Sociology

Vali Nasr

The Rise of the Muslim Middle Class, and What it Will Mean for the World

Vali Nasr argues that the battle for the soul of Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan and other Islamic populations around the world, will not be fought over religion, but over capitalism and business by a rising muslim middle class.

Nicholas Christakis

The Hidden Influence of Social Networks (as such, Is Obesity Contagious?)

Did you ever think that your weight or happiness could be affected by your social networks? It is not something we ponder often.

John Kelley and Marc Smith

Mapping the Global Blogosphere

Social media and blogging is the most influential form of media today, but we have a lot to learn about this relatively new form of interaction. Sociologists are on the job now, taking these steps to understanding its evolving form and its effects on the the world and our lives.

Paul Schroeder

China at 60: Myths and Realities (3-lecture series)

In early 2010, the Asian Studies Program at Case Western Reserve University did just that, when they presented a tremendous 3-lecture (four hours in total) series on China — its myths and realities. You can view all three parts right here.