Lowell Professor of Sociology Stanley Lieberson says that although he began his career as a specialist in race relations, he gradually became interested in the concept of names and the social factors that influence their selection.

"For most of my career I worked on race and ethnic relations," he says. "I then became interested in the topic of first names. It hit me as an interesting social phenomenon."

The class begins with an overview of why people's tastes change over time and then moves on to theories of taste and of fashion.

Lieberson will move on to a discussion of long-term influences on taste through a study of sociological theory.

The second part of the course involves applications of the theories into other areas of life. The physical appearance of women and ideals of feminine beauty are studied, along with conceptions of music, advertising and media and their influences on society.

Lieberson says that "Underpinnings" originated as a conference course and gradually evolved into a lecture that is quite popular among students, according to the CUE guide.

He likes to add a personal element to the class by encouraging discussion and student participation.