Classes focus on how cultures construct meaning, cultural variation, the organization of societies around social difference, and power relationships. Drawing together biography, history, and cultural narratives, the major encourages students to critically reflect on the cultural and social diversity of human experience and to seriously engage social problems.

The combined anthropology and sociology major (ANSO) includes courses in anthropology and sociology. Students who choose the ANSO major benefit from the related yet distinct foci of the disciplines so as to better understand and participate in a world that is internationally and multiculturally linked. The anthropology curriculum at Drake focuses on cultural anthropology.The average class size is 30, although often less in sociology and anthropology courses beyond the introductory level.There are no prerequisite high school courses or requirements needed for enrollment in the anthropology and sociology program, but students should have a well-rounded high school curriculum.