Advantages and burdens of social class, race, gender, and other factors considered from theoretical perspectives and available evidence. Functional and conflict paradigms, schooling in capitalist America, schooling and inequality, trends and issues in African-American education, and role of sociology in educational policy. Emphasis on developing a funding proposal following NIH guidelines reflecting analysis of extant datasets. Differentiations of power, identity, socio- economic status, forces of racial conflicts, and mutual accommodations. Influence of discrimination and colonialism on minority individuals, and on community institutions and society.
Topics usually concern contemporary medical sociology theory and research.
Unusual opportunities and problems in sociology at the graduate level. Techniques of data analysis, and when and how to apply techniques. Assumptions of the model and consequences when assumptions are violated. Individual research experience working with a faculty member in preparation for the development of a dissertation draft proposal. Students and faculty members are expected to produce a paper for presentation at a professional meeting and subsequent publication.