College of Humanities & Social Sciences - Open & Free Materials by Course: Sociology

Introduction to Sociology 2e adheres to the scope and sequence of a typical, one-semester introductory sociology course. It offers comprehensive coverage of core concepts, foundational scholars, and emerging theories.

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It is no accident that many sociology instructors and students are first drawn to sociology because they want to learn a body of knowledge that could help them make a difference in the world at large. Sociology: Understanding and Changing the Social World is designed for this audience. It presents a sociological understanding of society but also a sociological perspective on how to change society, while maintaining the structure and contents of the best mainstream texts.

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Introduction to Sociology adheres to the scope and sequence of a typical introductory sociology course. In addition to comprehensive coverage of core concepts, foundational scholars, and emerging theories, we have incorporated section reviews with engaging questions, discussions that help students apply the sociological imagination, and features that draw learners into the discipline in meaningful ways.

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Introduces a variety of concepts and theories that are helpful in understanding the social world in which we live. It asks and answers the questions “What is sociology?” “How do groups, networks, and social interactions shape our reality?” and “How do identities and social structures shape our opportunities?” Uses a multi-level, intersectional feminist approach to frame our understanding of contemporary sociology in the United States. Reference existing instructor coursepacks:

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Social Problems: Continuity and Change is a realistic but motivating look at the many issues that are facing our society today. As this book’s subtitle, Continuity and Change, implies, social problems are persistent, but they have also improved in the past and can be improved in the present and future, provided that our nation has the wisdom and will to address them.

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"The book encourages further inspection of the ways in which data is collected, interpreted, and analyzed on a variety of social justice issues... It also attempts to reveal how the misuse of data can reinforce inequities... Whether an intended or unintended consequence, irresponsible data use can contribute to racist impressions of people and communities."

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This first and only university textbook of human security is intended as an introductory text from senior undergraduate level up and includes chapters by 24 authors, from BC, Canada, and around the globe, that encompass the full spectrum of disciplines contributing to the human security field. It is based on the four pillar model of socio-political security, economic security, environmental security and health security.

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examines the persistent social problems of our world, asking both who suffers and who benefits. We explore inequality in issues that challenge communities today, such as education, mental health, death and dying, and disaster recovery, among others. We invite students to celebrate the work of those who remind us of our interdependence, to imagine powerful equitable solutions, and to co-create a more just world. Reference existing instructor coursepacks:

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Foundational exploration of the causes, impacts, and dynamics of social change. Informed by the tenets of universal design, equity and belonging, and a commitment to a decolonizing approach, it is written for undergraduate students majoring in social sciences, social work, ethnic studies, or social justice studies. Reference existing instructor coursepacks:

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Introductory textbook suitable for students of sociology and women, gender, and sexuality. Reference existing instructor coursepacks:

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provides students with a foundational understanding of the changing experiences and needs of contemporary families in the United States. It emphasizes the multi-directional influence of social structure as well as the impacts of difference, power, and oppression. Using an intersectional lens and placing the diversity of families at its core, the text prepares students with a range of majors and career paths to use their sociological imaginations, identify privilege and oppression, practice inclusion and take part in increasing equity for families, whether at the professional level, the personal level or both. Reference existing instructor coursepacks:

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This book is divided into four parts: 1. A conceptual section on conducting quantitative data analysis. 2. A conceptual section on conducting qualitative data analysis. 3. A practical section on conducting quantitative data analysis using SPSS. 4. A practical section on conducting qualitative data analysis using Dedoose. Each part can be used separately by those interested in developing the relevant skills.

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"Social science research methods are those skills and techniques we use to build knowledge about social phenomena. In this text, we are specifically interested in empirical social science research methods as a way of building knowledge. When using empirical methods, we are building knowledge based on systematic observations."

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"The book encourages further inspection of the ways in which data is collected, interpreted, and analyzed on a variety of social justice issues... It also attempts to reveal how the misuse of data can reinforce inequities... Whether an intended or unintended consequence, irresponsible data use can contribute to racist impressions of people and communities."

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emphasizes the relevance of research methods for the everyday lives of its readers, undergraduate students. Each chapter describes how research methodology is useful for students in the multiple roles they fill. Also provides balanced coverage of qualitative and quantitative approaches by integrating a variety of examples from recent and classic sociological research. The text challenges students to debate and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of both approaches.

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Published by the American Anthropological Association

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OpenStax Introduction to Anthropology is a four-field text integrating diverse voices, engaging field activities, and meaningful themes like Indigenous experiences and social inequality to engage students and enrich learning. The text showcases the historical context of the discipline, with a strong focus on anthropology as a living and evolving field. There is significant discussion of recent efforts to make the field more diverse-in its practitioners, in the questions it asks, and in the applications of anthropological research to address contemporary challenges. In addressing social inequality, the text drives readers to consider the rise and impact of social inequalities based on forms of identity and difference (such as gender, ethnicity, race, and class) as well as oppression and discrimination. The contributors to and dangers of socioeconomic inequality are fully addressed, and the role of inequality in social dysfunction, disruption, and change is noted.

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As information and communications technology (ICT) evolve families and the professionals who work with them are best armed with tools that enable their intentional use. From the perspective of a long time family practitioner, researcher, and educator, and technology innovator, this textbook offers the first comprehensive view of technology in the family for college students, professionals and the public. Each chapter offers content and a complete reference list, learning activities, ideas for critical blog posting and additional readings. Overall, the textbook covers foundational information about our societal use of information and communications technology, family theories and ways of understanding families, and how families differ in their use and access to ICT.

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