Reference no: EM132644020 , Length: 7382 words

Question 1. Some type of religion is found in every society. Explain what we mean by religion and discuss the types of religions and religious organizations. Also, discuss religion from a functionalist and conflict perspective. Which perspective do you agree best explains religion?

What is your personal view of religion? Are you, or have you, personally been affected by religion? Explain why you think that religion is an important part of our lives or a useless remnant of our past society.

Question 2. Issues involving race and ethnicity have caused problems for centuries. Discuss what we mean by: race, ethnicity, minority groups, dominant groups, prejudice and discrimination and how they are all related to each other. Also, explain in detail the Psychological and Sociological theories of prejudice. Which theory (or theories) do you think are most accurate?

Personally, how have you, your family or friends been affected by these issues involving race and ethnic relations? How can we eliminate prejudice and discrimination in the U.S. or can we? What is the future of racial and ethnic relations in the U.S.?

Question 3. Collective behavior affects our lives with respect to issues involving crowd behavior, protests, crowd violence and times of disaster. What are the ways of defining collective behavior, the types of crowds and the 3 perspectives for understanding times of collective behavior?

Explain your personal experiences in various types and situations when you have been a part of crowds. Analyze these situations based on what we discussed in class. Also, using some recent times of disaster, explain them using some of the perspectives we explored in class.

Question 4. Social change is constant and our society is in a continual state of flux. What is social change and the characteristics of social change? Discuss the 6 theories of social change we explored and which theory you personally believe is the most accurate in explaining social change. Using Ogburn's processes of social change and technology explain the role of technology in social change. Personally, how are you affected by social change and what is the most significant social change in your lifetime?