Sociologists offer a unique perspective on a wide variety of social phenomena and contemporary societal problems. In this course, we will engage with six award-winning books, written by sociologists, that critically examine social justice and the role of power in social systems for a variety of topics. In addition to discussing and debating the substance of these issues, we will look closely at how authors support their findings as well as how they present the implications of their research. While each study stands on its own as a complete work, each also enters into ongoing conversations, both in academia and the public at large. As such, we will also consider the contexts of these studies. Finally, we will consider connections between the different concepts and ideas developed in each separate work. The defining feature of this course, and perhaps distinction from other courses (at least the ones I’ve taught) will be prioritizing deep engagement with a few topics rather than the broad overview of the discipline that relies on far more numerous works.