Alaina Smith ’09
Sociology major, Government minor, Pre-vet
F08-S09 D-plan: R-R-R

Favorite and least favorite thing about department: My favorite thing about the Sociology department is the professors. Each professor brings an incredibly unique background and passion for the subject to the classroom. The difference I’ve found between sociology professors and those outside the department is that all of the sociology professors are completely focused on their students and exemplify Dartmouth’s commitment to undergraduate education. In other departments a few professors are truly invested in their students and the others are preoccupied with their own research or interests. My least favorite thing about the department is its size. Increasing the size of the department by hiring more professors would allow for a more diverse course selection which would attract more students and create more concentration options for majors.

Important info for potential majors:
1.Take a variety of classes within the department. In this department it’s easy to find one professor or topic that you adore and to take only those classes; however in doing this you’ll miss out on all of the other amazing professors.
2.Don’t hesitate to get to know your professors; ask them about their research or current events over coffee or tea they’re really nice, unbelievably intelligent people who love talking to students!

Talk to me if: you’re interested in Public Policy, International Relations or race and society issues.

Favorite class and professor: Public Health Policy, Denise Anthony

Major classes taken: Socy 13, 39, 2, 31, 32

Major journey: I took classes in a number of departments to see what I liked and became a member of the Dartmouth Coalition for Global Health, which opened my eyes to the importance of international health policy and relations. I then began taking sociology and government classes and fell in love with the combination of the two departments. My great experience with sociology professors was the deciding factor me declaring my sociology major and government minor.

Major specific activities: Research assistant to Professor Lively ’08 Spring.

Off Campus Program: Spanish LSA in Puebla Mexico, 08W

Other activities: Equestrian Team member, Dartmouth Coalition for Global Health member, Dartmouth Black Business Association member, Polocrosse club president

Thesis Status: I am not yet sure whether I want to do a thesis or a culminating project.

Maria L Castilla ’09
Sociology Major; Pre-Law
F08-S09 D-plan: R-R-R

Favorite and least favorite thing about department: Members of the teaching faculty are very approachable and available for discussion. It is a small enough community that one can be on first-name basis with professors and peers in the major are encouraging and very supportive.

Important info for potential majors: The major card is not "officially official" until the end of Senior year, so there is always room for change as you go through your major and discover new or more specific interests.

Talk to me if: you're interested in sociology of youth or class relations.

Most valuable academic information learned: I must say that the most valuable thing I've learned about academics has been the importance of "shopping around" and really finding a department that you're comfortable with. I've also learned to take advantage of the language departments here—they are the best in the country.

Favorite class and professor: Outside of my major, my favorite class(es) has been Portuguese 1&3 (the sequence for language credit). The professor was very animated, knowledgeable, eager, and understanding, and the size of the group (6 students) allowed us all to learn the language together, but at our own pace. Because the professor made it a very fun experience, I always looked forward to going to class and doing assignments (watching movies, soap operas, etc.).

Major classes taken: Socy 01, 10, 11, 21, 24, 25, 42, 49 (although the department is changing several course numbers in the 2008-2009 year but I am unsure as to what the courses I have taken will now be numbered as)

Major journey: I initially wanted to study Spanish and Portuguese Literature but while I was on the Portuguese LSA+ last Fall, I realized that my interests were mostly rooted in the sociological studies and analyses of marginalized peoples and the failures of society and political systems that contribute to this marginalization.

Major specific activities: Research Assistantship with Professor Melissa Herman (studying multiracial youth)

Off Campus Program: Portuguese LSA+ in Brazil, 06F

Other activities: Alpha Phi International Fraternity- Director of Formal Recruitment; SAPA; Spanish tutor

Thesis Status: I intend on writing a thesis my senior year. While I am still unsure as to specifics, I am interested in studying adolescent children of immigrant parents.

Internship experience: Davis, Polk & Wardwell in NYC Spring 08 - litigation document clerk

Clare Fortune-Agan ’09
Sociology, Spanish Minor
F08-S09 D-plan: R-R-R

Favorite and least favorite thing about department: The professors in the Sociology Department are wonderful people. They make themselves very available in office hours and after class to talk to you about anything from class work to their own research to how they got to where they are today. However, there are a frustrating number of Sociology classes listed in the ORC that have not been offered for a long time. While there are plenty of classes to keep a Sociology major satisfied by their variety, I do wish there were more.

Important info for potential majors: Sociology 1, with its large lecture style and multiple-choice tests, has very little in common with any of the other classes in the department. Most classes have fewer than 20 students, incorporate discussions, and have grades based on papers and take-home essay tests.

