My experience in sociology this semester has been unique to say the least. This was the first sociology course I ever took, and honestly, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. From day one I found a deep interest in the thoughts and ideas associated with the study of sociology. In this specific lesson the main concepts we discussed were race and ethnic relations. The first chapter we discussed this semester was about the overall diversity found in the United States. In this unit we learned what exactly a minority group is and the visible distinctive traits that set people apart. In the second chapter of this course, the main topics we covered were assimilation and pluralism. We have discussed the distinctive patterns and variations of assimilation and pluralism and the difference between both of these theories. In chapter three we began to discuss the ideas behind prejudice and discrimination. We talked about hate crimes, the main causes and trends of prejudice and why it persists over time. In the fourth chapter we focused mainly on the development of relations between dominants and minorities in pre-industrial America. In this chapter we have examined the origins of slavery in the United States, the contact situation, paternalistic relationships, and dimensions of minority group status. This semester on contemporary racial and ethnic relations has not only provided me with a great deal of knowledge that will be useful for future purposes, but it has allowed me to understand things I would never have thought about before. Learning about society and how people have evolved and treated each other throughout history was extremely interesting. I've always had my... middle of paper... acism became a direct result of this process. Going into this course I wasn't sure what to expect. I thought I knew pretty much everything I needed to know about society and social relationships, but I couldn't have been more wrong. I have always had my own personal thoughts on how people in society treat each other, but after taking this course it has allowed me to broaden my opinions based on facts that have happened throughout history. The knowledge I have gained about minority groups, assimilation, discrimination, and the origins of slavery will be something I will keep with me for the rest of my life. This semester on contemporary racial and ethnic relations has not only provided me with a wealth of knowledge that will be useful for future purposes, but it has allowed me to understand things I would never have thought about before.