Statistical analysis has been the de rigeur hermeneutical mode in academic sociology for decades. This timely collection of 12 essays by young sociologists explores the works of classic authors, as well as canonical postmodern writers, and injects them with innovative perspectives. Comprised of seven chapters on theory and five chapters on methodology, this book charts a new course for the sociological enterprise while respecting the canonical works.

Public sociology an approach to sociology that aims to communicate with and actively engage wider audiences has been one of the most widely discussed topics in the discipline in recent years. The Handbook of Public Sociology presents a comprehensive look at every facet of public sociology in theory and practice. It pays particular attention to how public sociology can complement more traditional types of sociological practice to advance both the analytical power of the discipline and its ability to benefit society. The volume features contributions from a stellar list of authors, including several past presidents of the American Sociological Association such as Michael Burawoy, a leading proponent of public sociology. The first two sections of the Handbook of Public Sociology look at public sociology in relation to the other three types of practice professional, policy, and critical with an emphasis on integrating the four types into a holistic model of theory and practice. Subsequent sections focus on issues like teaching public sociology at various levels, case studies in the application of public sociology, and the role of public sociology in special fields in the discipline. The concluding chapter by Michael Burawoy, a past president of the American Sociological Association and a leading proponent of public sociology, addresses current debates surrounding public sociology and presents a constructive vision for the future that embraces and improves upon all four types of sociology. The Handbook of Public Sociology with its examination not only of public sociology but also of how it can enhance and complement other types of practice, transcends differences in the field and will appeal to a wide range of academics, students, and practitioners."

A Discipline Divided brings together the literature on the sociology of sociology and the research on the teaching of sociology to examine the ways in which historical, intellectual, and structural forces shaped the content and objectives of high school sociology courses between 1911 and 2001. Relying on questionnaire and interview data, published descriptions of past high school sociology courses, and current teachers' course materials, Michael DeCesare documents how teachers and sociologists have conceptualized the high school sociology course. On one hand, teachers have consistently taught social problems with an eye toward developing good citizens. On the other hand, sociologists have pushed for scientific sociology in the high school classroom, especially since the 1960s. A Discipline Divided points the way toward a new approach to the study of teaching-one that leads away from individualistic explanations for pedagogical decisions and toward an understanding of contextual and structural influences. Concluding with recommendations for bridging the historical gap between sociology teachers and academics, A Discipline Divided is a comprehensive and detailed study of the first sociology courses many students encounter, and an essential book for sociologists and education researchers.

Death on Demand explores the polarizing role of Jack Kevorkian-"Dr. Death"-as the most visible leader of the right-to-die movement. From a feature on the cover of Time magazine to interviews on shows like 60 Minutes, Kevorkian was a high-profile figure in the right-to-die movement, capturing constant media attention as he helped more than one hundred people kill themselves. The book opens with the death of Janet Adkins in 1990-Kevorkian's first assisted suicide-then travels back to Kevorkian's medical school days and follows his nearly four decades as a lone activist. Death on Demand draws on Kevorkian's interviews and published work as well as newspaper and magazine articles to describe the doctor's publicity stunts, criminal trials, years in prison, and activities after he was paroled. Author Michael DeCesare examines Kevorkian's actions in the context of the right-to-die movement to understand his crucial role in bringing the controversial practice of assisted suicide into the public conversation.

Public sociology-an approach to sociology that aims to communicate with and actively engage wider audiences-has been one of the most widely discussed topics in the discipline in recent years. The Handbook of Public Sociology presents a comprehensive look at every facet of public sociology in theory and practice. It pays particular attention to how public sociology can complement more traditional types of sociological practice to advance both the analytical power of the discipline and its ability to benefit society. The volume features contributions from a stellar list of authors, including several past presidents of the American Sociological Association such as Michael Burawoy, a leading proponent of public sociology. The first two sections of the Handbook of Public Sociology look at public sociology in relation to the other three types of practice-professional, policy, and critical-with an emphasis on integrating the four types into a holistic model of theory and practice. Subsequent sections focus on issues like teaching public sociology at various levels, case studies in the application of public sociology, and the role of public sociology in special fields in the discipline. The concluding chapter by Michael Burawoy, a past president of the American Sociological Association and a leading proponent of public sociology, addresses current debates surrounding public sociology and presents a constructive vision for the future that embraces and improves upon all four types of sociology. The Handbook of Public Sociology with its examination not only of public sociology but also of how it can enhance and complement other types of practice, transcends differences in the field and will appeal to a wide range of academics, students, and practitioners.