1. Compare and contrast the functionalist perspective and the conflict perspective on education in the U.S. Be sure to thoroughly describe each perspective's main arguments and provide very specific evidence for each perspective using course materials.
2. What is the nuclear family? Explain why this family form is not "the traditional" American family by using trend data provided in class, and thoroughly discussing the historical factors that led to this particular family form.
3. Define the features of capitalism and socialism. Describe which economic model exists in the U.S, and describe contemporary characteristics of the U.S. economy using data and evidence from course materials.
4. Thoroughly describe trends in U.S. poverty using course materials. Compare and contrast Oscar Lewis' culture of poverty thesis with Williams Julius' Wilson's theory of social dislocation to explain patterns of poverty.
5. Who are the working poor (define)? Drawing from course materials (namely, Ehrenriech, Desmond, and course slides) thoroughly describe the working poor's experiences and challenges with housing, low-wage work, and food insecurity.