrote) to the Chair of the Department for approval. If the chair thinks the course makes sense as part of your major, he or she will write a letter of recommendation asking the course be counted. If the chair has doubts, he or she will consult with the rest of the department on whether the course should be applied.

Good luck in making your four year plan! Remember that planning ahead is a good idea to ensure that you will be able to take all of the classes that interest you. There is a wide range of choices offered within the Sociology program and a little planning will help you get what you want. Also, don't hesitate to ask other majors or your advisor if you have any questions about the classes, professors, or major in general. Remember, we're all in this together!