Re: Best introductory text ?

David,

I haven't actually used this, but from a quick glance it looks to be promising: 
Richard Robbins, "Global Problems and the Culture of Capitalism," published by 
Allyn and Bacon (2002).  Seems to be structured around a world-systems 
framework.  Its made for a social problems class, but it could easily be used 
for intro as well.  You can check out the content of the book at their website: 
www.ablongman.com.  Once you get into their website select sociology and then 
scroll down to the book.

Best,
Khaldoun Samman