The American Sociological Association (ASA) (http://www.asanet.org/) is a nonprofit organization with about 13,000 members, including faculty, researchers, practitioners, and students. This site contains some useful information about the field of sociology, society and social life, and careers in sociology. Go to the homepage and link to Students, then link to "Careers in Sociology." Click on "Society and Social Life," and answer the following questions:

1. Why is the scope of sociology so broad?
2. Why is sociology a rapidly expanding field?
   Click on your Refresh or Back button. Link to "Sociological Specialties: Many Paths to Understanding the Society."
3. Why is the study of racial and ethnic minorities important?
4. Why do you think a sociologist would be interested in age discrimination?
   Click on your Refresh or Back button and click on Public. Link to one of the "Publications for the Public."
5. Which publication did you read? Briefly, what did you learn?

An early example of the feminist view shows up in the life and writings of Ida Wells-Barnett. To learn more about how she confronted issues of race and gender, visit Northern Illinois University's website: (http://www.lib.niu.edu/ipo/iht319630.html). Read the article and answer the following questions:

1. What action did Wells-Barnett take in 1884 and what was the consequence of this action?
2. Why did she question the legitimization of the justice system, and what did she do to illustrate that discrimination existed within the justice system?
3. What was important about the Alpha Suffrage Club?
4. One of Wells-Barnett's most important stands took place in March of 1913. Briefly summarize why this stand was important.
5. What legacy did Wells-Barnett leave after her death in 1931?