Jonathan H. Turner, the Distinguished Professor of Sociology at the University of California at Riverside, has taught numerous courses throughout the years, but always enjoyed introducing students to sociology through teaching the introductory course. Professor Turner received a B.A. with honors from University of California at Santa Barbara, a M.A. and doctorate in sociology from Cornell University.

Dr. Turner has authored, co-authored, edited, or co-edited a number of works, including The Structure of Sociological Theory, The Emergence of Sociological Theory, Patterns of Social Organization, Inequality: Privilege and Poverty in America (with Charles Starnes), and many others. His areas of specialization touch many areas within the discipline of sociology such as sociological theory, human and societal evolution, social stratification and inequality, philosophy of science, and historical sociology.

Professor Turner is a member of the American Sociological Association and a former president of the Pacific Sociological Society. He has been the journal editor for Sociological Perspectives and is currently the journal editor for Sociological Theory.