Experiential Learning

What is experiential learning?

Experiential learning is an engaged learning process whereby students "learn by doing" and by reflecting on the experience. Experiential learning activities can include, but are not limited to, hands-on laboratory experiments, internships, practicums, field exercises, study abroad, undergraduate research, and studio performances.

Research opportunities

Students have the opportunity to learn more about topics or issues of interest through engaging in research in the Department of Sociology and Criminology. It is not required for students, but these experiences provide the opportunity to go beyond classroom learning and gain valuable work-related skills.

Many of our students participate in a program titled the Iowa Center for Research by Undergraduates. For more information on research opportunities for undergraduate students, please visit the Iowa Center for Research by Undergraduates (ICRU) site.

Does an offender’s demographic characteristics (ethnicity, gender, educational attainment) affect the severity of his/her sentencing?
Do offenders and victims share similar demographic characteristics?
What factors (e.g., neighborhood context, race, gender) are related to violent victimization (e.g., rape, robbery, homicide, etc.)?
Causes and impact of corruption in Eastern European countries

What predicts who will emerge as a leader within a group and why?
Are people with mental illnesses stigmatized?
How do we distinguish between good and evil, right and wrong?
Why are some individuals more likely to make charitable donations than others?

How do public policies (food stamps, welfare) help citizens?
What is the relationship between child’s race and the likelihood of being suspended in school?
How are African Americans faring in Detroit as the city tries to rebuild?
Why are women paid less than men in the workplace?
Do men and women perform different types of tasks within the family?

How do certain products become favored over others?
What determines an organization’s or individual’s social ranking?
What impact do educational rankings (US News and World Report) have on the activities and status of universities/colleges?
How do environmental social movements impact society?

Join the CSGP lab

Undergraduates can apply to assist Professor Alison Bianchi and graduate students with research projects in the Center for the Study of Group Processes (CSGP) lab, located on the 3rd floor of the Becker Communication Studies Building

Students who are interested in gaining experience in the CSGP should contact Professor Alison Bianchi.

Center for the Study of Group Processes

Publishing opportunities

The Journal of Politics & International Affairs (JPIA) is seeking qualified undergraduate student submissions to be published in the Spring 2021 issue. JPIA is a student-run journal that publishes papers written by undergraduate students in the areas of Political Science, International Studies, Economics, Public Affairs, Social Science, and related fields. Publication in the Journal is an opportunity to reach a wider audience outside of the class, as well as a learning experience through the editing and feedback process. We seek to publish high-quality papers that address current events and relevant subjects in the area of politics and international affairs. Ideal submissions are both informative and argumentative with well-developed theses and strong mechanics.

The Journal typically publishes original research, undergraduate theses, and essays written for upper-level courses although all majors and class ranks are invited.

Submit manuscript submission guidelines

Alpha Phi Sigma

The Department of Sociology and Criminology is proud to have an active chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma the national honor society for students of Criminology.

Get involved

Internship opportunities

This internship course provides students with invaluable experience in juvenile and adult treatment programs and local law enforcement agencies that are related to the criminal justice system. Students must secure an internship by the start of the semester of enrollment with an agency whose work falls within the field of criminology (e.g., policing, corrections, courts) and which can support supervision of the student for the required field hours for this course. The tasks and responsibilities associated with the internship should enhance the student's educational experience.

The instructor for this course will help students find a suitable internship and will ultimately approve internship assignments, but students are encouraged to independently pursue opportunities with an agency that is of most interest to their ultimate career goals.

Once the internship is lined up, students will register for credit in CRIM:4400. Students earn 1 s.h. of credit for 50 hours at the agency (e.g., 3 s.h. - 150 hours at agency).

Students are encouraged to confirm internship assignments and schedule prior to the start of the semester. Students receive orientation by agency staff.

Professor Michaela Ruppert oversees the internship program and is the instructor for the course.

Assignments:

Students are required to meet every other week during the semester of their internship to discuss their agency and interact with classmates to learn about common issues in the world of criminal justice and corrections. Reflective writing assignments will be due weekly. This course is graded as S/F.

Example Sites:

6th Judicial District Correctional Services (includes Hope House, etc.)
Four Oaks
Johnson County Sheriff's Office
Johnson County Courthouse
Linn County Detention Center
Police Departments (Cedar Rapids, Coralville, Iowa City, North Liberty, University of Iowa)
Rape Victims Advocacy Program
Many more…….

In addition to external internships, the Sociology Department offers internship positions for students interested in teaching. The Undergraduate Teaching Assistantship (UTA) program offers sociology majors the opportunity to assist professors and instructors in the classroom.

Students need to gain permission from the faculty member or instructor of the course and then enroll in SOC:4930. Students are required to attend the course that they TA for and hold office hours in order to assist students enrolled in the class. This program presents an opportunity for talented sociology majors to gain insight and experience to the teaching role, as well as adding valuable experience to their resume.

Students can learn more about this program by contacting Professor Mary Noonan

*Does not fulfill Sociology major requirements

This internship course provides students with invaluable experience in social services, government, non-profit, and related organizations. Students must secure an internship by the start of the semester of enrollment with an agency that provides services to marginalized or underrepresented communities and which can support supervision of the student for the required field hours. The tasks and responsibilities associated with the internship should enhance the student's educational experience.

Once the internship is lined up, students will register for credit in SOC:4920. Students earn 1 s.h. of credit for 50 hours at the agency (e.g., 3 s.h. - 150 hours at agency).

Students are encouraged to confirm internship assignments and schedule prior to the start of the semester. Students receive orientation by agency staff.

Professor Jennifer Haylett oversees the internship program and is the instructor for the course.

Assignments:

Students are required to meet every other week during the semester of their internship to discuss their agency and interact with classmates to learn about common issues that may arise within social service organizations. Reflective writing assignments will be due weekly.

This course is graded S/F.

Example Sites:

For a list of ideas, please start here.

The Washington Center (TWC) offers University of Iowa students the opportunity to work in a variety of fields in private, public, and non-profit organizations in Washington D.C. All majors are welcome. Students earn 12 academic credits during the fall and spring semesters and 6 academic credits during the summer. Students have the opportunity to live and work in one of the most important cities of the world and to experience the professional arena of the nation's capital as well as its cultural diversity.

Students interested in participating or learning more about the program can contact The Pomerantz Career Center as well as visit The Washington Center homepage. The University of Iowa has sent over 800 students to TWC and will assist all interested students with their applications.

Examples of internship sites can be found here.

Former Sociology Majors who have participated in TWC program:

"I am thankful the University of Iowa provided me with the opportunity to attend The Washington Center (TWC). I obtained professional insight, expert academic instruction, and access to social networks I still utilize today. More importantly, my internship with TWC helped me secure a career right after graduation!" - May 2014 graduate, Sociology-Criminology
"The Washington Center was by far the best experience I have had in college. Before going, I had many doubts about the cost and time commitment, but I am very satisfied with the time I spent there. My internship allowed me to grow professionally and learn more about what I am interested in. I worked in crime analysis at the Metropolitan Police Department where I ended up creating my own detailed crime report about LGBT domestic violence in the district. My favorite parts about being in Washington, D.C. were the events that I couldn't plan to be there for, but they just came with the experience. For example, I got to go to the Supreme Court on the marriage equality ruling day. I also got to meet many diverse people from around the world throughout my summer. My experience was amazing, and I would go back in a heartbeat." - December 2015 graduate, Sociology-Criminology

Sociology and Criminology

Experiential Learning