51 Sociology
Beyond Race: Cultural Influences on Human Social Life
Vera Kennedy (West Hills College Lemoore)
2018
Licence: CC BY-NC-SA
This sociology text has been positively-reviewed. It covers introductory concepts in cultural sociology, from culture and meaning to cultural identity. The book is supported by discussion of relevant theory and research in cultural sociology. Beyond Race: Cultural Influences on Human Social Life has stressed learner-centered teaching with the instructor taking on the role of a facilitator of learning. As such, it is expected the instructor will serve as the mediator between the content of this book and learners’ understanding of material on multiple and higher levels. This book does not offer a set of rules in teaching cultural sociology, but rather suggests content and applications to consider and modify as needed by the ever-changing dynamics of instructors and learners.
Format: PDF
A Career in Sociology
Vera Kennedy (West Hills Community College Lemoore)
2020
Licence: CC BY-NC-SA
An introductory level textbook that provides sociological terms, concepts, and theories in the study of sociological practice. The book contains five modules with sociological applications on: 1) Careers in Sociology, 2) Theoretical Approaches in Practice, 3) Sociological Interventions, 4) Working with Diverse Groups, and 5) Preparing for a Career in Sociology.
Format: PDF
Classical Sociological Theory and Foundations of American Sociology
Allison L. Hurst
2018
Licence: CC BY-SA
There are a few features unique to this particular selection of texts. First, when not originally published in English, they have been freshly translated for the 21st century student. Another unique feature of this volume is the inclusion of a section on early American sociological theory.
Format: Online, PDF, EPUB, and more
Suggested for: SOCI 335
Foundations in Sociology I: Social Construction of Everyday Life
Susan Robertson (University of Saskatchewan)
2020
Licence: CC BY
One part of a two-part introduction to the discipline of sociology, the study of society. It examines how we come to understand and experience ourselves and the world around us and how we create culture. Students will be introduced to the study of culture, socialization, social interaction, identity formation and self-fashioning, the social construction of class, gender and race, age, deviance, and other social phenomena.Based on Introduction to Sociology – 2nd Canadian Edition.
Formats: Online, EPUB, and PDF
Suggested for: SOCI 287
Foundations in Sociology II: Society Structure Process
Susan Robertson (University of Saskatchewan)
2020
Licence: CC BY
One part of a two-part introduction to the discipline of sociology, the study of society. It examines theories and methods for studying changes to the nature and organization of society from pre-modern, to modern and post-modern. Students will be introduced to core sociological concepts used to understand social inequality, social order, social change, and globalization. Based on Introduction to Sociology – 2nd Canadian Edition.
Formats: Online, EPUB, and PDF
Suggested for: SOCI 300
Individual and Family Development, Health, and Well-being
Diana Lang (Iowa State University)
2022
Licence: CC BY-SA
This book provides an overview of lifespan developmental tasks (physical, cognitive, language, social, emotional) examined from individual and family theoretical perspectives. It covers topics related to families, diversity, individual and family health and well-being, and reciprocal relationships as affected by external factors.
Format: Online, PDF, EPUB
Suggested for: SOCI 216
Introduction to Sociology – 2nd Canadian Edition
William Little (Thompson Rivers University)
2016
Licence: CC BY
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. Although this text can be modified and reorganized to suit your needs, the standard version is organized so that topics are introduced conceptually, with relevant everyday experiences.
Formats: Online, PDF, EPUB, MOBI, and more
Suggested for: SOCI 287, SOCI 288
Languages and Worldview
Manon Allard-Kropp (University of Missouri-St. Louis)
2020
Licence: CC BY-NC-SA
Asking and answering questions about what culture entails and examines the fundamental properties and intertwining nature of language and culture. This text explores linguistic relativity, lexical differences among languages and intercultural communication, including high and low contexts.
Format: PDF
Marriage, Intimate Relationships, and Families
Ron Hammond and Paul Cheney
2018
Licence: CC BY
This introductory level course provides an overview of core concepts and theories which contribute to our understanding of intimate relationships and families. The text provides a structure and sequence of issues for the course, but the students will contribute much of the content. A heutagogical instructional design allows students in the course to provide much of the substantive content and teaching presence. Student-led class discussions provide the opportunity for an engaging and personally relevant exploration of the material.
Formats: Online
Suggested for: SOCI 216
Principles of Sociological Inquiry: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods
Amy Blackstone (University of Maine)
2014
Licence: CC BY-NC-SA
Principles of Sociological Inquiry: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods 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: (1) as consumers of popular and public information, (2) as citizens in a society where findings from social research shape laws, policies, and public life, and (3) as current and future employees. Connections to these roles are made throughout and directly within the main text of the book. Principles of Sociological Inquiry: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods 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.
Formats: Online and PDF
Suggested for: SOCI 301
A Quick Guide to Quantitative Research in the Social Sciences
Christine Davies
2020
Licence: CC BY-NC
This book is intended as an easy-to-use guide for anyone who needs some quick and simple advice on quantitative aspects of research in social sciences, which may prove useful as a supplemental material for undergraduate or graduate students. Chapters are organized by the research process.
Format: PDF
Suggested for: SOCI 301
Research Methods for the Social Sciences: An Introduction
Valerie Sheppard (Justice Institute of British Columbia)
2020
Licence: CC BY-NC-SA
This textbook provides a broad overview of research methods utilized in sociology. It will be of particular value for students who are new to research methods.
Formats: Online, EPUB, PDF, and MOBI
Suggested for: SOCI 301
Social Data Analysis
Mikaila Mariel Lemonik Arthur (Rhode Island College)
2023
Licence: CC BY-NC-SA
Social data analysis enables you, as a researcher, to organize the facts you collect during your research. Your data may have come from a questionnaire survey, a set of interviews, or observations. They may be data that have been made available to you from some organization, national or international agency or other researchers. Whatever their source, social data can be daunting to put together in a way that makes sense to you and others.
Formats: Online, EPUB, PDF
Social Problems: Continuity and Change
Licence: CC BY-NC-SA
This text provides an overview of social problems, including poverty, racial and gender inequality, ageism, the economy, healthcare, and war.
Format: Online
Suggested for: SOCI 290
Sociology of Education in Canada
Karen L. Robson
2019
Licence: CC BY-SA
Sociology of Education in Canada utilizes a contemporary theoretical focus to analyze how education in Canada is affected by pre-existing and persistent inequalities among members of society. It presents the historical and cultural factors that have shaped our current education system, examines the larger social trends that have contributed to present problems, discusses the various interest groups involved, and analyzes the larger social discourses that influence any discussion of these issues.
Format: Online, PDF, EPUB, and more
Suggested for: SOCI 291
Sociology: Understanding and Changing the Social World
Steven Barkan (University of Maine) (Saylor Foundation)
2014
Licence: CC BY-NC-SA
The book includes the most recent data in the following categories, so your students have access to the latest sociological trends: crime and victimization, income and poverty, life expectancy and aging, employment, marriage and divorce, education, medical care and health disparities, and fertility and population change.
Formats: Online, PDF, EPUB, MOBI and more
Suggested for: SOCI 435
Speaking of Culture
Nolan Weil
Licence: CC BY-NC
The purpose of this textbook is to define culture and other concepts associated with it. This book will help you to better understand the breadth of the concept of culture and provide a vocabulary for discussing it more articulately. Culture is a broad concept that cuts across many academic disciplines. This book touches on anthropology, biology, history, mythology, political science, psychology, and sociology.
Format: Online, PDF, EPUB