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

James M. Henslin (Author)

Book Description

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

Review

"Henslin hooks students on learning about the world around them, and suggests they seek answers to the question 'Why should I care?" Roger Nemeth, Hope College "My students tell me that they love the varied scenarios Henslin provides in the book." Kristie Palmer, Richland Community College "The boxed features in Henslin often explore controversial issues that generate great on-line discussions among my distance learning students." Kristie Palmer, Richland Community College "Henslin begins each chapter with an interesting vignette. The text is accessible and easy to read." Lucy Ogburn, Middlesex Community College "Henslin offers an introduction to research and his heavy inclusion of research shows its importance. He does this at just the right level." Jan Poppendieck, City University of New York, Hunter College "I appreciate Henslin's balanced theoretical approach, good topic coverage, and that the book is very readable." Derral Cheatwood, University of Texas, San Antonio "The boxed examples in Henslin add a new dimension to the course. He truly has a down-to-earth approach." Sue Dowden, El Camino College "Students like this book because the reading level is just right, the examples are relevant, and the strong visuals keep them interested. My students also like [Henslin's] accounts of his many travels; they give the book a global feel." Romana Pires, San Bernadino Valley College --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Back Cover

Study Smarter!

Need Additional Help Studying?

Use these great tools to help you get a better grade!

Study Guide Plus
This manual provides learning objectives, key terms, self-tests, and glossaries, plus free access to the Tutor Center.

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

See all Editorial Reviews

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 (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #464,146 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.

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.

18 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars At last! An interesting text book., December 21, 1999

By A Customer

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

My intro Sociology class required that I pick this up. Although there are newer editions now, there weren't at the time. Henslin should be considered a well-rounded expert in his field. I have accumulated numerous credit hours and in all of them, I have had maybe 4 books that I liked to read. Personal anecdotes and individual reflections and examples make this book easy reading. The easier it is, the better you can soak up the info. Bravo. I'd suggest to any Soc. prof that they use this book!