Sociology Matters [Paperback]

Richard T. Schaefer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 23, 2007 | ISBN-10: 0073528110 | ISBN-13: 978-0073528113 | Edition: 3

Richard Schaefer's Sociology Matters is a very concise introduction to the discipline of sociology. Its straightforward style, streamlined design, and highly focused coverage make it the perfect short, affordable, introductory text for instructors who use a variety of materials in their course. Sociology Matters helps students understand and connect to the topics it covers by answering the question "How does sociology matter?"

"After more than 30 years of teaching sociology to students in colleges, adult education programs, nursing programs, an overseas program based in London, and even a maximum-security prison, I am firmly convinced that the discipline can play a valuable role in teaching critical thinking skills. Sociology can help students to better understand the workings of their own lives as well as of their society and other cultures." –Richard T. Schaefer

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Growing up in Chicago at a time when neighborhoods were going through transitions in ethnic and racial composition, Richard T. Schaefer found himself increasingly intrigued by what was happening, how people were reacting, and how these changes were affecting neighborhoods and people’s jobs. His interest in social issues caused him to gravitate to sociology courses at Northwestern University, where he received a B.A. in Sociology. "Originally as an undergraduate I thought I would go on to law school and become a lawyer. But after taking a few sociology courses, I found myself wanting to learn more about what sociologists studied and fascinated by the kinds of questions they raised." This fascination led him to obtain his M.A. and Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Chicago. Dr. Schaefer’s continuing interest in race relations led him to write his masters’ thesis on the membership of the Ku Klux Klan and his doctoral thesis on racial prejudice and race relations in Great Britain. Dr. Schaefer went on to become a professor of sociology. He has taught introductory sociology for 30 years to students in colleges, adult education programs, nursing programs, and even a maximum-security prison. Dr. Schaefer’s love of teaching is apparent in his interaction with his students. "I find myself constantly learning from the students who are in my classes and from reading what they write. Their insights into the material we read or current events that we discuss often become part of future course material and sometimes even find their way into my writing." Dr. Schaefer is author of the third edition of Sociology: A Brief Introduction (McGraw-Hill, 2000). Dr. Schaefer is also the author of Racial and Ethnic Groups now in its eighth edition, and Race and Ethnicity in the United States, second edition. His articles and book reviews have appeared in many journals, including American Journal of Sociology, Phylon: A Review of Race and Culture, Contemporary Sociology, Sociology and Social Research, Sociological Quarterly, and Teaching Sociology. He served as president of the Midwest Sociological Society in 1994-1995. Dr. Schaefer’s advice to students is to "look at the material and make connections to your own life and experiences. Sociology will make you a more attentive observer of how people in groups interact and function. It will also make you more aware of peoples’ different needs and interests — and perhaps more ready to work for the common good, while still recognizing the individuality of each person."

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages; 3 edition (February 23, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0073528110
• ISBN-13: 978-0073528113
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #396,997 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars good, September 17, 2011

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roachkillah - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Sociology Matters (Paperback)

This is a required text for a class I'm taking. It was what I ordered. This book is interesting.
in not like this was an item you buy to wear or to use for what ever. It's a required text for a class and it is easy to read and understand.

5.0 out of 5 stars nice book, August 30, 2010

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ashton cline (PHOENIX, AZ, US) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Sociology Matters (Paperback)

this book was in perfect condition and is easy to read. the concepts are written in a straight forward way, which is very appriciated

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thanks : ), July 15, 2010

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Lucy06 (California, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Sociology Matters (Paperback)

I just received it brand new, great packaging, no marks. Fast delivery (7 days) with the super saver shipping. This is the 2nd time I order something and amazon never fails to do what they promise. Great book I need it for a class.