With this sixth edition, I maintain a balance of classical and contemporary readings. In addition to many of the classic pieces that appeared in the fifth edition, I have added some new classics, including Elijah Anderson's “Cosmopolitan Canopy,” and Charles Harper's and Kevin Leicht's “American Social Trends.” Both of these newer “classic” pieces are wonderful articles for the sections they are in, and they lay the groundwork for enhanced sociological understanding. Other changes I have made include the addition of eleven new selections of cutting-edge contemporary sociological research that illustrate analyses of timely social issues and the intersections between race, social class, and gender. These new selections examine dating culture on college campuses, Asian Indian culture in the United States , drug use in small towns, masculinity and homophobia in high schools, binge drinking among college women, race relations in urban spaces, the treatment of Muslim Americans by the news media, the deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill and increased homelessness, and social trends. Among these readings are some selections that I consider to be contemporary classics in that they provide an overview of the discipline of sociology or on a specific content area. These readings include an essay by Steven Dandaneau on the institution of religion and Lillian Rubin's examination of public policy and homelessness. One significant change is that I have brought back the Donna Gaines piece, “Teenage Wasteland,” on teen suicide that so many reviewers and faculty who have used this book wanted to see returned. I am still looking for excellent contemporary pieces that illustrate C. Wright Mills' concept of the sociological imagination. Based on the reviewers' comments, I also have extensively revised the sections on culture, gender, and social change. I think the students will find the newer pieces in these sections more accessible and interesting. Of course, for all of the readings, I have tried to choose selections that are compelling to students and demonstrate well the diversity within the discipline of sociology. Please note that I welcome feedback from professors and students on this edition of Mapping the Social Landscape. You can e-mail me at Grinnell College . My e-mail address is fergusos@grinnell.edu.