In the fourth edition of Essential Criminology, authors Mark M. Lanier, Stuart Henry, and Desire .M. Anastasia build upon this best-selling critical review of criminology, which has become essential reading for students of criminology in the 21st century.Designed as an alternative to overly comprehensive, lengthy, and expensive introductory texts, Essential Criminology is, as its title implies, a concise overview of the field. The book guides students through the various definitions of crime and the different ways crime is measured. It then covers the major theories of crime, from individual-level, classical, and rational choice to biological, psychological, social learning, social control, and interactionist perspectives. In this latest edition, the authors explore the kind of criminology that is needed for the globally interdependent twenty-first century. With cutting-edge updates, illustrative real-world examples, and new study tools for students, this text is a necessity for both undergraduate and graduate courses in criminology.

For decades, scholars have disagreed about what kinds of behavior count as crime. Is it simply a violation of the criminal law? Is it behavior that causes serious harm? Is the seriousness affected by how many people are harmed and does it make a difference who those people are? Are crimes less criminal if the victims are black, lower class, or foreigners? When corporations victimize workers is that a crime? What about when governments violate basic human rights of their citizens, and who then polices governments? In What Is Crime? the first book-length treatment of the topic, contributors debate the content of crime from diverse perspectives: consensus/moral, cultural/relative, conflict/power, anarchist/critical, feminist, racial/ethnic, postmodernist, and integrational. Henry and Lanier synthesize these perspectives and explore what each means for crime control policy.

In the fourth edition of "Essential Criminology," authors Mark M. Lanier, Stuart Henry, and Desire J.M. Anastasia build upon this best-selling critical review of criminology, which has become essential reading for students of criminology in the 21st century.
Designed as an alternative to overly comprehensive, lengthy, and expensive introductory texts, "Essential Criminology" is, as its title implies, a concise overview of the field. The book guides students through the various definitions of crime and the different ways crime is measured. It then covers the major theories of crime, from individual-level, classical, and rational choice to biological, psychological, social learning, social control, and interactionist perspectives. In this latest edition, the authors explore the kind of criminology that is needed for the globally interdependent twenty-first century. With cutting-edge updates, illustrative real-world examples, and new study tools for students, this text is a necessity for both undergraduate and graduate courses in criminology.

A trial lawyer by trade, a Christian by heartaauthorMark Lanier has trained in biblical languages and devoted his life to studying and livingthe Bible. Living daily with the tension between the demands of his career and the desire for a godly life, Lanier recognizes the importance and challenge of finding daily time to spend in God's Word. He credits the Psalms in particular for his continued growth in faith, obedience, wisdom, and understanding. In Psalms for Living , Lanier shares a year's worth of devotionals gathered over a lifetime of walking with the Lord. For each day of the year, Lanier reflects on the words of the Psalter, relates them back to the struggles facing Christians today, and concludes with a prayer connected to the day's insights. His engagement with the Psalms offers fellow Christians the opportunity to receive the gifts of grace and guidance that come from daily immersion in scripture.

The first comprehensive collection of readings on the topic, "Introduction to Homeland Security" provides students with the most recent research and policy related to homeland security in the United States.
The text is divided into three parts. In Part 1, students become familiar with the genesis and mission of the Department of Homeland Security. Part 2 addresses threats to homeland security, and Part 3 explores responses to these threats.
In addition to discussing recent developments in homeland security, the anthology also gives historical perspective and covers policy and operations.
Appendices at the end of the text present information on initial homeland security presidential directives, how the structure of government changed after the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, the structure of the department, communication networking, and the cybersecurity chain of command.
Informed by expertise in the areas of criminology and law enforcement, "Introduction to Homeland Security" gives readers a firm understanding of this new area of study. The book can be used in courses on law enforcement, criminal justice, criminology, political science, sociology, anthropology and psychology.
Mark M. Lanier, Ph.D., received his interdisciplinary doctoral degree with a concentration in criminology, sociology, and psychology from Michigan State University. Dr. Lanier is a professor and Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Alabama and is the university's McNair Fellow for 2013. He has over 60 scholarly publications, including "Research Methods in Criminology: A Mixed Methods Approach," co-authored with Lisa Briggs, and "Essential Criminology," co-authored with Stuart Henry. Currently, Dr. Lanier is developing epidemiological criminology as a bridge between public health, medical sociology, and criminal justice.
Ted Sexton, recently appointed as Director of the Los Angeles Homeland Security Division, has taught courses in homeland security and criminal justice for the Department of Criminal Justice. A longtime Tuscaloosa County sheriff, in 2007 he was honored as the nation s Outstanding Sheriff of the Year.

"Advanced Research Methods for the Social Sciences" is a unique anthology featuring readings and summaries selected and prepared by actual users of the material undergraduate students who had just completed a required research methods course.
The book includes a wide array of works by leading researchers and provides an equal balance of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methods with a critical focus. The papers selected for inclusion were originally written by internationally acclaimed researchers in their respective fields.
Written in a conversational tone that is easily accessible to students, "Advanced Research Methods" explores complex research methods in a comprehensive, logical way. The book is appropriate for courses in criminal justice, criminology, sociology, political science, psychology, and interdisciplinary studies.
Mark M. Lanier, Ph.D., received his interdisciplinary doctoral degree with a concentration in criminology, sociology, and psychology from Michigan State University. Dr. Lanier is a professor and Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Alabama and is the university's McNair Fellow for 2013. He has over 60 scholarly publications, including "Research Methods in Criminology: A Mixed Methods Approach," co-authored with Lisa Briggs, and "Essential Criminology," co-authored with Stuart Henry. Currently, Dr. Lanier is developing epidemiological criminology as a bridge between public health, medical sociology, and criminal justice.
Catherine A. Ford was a member of the University of Alabama crew team and full time student employee of the UA Outdoor Recreation department. She graduated last semester.
Jonathan C. Reid is a senior at the University of Alabama. He is 1st team All American for track and field and is also 1st team Academic All American.
Katlyn M. Stricklend is majoring in political science and criminal justice at the University of Alabama. She is a member of Capstone Men and Women, the university's official ambassador program.