The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to the sociological perspective. Its goal is to illuminate the way in which social forces impinge on our individual lives and affect human society. The course is organized into four main parts. In the first, key sociological concepts and methods will be introduced via the study of the fathers of sociology: Durkheim, Weber, and Marx. In the second part, we will examine the significance of various forms of social inequality, particularly those based on class, race, and gender. We will then survey several important social institutions: the family, the economic order, the political order, education, and religion. The fourth and final part of the course will focus on the inter-related issues of ideology, social movements, and social change.

Race continues to divide our social world and to shape our

sense of identity as individuals and as a nation. This course surveys recent work in the sociology of race, with a special focus on the progress and challenges of the post-civil rights era United States. Topics include: race theory, race and stratification, race identity and representation, trends in racial attitudes, race and politics, new racism, and the social construction of whiteness.

Prerequisite: Sociology 101 or permission of instructor.

Through lectures, academic works, films and news reports, this course presents sociological perspectives on current issues and conflicts in Israeli society. The course begins with an historical review of the ideological, religious, and political dimensions of the establishment of the State of Israel and continues with an exploration of the origins and consequences of religious, ethnic and political conflicts in contemporary Israeli society. Selected topics include ethnic inequality among Jewish immigrants, the Kibbutz experience, political parties and democracy, the status of Arab minorities, religion and religiosity, militarism and nationalism, and the status of women.

We often read shocking stories about children in poverty, segregated and failing schools, family dissolution, and numerous other problems in contemporary American society. While these accounts provide a sensational and superficial treatment of various social problems, what do researchers really know about the causes of and solutions for these problems? This seminar provides a critical survey and analysis of the research on various topics including: poverty and wealth; schools and education; teenage pregnancy and abortion; gender inequality in the workplace; racial segregation and discrimination; ethnicity and immigration; work and economic attainment; health and mental health. The course will also provide framework for developing the skill of academic writing, and the appropriate use of theories, research questions and hypotheses. In particular, the seminar will serve students who are developing their skills for senior projects and other advanced students.

"The era of big government is over." Is it? If so, with what consequences? This course retraces the main lines of development of the welfare state, examining the social demands and political conflicts out of which "welfare" emerged, and the values and principles which have subsequently informed welfare policies. The course proceeds, secondly, to consider debates and conflicts over the scope and aims of welfare states during the last two decades. It ends, finally, by considering innovative policy ideas to reform the welfare state or bring it into line with changing realities. Case studies will be drawn from Sweden, Germany, Britain, Italy, and the USA; comparison of the limited, piecemeal approach of the US with more comprehensive European social democracy will be a consistent focus. The policy arenas to be discussed will include youth unemployment and job sharing; equal opportunity for women; the social integration of marginalized groups; flexible time regimes; and the challenge of an aging population.