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Uses a sociological lens to examine U.S. schools and schooling, focusing on social inequality. Examines the relationship between education and society by reviewing major theoretical perspectives and both current and historical issues. Topics covered include: educational stratification within and across schools (inequality relating to class, race, and gender), educational attainment, schools as social systems, social capital, and social networks. Considers the role of social forces outside of the educational system and how these influence educational processes; the ways that schools promote equal opportunity or reproduce power, privilege and hierarchy; and related areas. While the class focuses on education, we do not focus exclusively on the educational system but rather study the interconnection between schooling and other aspects of society such as housing, transportation, and economic development.