Sociology Sociology

The Sociology program presents you with both first-hand and analytical insight into the relation between cultural diversity and social capital in Europe and Turkey. In this context, you will do research on phenomena such as globalization, immigration, integration, social cohesion, struggles for recognition and the limits of tolerance.

An optional program practicum provides the opportunity to gain valuable first-hand experience to both enrich and challenge guiding assumptions in this field (see below).

Student profile

The Sociology program is designed for students majoring in sociology, anthropology, political science, international relations, or related fields.

Core Course

The course pivots on case-study investigations of (1) the societal factors that underlie Europe’s often nationalist responses to recent immigration from the Middle East in particular, and (2) the social and cultural factors that make up the backdrop to the troubled relationship between Europe and Turkey. Through sociological analysis of these cases, you will develop a capacity to analyze and pass critical judgment on how cultural diversity affects social capital.

Study Tours

This tour aims to familiarize you with social and cultural challenges faced by traditionally homogenous Denmark and Sweden due to increased immigration.

Turkey and its cultural capital Istanbul is the symbolic juncture where Western and Eastern civilizations meet. The tour will introduce you to social, cultural and political divisions in Turkey between secularism and Islam, Turks and Kurds, the Muslim majority and non-Muslim minorities such as Greeks and Armenians and more, all in the context of Turkey’s ongoing democratization process and EU accession negotiations.

Sociology Photo Gallery

DIS Student Bloggers

Wonder what it is like to study Sociology in Copenhagen? 

Click here to read Tara Cantwell's blog!

As globalization and conflict increase the number of immigrants to countries like Denmark, new ideas about multiculturalism and national identity need to be explored and addressed now. Being encouraged to consider each facet and perspective of these issues has genuinely transformed my way of thinking about global politics and the idea of identity.

Erin Blake Parsons The New School

Hands-on Experience!

In this program, you can choose the optional 3-credit Sociology Practicum course to complement the core course. The objective is to gain first-hand engagement with the challenges immigration and new cultural diversity pose to the historically homogeneous Danish welfare state. Examples of placements: teaching English in a Muslim private school, assisting asylum seekers produce a newspaper under the auspices of the Danish Red Cross, setting up an integration event and more. You will get a placement one day per week (45-55 hours/semester) and be guided and asked to reflect on your experience with the instructor through practicum classes at DIS.

Why Denmark?

Denmark is facing an increasing number of migrants from non-Western societies. Traditionally a homogeneous welfare state, Denmark is struggling to deal with the new minorities and the challenge of successful integration. Issues of cultural conflicts and their effects on the social cohesion of Danish society are inevitable, and Copenhagen is the classroom in which students will observe and challenge their own opinions on the social, political and cultural implications of these conflicts.

Denmark: DIS - Danish Institute for Study Abroad. Vestergade 5-7, 1456 Copenhagen. Phone: (+45) 3311 0144, Fax: (+45) 3393 2624
USA: DIS - North American Office, University of Minnesota. 1313 Fifth Street SE, Suite 113, Minneapolis MN 55414. Phone: (800) 247-3477, Non-US: (612) 627-0140 Fax: (612) 627-0141
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