Sociology Concepts & Applications in a Diverse World

This theoretically balanced text offers global perspectives and shows how sociology is applied to real problems. It also contains a built-in study guide. Throughout the text, the author uses illuminating examples to show how society works and how human behavior is shaped by cultural, structural, and institutional forces.As in previous editions, the Seventh Edition integrates two themes that reflect contemporary trends in sociology. The first is an examination of how sociological knowledge can be applied to social problems to help and improve our world. The second is the recognition that societies and cultures are becoming increasingly diverse and interdependent.Chapters open with a set of "Myths and Facts" to show that much of what people believe about social life is either wrong or oversimplified. Every chapter ends with a comprehensive "Study and Review" section and with a short list of books that can assist the student in further exploring topics covered in that chapter.Illustrates sociological concepts and issues in the context of societies and cultures around the world with a boxed feature called "Other Worlds, Other Ways." Many address concerns about globalization, cross-culturalism, and diversity."Applying Sociology" boxes in each chapter address issues of applied research and social policy development. These boxes show how sociological theory and research not only lead to greater understanding, but often guide the search for solutions to societal and personal problems as well.A "Sociology of Media and Technology" section addresses how the mass media and modern communications technologies influence values, norms, and behavior as well as shape social institutions and contribute to patterns of dominance and inequality.Every key term in the text is defined at its first point of use.A "Sociology on the Internet" section in each chapter extends the focus on modern communications technologies by encouraging students to search for sociologically relevant material on the Internet.Learning objectives are included with every major section in the text. OVERALL This is an excellent mainstream comprehensive text which contains some very attractive features, such as numerous international examples, and brief built-in study guides and practice exams.Richard BallFerris State University Well written and comprehensive.Richard BallFerris State University The top strengths of this text are its readability, cross cultural and other good examples and its thorough coverage of most topics.Peggy PrebbleThomas Nelson Community College One strength of the text is its ability to structure a vast amount of information into an understandable, user-friendly presentation.Melba BreenThe Community College of Baltimore County The greatest strength of this text lies in its organization.Melba BreenThe Community College of Baltimore County WRITING STYLE The writing style of this text is very good. It flows well and is "reader friendly" to the student. The use of myths, cross cultural examples and visual aids is well incorporated to help the flow of each chapter.Peggy PrebbleThomas Nelson Community College DIVERSITY There are a number of readings about other cultures.Richard BallFerris State University The top strengths of this text are its readability, cross cultural and other good examples and its thorough coverage of most topics.Peggy PrebbleThomas Nelson Community College Another strength of this text is the incorporation of diversity into the subject matter.Melba BreenThe Community College of Baltimore County PEDAGOGYThe inclusion of learning objectives and practice tests in each chapter are good pedagogical devices. The use of key terms and concepts and critical thinking questions will also enhance the students' ability to grasp the material. The case examples, illustrations and graphics, myths and facts presented in each chapter were interesting and informative. This text has an organizational structure or style that keeps the readers interest in the material.Peggy PrebbleThomas Nelson Community College STUDY & REVIEW I am impressed with study and review sections. They should be very helpful to those students who will use them, and having them integral to the text itself should encourage use.Richard BallFerris State University FOR ONLINE COURSES I do use Sullivan's Sociology along with supplementary materials. My course is online, and my students find it easy to follow.Melba GreenThe Community College of Baltimore County