Down to Earth Sociology: Introductory Readings, 12th Edition [Paperback]

James M. Henslin (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0743247167 | ISBN-13: 978-0743247160 | Publication Date: January 28, 2003 | Edition: 12th

Down to Earth Sociology, Introductory Readings is a reader that supplements the traditional introductory sociology text. Now in its eleventh edition, it has been revised to include exciting new material for the introductory course as well as classic articles that all sociology students should have. Fascinating and easy to read, this widely used book focuses on participant observation--giving students a sense of "being there" as some of our field's top practitioners make and report on their investigations. The articles examine diverse topics ranging from the sociology of gender, power, politics, sports, religion and wealth to the contemporary crises of violent crime, poverty, homelessness and AIDS. Also available is an instructor's Manual that contains suggestions for how to teach each selection and a printed test bank and an electronic test item file that offer challenging questions to measure students' comprehension and knowledge.

Editorial Reviews

Review

R. Robin MillerDrury University I've been using this reader for seven years. I love it! And so do my students. -- Review

About the Author

James M. Henslin is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. He is the author of many textbooks, including Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, 7th ed.; Essentials of Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, 6th ed.; and Social Problems, 7th ed.

Product Details

• Paperback: 592 pages
• Publisher: Free Press; 12th edition (January 28, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743247167
• ISBN-13: 978-0743247160
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #889,426 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for intro students, October 2, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Down to Earth Sociology 9th Edition (Paperback)

This is an excellent book to introduce students into the real world of Sociology. Rather than focusing on theorists and their theories, Down to Earth Sociology focuses on real-life examples and situations in which the reader can relate. The articles are user-friendly, and fun to read. A recommendation for anyone interested in the world of Sociology.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential readings for intro sociology, June 29, 2005

By 

Pennsylvania Reader - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Down to Earth Sociology: Introductory Readings, 12th Edition (Paperback)

When I teach introduction to sociology, this is the book that generates the most student enthusiasm. Everyone likes it, and many students love it. They often discuss readings not assigned--they've been reading ahead, or reading off the syllabus, for their own information and enjoyment rather than because it's required. Yes, some of the readings are classics, in other words old. But they aren't useless because they describe a past social pattern rather than a current one; any good intro course should give students a feeling for how social relationships vary across time as well as place, historically as well as cross-culturally. It would be nice if Henslin added some newer readings to satisfy those students who think that sociology should be about the now, but that would mean eliminating some great readings or making the book very large. It would also be nice if a few readings could help students understand the sort of quantitative research results that are reported in newspapers and on television news programs. For most courses, I usually prefer to assemble my own bulkpack of articles for students, but in this case, although I might choose different readings, I couldn't choose better ones. Overall, Henslin does an excellent job as editor. The readings show students how sociological concepts and techniques can enrich their understanding of everyday life. And it's reasonably priced.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Something for Everyone in Henslin's Book!, December 1, 2003

By 

Lisa Marie "Lisa Marie" (Southern New Jersey, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Down to Earth Sociology: Introductory Readings, 12th Edition (Paperback)

I read this book because I loved my sociology textbook (also by Henslin) so much. (Yeah, I'm a dork.) While some of the articles in this book are a bit outdated as another reviewer pointed out, this book has something for everyone. From the classic essay on the "Saints" and the "Roughnecks" to the humorous description of how a "Nacirema" brushes his teeth (you WILL feel sheepish when you finish reading it!!!) to the account of a sociologist "posing" as homeless person for a week, there's got to be something in here you'll find interesting.

All these articles are written from completely unbiased points of view. I highly recommend this book for everyone! Anyone who is interested in sociology, culture, people, behvaior, or life in general will love it!!