Essentials of Sociology by James M Henslin

Essentials of Sociology by James M Henslin

A Down-to-Earth Approach

Henslin's popular brief paperback text shares the excitement of sociology, with its acclaimed “down-to-earth” approach and personal writing style that highlight the sociology of everyday life and its relevance to students' lives. James Henslin has a unique ability to engage students without talking down to them or sacrificing content. With wit, personal reflection, and illuminating examples, he shares with readers his passion for sociology.

Students are guided on their sociological journey with:

Down-to-Earth Approach

Comparative Perspectives

Globalization of Capitalism

Visual Presentations of Sociology

Henslin hooks students on learning about the world around them, and suggests they seek answers to the question `Why should I care?

Roger Nemeth, Hope College

My students tell me that they love the varied scenarios Henslin provides in the book

Kristie Palmer, Richland Community College

The boxed features in Henslin often explore controversial issues that generate great on-line discussions among my distance learning students.

Kristie Palmer, Richland Community College

Henslin begins each chapter with an interesting vignette. The text is accessible and easy to read.

Lucy Ogburn, Middlesex Community College

Henslin offers an introduction to research and his heavy inclusion of research shows its importance. He does this at just the right level.

Jan Poppendieck, City University of New York, Hunter College

I appreciate Henslin's balanced theoretical approach, good topic coverage, and that the book is very readable.

Derral Cheatwood, University of Texas, San Antonio

The boxed examples in Henslin add a new dimension to the course. He truly has a down-to-earth approach.

Sue Dowden, El Camino College

Students like this book because the reading level is just right, the examples are relevant, and the strong visuals keep them interested. My students also like [Henslin's] accounts of his many travels; they give the book a global feel.

Romana Pires, San Bernadino Valley College

James M. Henslin was born in Minnesota, graduated from high school and junior college in California and from college in Indiana. Awarded scholarships, he earned his Master’s and doctorate degrees in sociology at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. After this, he was awarded a postdoctoral fellowship from the National Institute of Mental Health, and spent a year studying how people adjust to the suicide of a family member. His primary interests in sociology are the sociology of everyday life, deviance, and international relations. He has published widely in sociology journals, including Social Problems and American Journal of Sociology. While a graduate student, Jim Henslin taught at the University of Missouri at St. Louis. After completing his doctorate, he joined the faculty at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, where he is Professor Emeritus of Sociology. He says, “I’ve always found the introductory course enjoyable to teach. I love to see students’ faces light up when they first glimpse the sociological perspective and begin to see how society has become an essential part of how they view the world.” Henslin enjoys reading and fishing. His two favorite activities are writing and traveling. He especially enjoys visiting and living in other cultures, for this brings him face to face with behaviors and ways of thinking that he cannot take for granted, experiences that “make sociological principles come alive.”