Talk to me if: you are interested in the Sociology Exchange Program to the University of Copenhagen or if you want to know more about working as a research assistant with a professor.

Most valuable academic information learned: Picking the topic of your final paper is the biggest choice you make in a Sociology class all term. You should give it time and thought. It can be a fabulous learning experience if you are careful to choose something you are genuinely interested in and will not get bored of. It is always more satisfying to write about something you care about, even if it takes longer.

Favorite class and professor: “Constructing Race and Ethnicity in the US” with Professor Christina Gomez. It is only offered during Summer term because Professor Gomez works at University of Chicago (the Sociology Capital of the World) during the school year. This class will change your life in that you will never look at the world around you the same again.

Major classes taken: SOCY 1, SOCY 12, SOCY 26, SOCY 39.2, SOCY 42, SOCY 64 and, at the University of Copenhagen: Media Sociology; Gender, Work, and Organization; Danish Society: A Sociological Approach

Major journey: I suspected I might want to be a Sociology major when I first got to Dartmouth, and took Sociology 1 my Freshman Fall. For the rest of the year, I pushed myself to try out classes in lots of departments, and didn't end up taking anything in the department again until my Sophomore Fall, when I took two Sociology classes (39 and 64) and was completely sold on the department.

Major specific activities: Research Assistant to Professor Denise Anthony in Study of Online Trust and Presidential Scholar with Professor Laura Clawson in Study Care-giving in Families of Diabetics and Celiac Disease Patients

Thesis Status: I have decided not to write a thesis in order to give myself time to explore my other academic interests beyond my major and minor such as Education, Creative Writing, and Native American Studies.

Off Campus Program: Sociology Exchange Program, University of Copenhagen, 07F (highly recommended!)

Other activities: Undergraduate Advisor to First Years; Delta Delta Delta – Inclusivity Chair

Other activities: 08W: Substitute Teacher, Wells Ogunquit Community School District, Wells, Maine; 08X: Intern at St. Elizabeth HomelessShelter, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Meghan Lawrie ’09
Sociology major, Anthropology minor
F08-S09 D-plan: R-R-R

Favorite and least favorite thing about department: I love how many broad topics the department covers. Within sociology, there are many areas of interest that you can explore! Also, the professors enjoy interacting with their students in discussions in and out of the classroom. They take a genuine interest in their students which makes for a great partnership academically. They also integrate guest lectures and movies on campus into their courses, bringing their students in touch with the greater Dartmouth community. However, the department is somewhat small, and sometimes courses aren’t offered as often as I’d like. There are such great course topics in the ORC, but given the small number of professors, I won’t be able to take them during my time at Dartmouth.

Important info for potential majors: Start looking at courses you may want to take early. Sometimes classes are not offered for up to three years. Also, explore the major and find something that interests you, even if the topic may not suit you. The professors in the department are amazing and can make any class, regardless of the subject matter, fantastic.

Talk to me if: You’re interested in women’s studies and poverty.

Most valuable academic information learned: Fulfill your distributions early. Then you have more time to enjoy the classes that you find interesting instead of trudging through ones that you need to take. Also, take advantage of office hours and get to know your professors. They have so much knowledge and are great resources. I can count on every professor in the department to give me any kind of advice and assistance I need.

Favorite class and professor: My favorite class was Organizations in Society with Professor Anthony. She balanced meaningful discussion with clear and informative lectures. We watched movies and read books that brought our subject matter to life, and inspired thoughtful essays. Unlike some other classes, everything we covered in class reinforced my understanding of the larger topic. More than any other class, I have seen those topics in my daily work both at school and in my internship.

Major classes taken: SOCY 1, 12, 27, 28, 31, 32, 39 (x2), 42

Major journey: I had an interest in health care when I came to Dartmouth. I took Health Care and Health Care Policy with Denise Anthony in my freshman winter and loved it. She teaches with such clarity, assigns incredible books, and directs intense discussions. We touched on sociological topics like access issues and discrimination that I found very interesting. I took another class with her and decided to look into the major. I haven’t looked back since.

Thesis status: I intend to write a thesis, but have yet to choose a definitive topic. I hope to study the impact of welfare reform on women’s decisions to work and marry.

Other activities: Dartmouth Track and Field, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Thetford Mentoring, Athletes United

Internship experience: In the fall of 2007, I interned at a women’s shelter in Boston called Rosie’s Place. I got great experience working with disadvantaged and minority populations, and witnessed firsthand the impact of policies and situations I learned about in my courses. I am going back to the same shelter this summer to work as a volunteer coordinator for the organization.