Essentials of Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach [Paperback]

James M. Henslin (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 020544444X | ISBN-13: 978-0205444441 | Publication Date: December 16, 2004 | Edition: 6th

Henslin's best-selling brief paperback text shares the excitement of sociology-its acclaimed "down-to-earth" approach and personal writing style highlight the sociology of everyday life and its relevance to students' lives. This text is a brief version of the highly regarded hardcover introductory text, Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, 7/e. The essential 15 chapters cover all of the topics in the 22-chapter text, and retain the dual emphases on micro and macro (individual and structural) sociology. James Henslin has a unique ability to engage students without talking down to them or sacrificing content. With wit, personal reflection, and illuminating examples, he shares with readers a passion for sociology unmatched by any other introductory text.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

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Companion Website
For on-line study resources, please visit Companion Website at www.ablongman.com/hensliness6e.

This Companion Website features:

• Practice Tests including multiple choice, true/ false and essay questions
• Annotated Web Resources
• Interactive map activities
• Detailed section on Census 2000
• Ethemes of the Times for Introductory Sociology
• Study Guide for Native Spanish Speakers

About the Author

James M. Henslin, who was born in Minnesota, graduated from high school and junior college in California and from college in Indiana. Awarded scholarships, he earned his Master¿s and doctorate degrees in sociology at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. After this, he was awarded a postdoctoral fellowship from the National Institute of Mental Health, and spent a year studying how people adjust to the suicide of a family member. His primary interests in sociology are the sociology of everyday life, deviance, and international relations. Among his more than a dozen books is Down to Earth Sociology (Free Press), now in its eleventh edition, a book of readings that reflects some of these sociological interests. He has also published widely in sociology journals, including Social Problems and American Journal of Sociology. While a graduate student, James Henslin taught at the University of Missouri at St. Louis. After completing his doctorate, he joined the faculty at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, where he is Professor Emeritus of Sociology. He says, "I've always found the introductory course enjoyable to teach. I love to see students' faces light up when they first glimpse the sociological perspective and begin to see how society has become an essential part of how they view the world." Henslin enjoys spending time with his wife, reading, and fishing. His two favorite activities are writing and traveling. He especially enjoys living in other cultures, for this brings him face to face with behaviors and ways of thinking that he cannot take for granted, experiences that "make sociological principles come alive." --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 544 pages
• Publisher: Allyn & Bacon; 6th edition (December 16, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 020544444X
• ISBN-13: 978-0205444441
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 8.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #140,556 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

James M. Henslin, who was born in Minnesota, graduated from high school and junior college in California and from college in Indiana. Awarded scholarships, he earned his Master's and doctorate degrees in sociology at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. After this, he was awarded a postdoctoral fellowship from the National Institute of Mental Health, and spent a year studying how people adjust to the suicide of a family member. His primary interests in sociology are the sociology of everyday life, deviance, and international relations. Among his numerous books are Sociology: A-Down-to-Earth Approach (Allyn & Bacon, available in three versions); Social Problems (Allyn & Bacon); and Down-to-Earth Sociology: Introductory Readings (Free Press). He has also published widely in sociology journals, including Social Problems and American Journal of Sociology. While a graduate student, Jim Henslin taught at the University of Missouri at St. Louis. After completing his doctorate, he joined the faculty at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, where he is Professor Emeritus of Sociology. His two favorite activities are writing and traveling. He especially enjoys visiting and living in other cultures, for this brings him face to face with behaviors and ways of thinking that he cannot take for granted, experiences that "make sociological principles come alive."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Readable, Interesting Textbook, May 21, 2002

By 

NONOBADKITTY! (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Essentials of Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach (with Interactive Companion Website Access Card) (4th Edition) (Paperback)

This book was required for a sociology course I took in college, and I have to say I wasn't very excited about sociology, but this book made the course interesting - it's very readable, up-to-date and uses many examples of sociology in action. It also has lots of pictures and charts to add interest. The companion website is also a good resource for additional information as well as practice quizzes. All in all an excellent text book.

17 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Introductory Text, February 1, 2004

By 

JL1984 (Athens, GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Essentials of Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, Fifth Edition (Paperback)

I believe one of the previous reviews of this book tried to criticize it for its "preaching of liberal dogmas" and tried to say that it was unbalanced. This is simply not the case. The author of this text is merely trying to use an open approach to encompass all aspects of sociology and thereby be a little more open-minded in his writing. So there's a little subjectivity, who cares? It's nearly impossible to write something and be 100 percent objective because there will always be a bit of your own opinion of the matter leak into what you're trying to point out. The point is, this book is simply fascinating from front to back. It is extremely easy to relate to and understand (though it is not meant for high schoolers), the information is surprisingly up-to-date with many examples in the charts and graphs, and it is simply fun to read. The book covers everything from the sociological perspective and culture to global stratification and social change in such a broad manner that you'll never lose track of what you're reading. Not only this, but the book also comes with some amazing study materials including links to a website with some of the best quizzes I've seen (they've helped me tremendously on my tests) and also other study guides such as flash cards and outlines of the chapters to help you make a study guide. All in all, Henslin's book IS the best book out there on which to embark your study of sociology. Even if you don't like it, you will find yourself interested by the many examples that Henslin provides to relate to his concepts. The only gripe I have is the fact that the book is paperback. If you're able to find a hardback edition please do so because it will last longer and will be able to be used a lot more often than the paperback will.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting read, August 9, 2006

By 

L. LAWRENCE "localdigit" (Washington State, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Essentials of Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach (Paperback)

I have to disagree with the reviewers who consider this book Marxist and liberal. I took a sociology class back in 1989 in a South American country with a newly established democratic government. During the prior military dictatorships, public universities had shut down the psychology and sociology departments because they were perceived as dangerous for the status quo. So with these fields of study openly taught after years of silencing, sociology professors and students had a very politically charged, liberal and marxist bend. So, if you think this book is marxist, I can assure you it is not. It is much more balanced than what I expected and I actually enjoy the field of sociology now after reading this book. What gives me the authority to say this? I am a non-liberal Christian! Thank you.