Synopses & Reviews
Using a conceptual organizing framework, The Practical Skeptic: Core Concepts in Sociology is a concise introduction to sociology that focuses on core concepts as the central building blocks for understanding sociology. Written in a lively, very conversational style -- witness such chapter titles as "Science and Fuzzy Objects: Specialization in Sociology" and "Whos Afraid of Sociology?" --, McIntyre uses numerous pedagogical features to help students grasp key sociological concepts and to learn the essential lesson that there is much that goes on in the social world that escapes the sociologically untrained eye.
About the Author
Lisa J. McIntyre is associate professor in sociology at Washington State University. She received the PhD in sociology from The University of Chicago. She is the author of three books including The Public Defender: The Practice of Law in the Shadows of Repute; Law in the Sociological Enterprise and The Practical Skeptic: Core Concepts in Sociology and the editor of The Practical Skeptic: Readings in Sociology. With Marvin Sussman, McIntyre edited Families and Law. An enthusiastic teacher and popular lecturer, McIntyre is a winner of Washington State Universitys William F. Mullen Teaching Medal and numerous departmental teaching awards. Her central research focus is on how law and social behavior interact.
Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction
So, What is Sociology? The Value of Sociology to Students
Tips for Studying Sociology-And An Invitation
Chapter 1: Responding to Chaos: A Brief History of Sociology
Inquiries into the Physical World Technology, Urbanization, and Social Upheaval The Origins of Modern Sociology in France:Émile Durkheim