Need help using Encore, the library search tool? Here's a step-by-step guide!
The library at has hundreds of Social Sciences books. Search Encore for additional titles.
Power and Society by
Designed as a basic text for an introductory, interdisciplinary social science course, POWER AND SOCIETY introduces students to key concepts in anthropology, sociology, economics, psychology, political science, and history. Using the theme of power, the text first introduces each of the social sciences and demonstrates how the various disciplines differ in their focus and methods, while maintaining the central integrative theme. The text then uses an interdisciplinary viewpoint to illustrate the nature and uses of power in society. POWER AND SOCIETY ignites students' interest in the social sciences by exploring some of the central challenges and contemporary controversies facing American society; for example, ideological conflict, racism and sexism, poverty and powerlessness, crime and violence, community problems, and international relations.
Contemporary Society by
This best-selling text emphasizes that social and cultural changes are the pervasive realities of our era. One of the main themes of Contemporary Societyis that the transition from an industrial to a post-industrial order in the modern world is fraught with difficulties, as was the transition from an agricultural to an industrial order in an earlier era. Within this framework, we can observe the increasing fragmentation of the social order, which tends to lead people away from community and a common purpose and often invites conflict and disunity. At the same time, countervailing social forces are also at work, providing some stability, some shelter in the storm. Finally, societies are faced with the rapid and transformative power of information technology, a fact that propels separate groups of people into a global entity.
Social Science by
Social Science: An Introduction to the Study of Society 16e approaches social science from a common-sense perspective, rather than from a conventional social science angle. Readers will see how seemingly diverse disciplines intermingle ¿ anthropology and economics, for example. The goal of the book is to teach¿students critical thought and problem solving skills that will allow them¿to approach social issues in an¿unbiased manner. ¿ New to this edition are significant¿updates on: ¿ Race and the police More comparison/contrasts of deviance and criminality Alternative pathways in criminal justice new technology such as self-driving cars Gay marriage American political dynasties Refugee and immigration issues in Europe & globally American political dynasties China¿s growing power New trade initiatives "States" in the Middle East Nuclear arms control¿ Expanded web-based ancillaries for students and teachers
How Social Science Can Help Us Make Better Choices by
In a world beset with problems, how can we encourage people to act differently? It seems almost daily that new studies emerge telling us how human action is causing planetary degradation, how changes to our diets could lead to us living longer healthier lives, or that financially we are in danger of returning to the debt related crises of the previous decade. At the same time how many of us adjust our behaviour in response to such information? In this new book Professor Chris Brown explores people's reactions to Optimal Rational Positions: propositions that set out requirements for change. For example the need to reduce carbon emissions to minimize the impacts of climate change is an Optimal Rational Position; as is the need to engage in 30 minutes of exercise a day, to eat more healthily or to drink less alcohol. It seems obvious that we should want to pursue Optimal Rational Positions because they espouse the types of behaviours that will enable us to live healthier, happier or more productive lives; that can improve the lives and outcomes of others; or that can help us ensure social and environmental sustainability. Yet at the same time we often fail to change our behaviours to those which might be most optimal. Outlining an exciting and innovative route forward, and with real-life case studies from education, How Social Science Can Help Us Make Better Choicesprovides a new way to think about why people make the choices they make and, vitally, the role social science can play in response.
Philosophy of Social Science by
This is a much-needed new introduction to a field that has been transformed in recent years by exciting new subjects, ideas, and methods. It is designed both for students with central interests in philosophy and those planning to concentrate on the social sciences, and it presupposes no particular background in either domain. From the wide range of topics at the forefront of debate in philosophy of social science, the editors have chosen those which are representative of the most important and interesting contemporary work. A team of distinguished experts explore key aspects of the field such as social ontology (what are the things that social science studies?), objectivity, formal methods, measurement, and causal inference. Also included are chapters focused on notable subjects of social science research, such as well-being and climate change. Philosophy of Social Science provides a clear, accessible, and up-to-date guide to this fascinating field.
Social Science and Sustainability by
Sustainability policies shape the ways that society and the economy interact with the environment, natural resources, and ecosystems, and they address issues such as water, energy, food security, and climate change. These policies are complex and, at times, obscured by contestation, uncertainty, and sometimes ignorance. Ultimately, sustainability problems are social problems, and they need to be addressed through social and policy change. Social Science and Sustainabilitydraws on the wide-ranging experience of CSIRO's social scientists in the sustainability policy domain. These researchers have extensive experience in addressing complex issues of society-nature relationships, usually in interdisciplinary collaboration with natural scientists. This book describes some of the evidence-based concepts, frameworks, and methodologies they have developed, which may guide a transition to sustainability. Contributions range from exploring ways to enhance livelihoods and alleviate poverty to examining Australians' responses to climate change, to discussing sociological perspectives on sustainability, and how to make policy relevant. Researchers, policy-makers and decision-makers around the globe will find this book a valuable and thought-provoking contribution to the sustainability literature. It is also suited to academics and students in postgraduate-level courses in social sciences and sustainability, or in courses in applied sociology, applied social psychology and other applied social sciences.
Daley College subscribes to EBSCO ebooks, which can accessed from home 24 hours a day.
Theorizing in Social Science by
All social scientists learn the celebrated theories and frameworks of their predecessors, using them to inform their own research and observations. But before there can be theory, there must be theorizing. Theorizing in Social Science introduces the reader to the next generation of theory construction and suggests useful ways for creating social theory. What makes certain types of theories creative, and how does one go about theorizing in a creative way? The contributors to this landmark collection--top social scientists in the fields of sociology, economics, and management--draw on personal experiences and new findings to provide a range of answers to these questions. Some turn to cognitive psychology and neuroscience's impact on our understanding of human thought, others encourage greater dialogue between and across the arts and sciences, while still others focus on the processes by which observation leads to conceptualization. Taken together, however, the chapters collectively and actively encourage a shift in the place of theory in social science today. Appealing to students and scientists across disciplines, this collection will inspire innovative approaches to producing, teaching, and learning theory.
Research Methods for Business and Social Science Students by
Research Methods for Business and Social Science Students aims to present a clear discussion of the research methods employed in various disciplines related to our daily life problems. The theoretical basis of research methods is explained clearly and succinctly. Collecting data is a key part of the book and this includes both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each method.nbsp; The book also describes in clear terms how students can analyse data, interpret results and link these to the literature review and hence their own contribution. It sets out a range of fundamental ideas in research methods, such as deductivism and inductivism, and explains why methodology is not the same as method. In this second edition every chapter has been re-written to be more readable and also to include more examples. The authors have also added a real student research proposal and a multiple-choice test with answers for the readers to test their own understanding of the ideas in the book. The book has been designed to illustrate research tools in a clear and accessible manner through chapters on such topics as formulating research, research design, data analysis and writing up the research results.