This course provides an overview of the theoretical frameworks and data-collection methods that sociologists use to analyze political trends, economic developments, and cultural changes in society. It investigates the many ways that a society may influence the attitudes and actions of individuals and entire groups. In particular, this course examines social institutions like families and school systems; social stratification in the form of racial and ethnic groups, privileged groups, and social classes; cultural norms such as gender roles; organizations like bureaucracies and corporations; and social processes such as discrimination, de-industrialization, globalization and militarization. Divisive issues and social problems (such as poverty and crime) that spark social conflicts, generate movements, and raise questions of social justice will be explored.