Top Social Science eBooks

Crime Classification Manual: A Standard System for Investigating and Classifying Violent Crimes eBook by Douglas, John E. / Burgess, Ann W. / Burgess, Allen G.

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:21 GMT

This is the second edition of the landmark book that standardized the language and terminology used throughout the criminal justice system. It classifies the critical characteristics of the perpetrators and victims of major crimes—murder, arson, sexual assault, and nonlethal acts—based on the motivation of the offender. The second edition contains new classifications on computer crimes, religion-extremist murder, and elder female sexual homicide. This edition also contains new information on stalking and child abduction, the use of biological agents as weapons, cybercrimes, Internet child sex offenders, burglary and rape, and homicidal poisoning. In addition, many of the case studies and crime statistics have been updated.

After the Martian Apocalypse: Extraterrestrial Artifacts and the Case for Mars Exploration eBook by Tonnies, Mac

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:21 GMT

Part exo-archaeological treatise and part cultural commentary, After The Martian Apocalypse is an uncompromising and groundbreaking perspective on a cosmic controversy that has perplexed scientists and astronomers for years. Here, Mac Tonnies details the latest Mars discoveries and their paradigm-toppling implications, offering strong new evidence that points to an extinct civilization on the Red Planet -- and explaining how our own survival may depend on confronting the strange and ancient truths to be found there. Facing the prospect of a previous intelligent extraterrestrial civilization, Tonnies portrays Mars as a scientific and cultural conundrum. He challenges orthodox notions of mankind's role in space -- and illuminates the imperative concept that to truly understand our own world, we must first understand our unsettling and enigmatic planetary neighbor.

CliffsTestPrep Praxis II: Social Studies Content Knowledge Test (0081) eBook by Pate, Shana

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:21 GMT

Customer Review: Is it just my version? There are only 2 practice tests when the details state that there are 3?

A Handbook of Media and Communication Research eBook by

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:21 GMT

The Handbook of Media and Communication Research presents qualitative as well as quantitative approaches to the analysis and interpretation of media, covering perspectives from both the social sciences and the humanities. The Handbook offers a comprehensive review of earlier research and a set of guidelines for how to think about, plan, and carry out studies of media in different social and cultural contexts. Divided into sections on the history, systematics and pragmatics of research, and written by internationally acknowledged specialists in each area, the Handbook will be a standard reference work for students and researchers in the field of media, communication and cultural studies.

China, Sex and Prostitution eBook by Jeffreys, Elaine

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:21 GMT

How should issues of sexuality and power in China be interpreted? Are China scholars really able to translate linguistically and culturally the 'truth' of China? And to what extent do fieldwork and interviews locate a study in the 'real life' of a country and its people?

This book is a topical and important critique of recent scholarship in China studies, Feminist studies and social theory. By examining recent literature on sexuality, power and prostitution, this book engages with contemporary debates concerning the application of mainstream theories in contexts other than those in which they were originally formulated. Beginning controversially with a critique of China scholarship since the Cold War, the text moves on to an examination of recent writing on sexuality in China. Through an analysis of government control and policing of prostitution the work highlights the unproductive nature of feminist debates over the most favorable responses to prostitution. It suggests that the very diversity of prostitution businesses and practices that exist in present day China show that it is not possible to characterize 'sex work' as a target for governmental intervention.

Cultures of Mass Tourism: Doing the Mediterranean in the Age of Banal Mobilities eBook by

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:21 GMT

Cultures of Mass Tourism: Doing the Mediterranean in the Age of Banal Mobilities

Chinampas: Their Role in Aztec Empire - Building and Expansion, Including a Chapter on the Historical Background of the Aztecs and the Valley of Mexic eBook by Aghajanian, Alfred

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:21 GMT

The volume describes the Chinampa Agricultural System, its history and its role in Aztec empire-building. It contains a chapter on the history of Aztecs and the Valley of Mexico, and concludes that the Chinampa Agricultural System, employed by Aztecs as the main form of agricultural system, is one of the most important variables in settlement of the nomadic Aztec tribes, expansion of the tribes, the Aztec state formation, and ultimately in Aztec empire-building and its expansion. Several relevant and rich scholarly sources have been identified, through which inferences have been made using specific evidence, and inductive and deductive reasoning. The inferences made through these sources suggest the viability of the hypothesis that the Chinampa Agricultural System was one of the most important elements in the Aztec empire-building process.

