1. In your own words, define social stratification. What functions does social stratification serve? How do those in higher ranks use their status?

2. What roles do myths, metaphors, parables, etc., play in describing the human condition? How do these compliment or contradict other explanations (e.g., science)?

3. Briefly describe the main differences between non-state political systems and nation-state systems. Ideally, can one be conceived as better than the other? Why?

4. Choose a religion or other ideology (including atheism) with which you are familiar. How does this ideology fulfill the 4 functions of religion?