Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Political Issues (Taking Sides: Political Issues) [Paperback]

George McKenna (Author), Stanley Feingold (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 9, 2004 | ISBN-10: 0072968885 | ISBN-13: 978-0072968880 | Edition: 14

This debate-style reader is designed to introduce students to controversies in politics. The readings represent the arguments of major political writers such as Bill Kristol, Nat Hentoff, and Charles Krauthammer. Issues include: "Are Tax Cuts Good for America?," “Was the Invasion of Iraq Justified?," "Does the Patriot Act Abridge Essential Freedoms?," and "Must America Exercise World Leadership?" The purpose of this volume is to develop critical thinking skills by requiring students to analyze opposing viewpoints and reach considered judgments. The Taking Sides Series is supported by the student website, Dushkin Online (www.dushkin.com/online/), where study tips and links to related websites can be found.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

McKenna received his Ph.D. at Fordham University. He has taught for 30 years at The City College of New York. He is the coeditor of two books in our Dushkin Taking Sides series: Taking Sides on social issues and on political issues. He has led local civic and environmental groups in New York and New Jersey.

Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill/Dushkin; 14 edition (August 9, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0072968885
• ISBN-13: 978-0072968880
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,106,670 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You Gotta Have an Opinion--and Then There's the Other Guy, September 14, 2004

By 

Little Bird (Hub of the Universe) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Political Issues (Taking Sides: Political Issues) (Paperback)

This is an excellent series. The arguments and counter-arguments have been put together very well. Sure, I disagree with at least 50%, but the fun is in seeing each side make a valid point (and get demolished by the other side!). The editors, Feingold & McKenna, have consistently done a good job with this series. Worth buying just for fun, and invaluable if you are a student (enrolled or otherwise) of Political Science!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good starting point, November 17, 2007

By 

J. Aragon "Feminist Educator" - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Political Issues (Taking Sides: Political Issues) (Paperback)

This book is perfect for a primer in American Politics, especially current topics or controversial topics. The book does a good job of presenting the pro and con of the issues and is a good source for an undergraduate course.

I would like to see the next edition include some of the less "hot" topics. That simple comment aside, I do appreciate how the book offers both ends of the political continuum w/ each issue.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good for an Intro to Govt course, October 7, 2005

By 

Phillip Edens "Phil" (Bham Alabama) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Political Issues (Taking Sides: Political Issues) (Paperback)

Anyone starting out in undergrad Political science should read this textbook, articles deal with current issues and can provide for lively discussion.