Customer Reviews

Sociology in Our Times: The Essentials

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

As one of the most recently-developed social sciences, not to mention one that seems to be consistently popular with college students, sociology is a field that truly needs a good comprehensive text. Put quite simply, this is it. Diana Kendall, a well-respected scholar and author in the field, has managed to put together a text that manages to cover all of the major subfields of the field, presenting a lot of information on each, and giving a good general overview. All of the major subpoints of sociology are covered: population studies, race/gender/ethnic relations, collective behavior, criminology, and more. In addition to providing a solid block of information for each subtopic, Kendall further invigorates her text with well-placed contemporary and classical photographs, graphs, charts, and other peripheral information. She also prefaces each chapter with a real-life example relating to the forthcoming information, a quiz about the information contained within (which sometimes will yield surprising results!), and more. Throughout the individual chapters, she also sprinkles dialogue boxes with separate takes on individual subissues relating to the major topic at hand and shows readers how they can get involved. As a bonus for the college student, certain editions of the book feature a CD with access to additional material, and a free four-month subscription to Infotrac, a well-known scholarly index.

Kendall writes well, and she presents a lot of information. Therein, however, lies my only complaint about this text: certain chapters feel overlong. Granted, sociology is a diverse field, and this book attempts to cover it all between a single set of covers. Still, some chapters are so jam-packed with information that they become somewhat tiresome. Nevertheless, it is all good information -- and all worth reading. It is a small complaint, on the whole, that does not detract from the overall quality of the text.

In summary, this is an excellent introductory text both for a college text and for the individual reader.

There are a number of good sociology textbooks available, and one can choose almost any of them with confidence. However, this is definitely one of the best. It is accessible, yet the author does not talk down to the student. The illustrations are pertinent and timely. The choice of topics is comprehensive. It is a broad-ranging textbook, yet, at the same time, is focused and direct.

The instructor who chooses to use Sociology in Our Times can be comfortable with the choice. The student who is fortunate enough to have a teacher who chose Sociology in Our Times should be confident that they have had a good exposure to Sociology. If one learns the material in this book they will be well-grounded in Sociology.

Item description did not mention it was a teachers edition, therefor I cannot sell it back. I contacted the seller for a return, and she never replied. I got ripped off big time!

The particular copy I received was damaged and worn out. I am not in favor to use an ugly book for my academic studies. I was disappointed, but refunded promptly for the costs.

Book is a good intro to sociology. Although, I can see how some people might disagree with some of the information here. I am critical and doubtful when it comes to viewpoints or information in books because I always question the sources. But I didn't find anything disagreeable in here and anyone who has observed the contemporary world would agree with the current information printed in this book.

The book was cheaper than at school and it was in pretty good shape. I was satisfied by my purchase too bad i dropped the class.

Received product as described and within timeframe given. No problems with my order therefore would purchase from this vendor again.

This book came to me in great shape. Couldn't ask for anything better than this. Will serve its purpose very well indeed.

I still haven't received my book, nor have i got any money back. I don't know whats going on with it. But I am starting to get a little pissed off!

i wouldnt recommend buying anything from this seller. they are unreliable and your product probably will not even be sent to you even if your payment has gone through. i ordered a book weeks ago and it still has failed to be shipped.