George Ritzer's Introduction to Sociology shows students the relevance of the introductory sociology course to their lives in the age of "global" society. While providing a rock-solid foundation, Ritzer illuminates traditional sociological concepts and theories, as well as some of the most compelling contemporary social phenomena: globalization, consumer culture, the Internet, and the "McDonaldization" of society. As technology flattens the globe, students are challenged to apply a sociological perspective to their world, and to see how "public" sociologists are engaging with the critical issues of today.