Richard T. Schaefer's "Sociology: A Brief Introduction" offers a comprehensive and contemporary exploration of sociology, encouraging students to think critically about society and their own lives through classical and contemporary perspectives. This revised edition incorporates updated research findings, examples relevant to students' experiences, and various learning aids to foster the development of sociological imagination.
The book delves into fundamental sociological concepts, theories, and research methods without overwhelming students, making it accessible and engaging. It emphasizes the application of theories and research to real-world issues, helping students develop a meaningful understanding of sociology.
Schaefer's approach invites students to integrate sociology into their daily lives, with particular focus on race, ethnicity, and globalization. Through the lens of sociological imagination, students are encouraged to think like sociologists and apply sociological frameworks to analyze the world around them.
The preface reflects Schaefer's extensive experience teaching sociology across diverse educational settings, highlighting the discipline's role in fostering critical thinking skills and its relevance to public policy issues. The text unfolds systematically, beginning with the concept of sociological imagination and progressing through various topics including culture, socialization, social interaction, deviance, inequality, family, education, government, health, and social change.
Each chapter provides a thorough examination of its respective topic, supported by references, glossary, and indices for further exploration. Additionally, applications of sociology's major theoretical perspectives help students understand how sociological concepts can be applied to different social phenomena.
The book concludes with insights into the author, Richard T. Schaefer, who brings decades of experience and expertise to the field of sociology. As a professor at DePaul University, Schaefer's dedication to teaching and scholarship is evident in his numerous textbooks and contributions to sociology journals.
Sociology: A Brief Introduction invites students to take sociology with them into their daily lives. This successful student program includes strong coverage of race, ethnicity and globalization. Accessible material encourages students to develop their sociological imagination and start thinking like a sociologist. Paired with McGraw Hill Connect®, a personal and adaptable learning experience, students learn to apply the three theoretical frameworks of sociology to the world around them.
Richard T. Schaefer received a BA in sociology from Northwestern University and a master's and Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago. Dr. Schaefer became a professor of sociology and now teaches at DePaul University in Chicago. In 2004, he was appointed to the Vincent DePaul Chair in recognition of his undergraduate teaching and scholarship. He has taught introductory sociology for more than 35 years to college students, adult education programs, nursing programs, and a maximum security prison. Dr. Schaefer is the author of several sociology textbooks; his articles and book reviews have appeared in many journals, including the American Journal of Sociology, Phylon: A Review of Race and Culture, Contemporary Sociology, Sociology and Social Research, Sociological Quarterly, and Teaching Sociology.