My research program tries to advance knowledge in the field of development sociology through substantive and methodological contributions in three areas: (1) the sociology of education, (2) social change, and (3) the demography of inequality. For the next two years, this research will focus on the socioeconomic consequences of demographic transitions in sub-Saharan Africa, specifically on schooling, gender inequality, and socioeconomic inequality. This research will rely on an analytical framework I developed in 2006-07 to expand existing dilution arguments. The empirical component of this research will use existing data as well as new panel data to be collected if my recent applications for external funding are successful. My teaching goals for the next five years are to strengthen our department’s undergraduate and graduate training in social science research. These goals will be achieved by creating opportunities for practical research for our undergraduates, and by developing a graduate course devoted to empirical research on development issues. In achieving these goals, I can build on my teaching experience here and on our departments’ evolving vision. Specific objectives for the next five years are to 1) publish a reader for my course on education and inequality (DSoc305); 2) follow up my introductory course on social science research (DSoc 313) by creating research opportunities for students planning to do an honors projects or to enroll into a graduate program in sociology; 3) provide new opportunities for graduate students to collaborate on research and complement their training in the empirics of social change. These teaching goals address existing needs and they are in line with our department’s focus on applied sociology and global development.