Introduces students to the major theories and empirical trends in social stratification. Examines dimensions of social inequalities and stratification, such as class, race, ethnicity and gender from a comparative, historical, and global perspective.

Offers a comparative perspective on issues of state-society relations in the context of theories of state formation, and state intervention in economic development. By moving back and forth between western and non-western models of state formation and development, the course tries to refine as well as to build upon the current state literature in both sociology and political science.

Engages some of the theoretical perspectives, conceptual issues/questions, and empirical research that animate the study of social movements and collective action. It will look into the individual and collective involvement in social movements, as well as examine the social and political context of collective action. How and why do social movements emerge? How are social movements organized? How do activists choose political tactics and strategies? What are, if any, the effects of social movements on processes of social and political change?

Provides students with a background in the historical roots of gender inequalities in the society, the economic and ideological factors that contributed to the emergence of contemporary forms of gender inequalities. Establishes the micro and macro processes that contribute to the perpetuation of gender inequalities. Surveys, evaluates and compares macro level policies and micro level interventions that have targeted remediation of gender inequalities.

Helps students learn how dissertation research is conducted and how the writing process continues. The goal of the course is to secure guidance from faculty members in advisor and dissertation topic selection and the formulation of research questions and methodology.

Traces the evolution of notions of social welfare, social justice and social policy from their advent in European and North American societies to the current scholarly and policy debates in developing countries. Examines the development of social welfare systems and the underlying philosophies in the context of the social, economic, political, and cultural environments in which they emerged. Topics include the evolution of modern conceptions of the "welfare state," and the role of public, private and voluntary sectors in the social services. Policy making procedures, the role of the respective policy actors and the effects of social policy measures will also be examined in terms of social participation, social inclusion and (re)distribution of income and services.

Analyzes the establishment and development of Middle Eastern political systems, social and political processes including the end of empires, formation of nation states, and their foreign policies beginning with the nineteenth century.

Provides an advanced survey of scholarly literatures on migration and population movements. Covers theories of and empirical studies about international migration, transnational migration and diaspora formation, refugee movements and internal displacement.

Examines the social, economic, cultural and political forces that affect health and illness. Discusses individual experience and narratives of illness, the conceptualization of health and illness in hospitals and institutions and the political economy of health care. Focuses on the creation of medical knowledge, lay-professional interaction, inequalities in health and healthcare and health-related social movements.

Examines the nature of political power, dynamics of political change, historical development and the nature of political institutions. Discusses the social foundations of state and state-society relations.