Beyond Heaving Bosoms: The Smart Bitches' Guide to Romance Novels eBook by Wendell, Sarah

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:21 GMT

Customer Review: Written with humor, irreverence, and an obvious love for the wide wild world of romance novels, this book is hellagood snarky delight. Ranging from serious to silly and back again, the Smart Bitches reveal (pun intended) and revel in the genre's excesses. It was a damn fun read, with enough insightful critical bits to keep things interesting. Plus there are coloring pages! A Choose-Your-Own-Ending Romance with paranormal, Regency, pirate, and contemporary paths! Mad-Libs! Controversy! And even a board game!

Amusing Ourselves to Death eBook by Postman, Neil

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:21 GMT

Originally published in 1985, Neil Postmans groundbreaking polemic about the corrosive effects of television on our politics and public discourse has been hailed as a twenty-first-century book published in the twentieth century. Now, with television joined by more sophisticated electronic mediafrom the Internet to cell phones to DVDsit has taken on even greater significance. Amusing Ourselves to Death is a prophetic look at what happens when politics, journalism, education, and even religion become subject to the demands of entertainment. It is also a blueprint for regaining controlof our media, so that they can serve our highest goals.

Afghanistan: Past and Present /Comprised of Afghanistan, a Country Study and Country Profile: Afghanistan eBook by

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:21 GMT

This volume is a rich reference source on the history and the politics of Afghanistan. It is useful for all who are interested in learning about Afghanistan's history, culture, politics, etc. It can be a comprehensive aid to students of almost all academic disciplines interested in studying and researching of many aspects of Afghanistan. The volume provides an historical overview of Afghanistan from the Pre-Islamic period through the period of Soviet intervention in the country. It describes the Afghan natural and social environment, and includes, among other subjects, discussion of ethnic groups, religion, education, health, and the country's refugee problem. In addition the book provides additional historical background and analyzes on the development of the Taliban regime and opposition to it. Finally, it provides a Summary of current information on the post Taliban era in Afghanistan.

An Introduction to Political Communication eBook by McNair, Brian

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:21 GMT

An Introduction to Political Communication

Atlas of Changing South Africa eBook by Christopher, A. J.

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:21 GMT

This book is a comprehensive introduction and detailed analysis of the spatial impact of apartheid in South Africa. The Atlas presents the policy and its impact in visual, spatial forms by including over 70 maps.

Complete Idiot's Guide to Lost Civilizations eBook by Ryan, Donald, D.

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:21 GMT

Separating fact from fiction, this work shows the reader where to find the civilizations that have vanished or exist with only slight clues left among ruins. As well as stories of lost civilizations, it presents news on the latest and most exciting archaeological finds.

101 Reasons Why You Should Not Become A Cop eBook by Warner, James Richard

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:21 GMT

The real world of law enforcement often bears little similarity to the action-packed police dramas depicted on television and in the movies. Many people who are drawn into a career in law enforcement have little knowledge about the trials and tribulations faced by police officers in contemporary society. Author James Warner offers an objective point of view on this crisis in his insightful book 101 Reasons Why You Should Not Become A Cop.

With a diverse background including over nineteen years of experience as a police officer, traffic officer, police supervisor, and field-training supervisor, Warner delivers an honest portrayal of the negative aspects of law enforcement. He has spent numerous years collecting true-life experiences from present and retired officers-and from ex-police officers who resigned from the force. Some of the stories include:

The Heavy Badge Syndrome
Injuries on the Job
The Quasi-Military Nature of Law Enforcement
Marriage Is a Hobby

101 Reasons Why Not To Become A Cop is a valuable resource for anyone considering a career in law enforcement, as well as a source of humor and comfort for veteran officers.

Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences eBook by Byrne, David

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 54:11:21 GMT

Chaos and complexity are the new buzz words in both science and in contemporary society. The ideas they represent have enormous implications for the way we understand and engage with the world. "Complexity Theory in the Social Sciences" introduces the central ideas which surround the chaos/complexity theories, discussing key concepts and using them to investigate the nature of social research. By applying them to such familiar topics as urban studies, education and health, this book allows readers new to the subject to appreciate the contribution which complexity theory can make to social research and to illuminating the crucial social issues of our day.