Through the Global Lens: An Introduction to the Social Sciences

by Strada, Michael J.

• ISBN13: 9780130979506
• ISBN10: 0130979503
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-01-01
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Summary

This lively, readable book covers all of the social sciences (sociology, anthropology, political science, economics, psychology, and geography) in the context of contemporary global interdependence using the Stanislavsky Method of perceptual analysis. Case studies, maps, feature film analyses, and photos highlight important historical events and concepts throughout. Using the Stanislavsky Method to analyze the six social sciences, this book explores globalization, physical setting, psychology and human motivation, anthropological and sociological influences, political science, and macro- and international economics. For anyone interested in learning about social science and the globalization of the “human

Table of Contents

UNIT I THE HUMAN DRAMA: THROUGH THE GLOBAL LENS AND THE SOCIAL SCIENCES
Globalization	1	(34)
Social Science Philosophy and Methods	35	(22)
UNIT II PHYSICAL SETTING UNDERLYING THE HUMAN DRAMA
Geography and Spatial Analysis	57	(18)
Global Ecological Problems	75	(33)
Solving Ecological Problems	108	(36)
UNIT III SUBJECTIVE INFLUENCES ON THE HUMAN DRAMA
Identity amid Human Diversity	144	(29)
Psychology and Human Motivation	173	(25)
Global Ethics and Human Rights	198	(23)
UNIT IV SOCIOCULTURAL INFLUENCES ON THE HUMAN DRAMA
Anthropology and Humans as Bio-cultural Beings	221	(31)
Sociology and Human Social Activity	252	(47)
Comparative Cultures	299	(32)
UNIT V DIRECTING THE HUMAN DRAMA: POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT
Political Science: Who Gets What, When, and How	331	(27)
The State Challenged by New Actors	358	(31)
UNIT VI PRODUCING THE HUMAN DRAMA: HUMAN AND NONHUMAN RESOURCES
Macroeconomics and U.S. Economic Hegemony	389	(29)
International Economics	418

Excerpts

Reviewers pronounced as healthy the first edition's treatment of psychology, geography, ecological problems, international relations, and social science scope and methods. Properly diagnosed as anemic, however, were chapters on sociology, anthropology, ecological solutions, global issues, and political science--each of which received a transfusion of new ideas. Three related motifs course through the veins of this rejuvenated specimen. The motifs highlightcontent, method, and philosophy. First, regardingcontent,we will peer through the global lens in studying the human drama on the world stage. In our shrinking world, what happens in Bangkok, Beirut, or Beijing resonates for North Americans more than ever; therefore,globalizationrepresents motif number ONE in this text. For most U.S. citizens, what globalization meant during the 1990s was a booming economy based on free trade. But then the prevailing positive paradigm buckled when the shrinking world flashed its dark side on September 11, 2001. Most other countries knew terrorism intimately, but America was wholly unprepared, and the attacks rattled its psyche. Paradoxically, the lone superpower becomes the most vulnerable actor on the planet. My second approach relates tomethod.To apply the knowledge and insights provided by each social science (anthropology, economics, geography, political science, psychology, sociology), a truly multi -disciplinary effort is required. This is accomplished via motif number TWO, theStanislavsky Method,in studying the human drama. Named for Russian theater genius Konstantin Stanislavsky, "the method" entails dramatic training whereby actors seek to get behind the eyeballs of their characters, seeing the world as their characters would (the New York Actors Studio popularized it). An adaptation of the Stanislavsky method known as perceptual analysis is used to fathom each social science's unique vision of human behavior. Third, a particularphilosophical orientationalso permeates this text. Common-sensical thinking is good enough for some things, but not the complexities of human behavior. Some observers describe common sense as a necessary condition for sound judgment, but, surely, it is not a sufficient condition. That's why the social sciences come equipped with motif number THREE,critical thinking:skepticism that refuses to accept things at face value. Critical thinking means asking questions that probe unexamined assumptions. Common sense came apart at the seams when Copernicus's skepticism proved the earth was not flat, and again when Galileo's skepticism verified that the earth revolved around the sun. Open a copy of theSkeptical Inquirermagazine to see critical thinking at work today. This book works for two kinds of courses: the traditional introductory social science, and newer courses about global issues or international studies. Certain features assist in delivering the promised goods (content, process, philosophy). Stylistically, the prose is asked to stand up and perform withclarity,yet, to do so without abandoning a sense ofscholarship,epitomized by well over 1,000 endnotes. Seamlessly blending scholarship and the conceptual building blocks needed to get behind the perceptual lenses of each social science is aided by defining key terms immediately in arunning glossary.Case studies provide interesting real-world experiences illustrating vital concepts, and more than 50 cases are boxed into the text. Another heuristic tool analyzes feature films to underscore various points compellingly. An end of chapter study guide has been added to this edition, enabling students to test their knowledge of the material presented before moving on in the text. SUPPLEMENTS Instructor's Manual Prepared by the author, this manual includes five types of test questions, annotations of scores of documentary films for