Social Theory Re-Wired: New Connections to Classical and Contemporary Perspectives

by Wesley Longhofer (Editor), Daniel Winchester (Editor)

This social theory text combines the structure of a print reader with the ability to tailor the course via an extensive interactive website. Readings from important classical and contemporary theorists are placed in conversation with one another through core themes―the puzzle of social order, the dark side of modernity, identity, etc. The website includes videos, interactive commentaries, summaries of key concepts, exams and quizzes, annotated selections from key readings, classroom activities, and more. See the website at www.routledgesoc.com/theory New to the second

Genres: Sociology

542 pages, Paperback

First published January 17, 2012

Reviews

[Noa]

Really interesting curation of social theorist. Too much time was spent on Durkheim. I wish Paolo Freire was in it.
My professor used this text in conjunction with other writers (pdfs) that made for a really enjoyable course.
It was expensive and I only rented it until 3/4 of the way through and then I was convinced I needed to own it - so I ended up buying it so I could refer back to it.

[Anna]

Interesting compilation of social theorists. I wished they had included an epistemological timeline to illustrate how the different theories emerged and related to each other.

I also think there are some notable absences, like Paolo Freire or Michael Apple, but you can't include everything.

For me the best part was the supplemental materials available that included TED talks, NY Times articles, and other resources that illustrated different concepts which can be found on their website: www.routledgesoc.com/theory

Those supplemental parts were SO good at relating the ideas.

[David Kirschner]

Great undergraduate theory reader. Not as good as the Appelrouth and Edles one, but still useful. It's got most of the same classical pieces and varies a bit on the contemporary ones (enjoyed the focus on "excluded voices, alternative knowledges"). The introductory essays to each section are full of examples raising and addressing questions discussed by each section's theorists, and demonstrating how theory is applicable to the world today. The additional online material is also useful for theorist biographies, additional questions and examples, and assignments.

[Andrew Jones]

Wow can’t believe I finished this book. Well, technically I didn’t read every word, but many words did get read. I guess it’s good for what it is, which is a book on social theory! It did introduce me to ideas and theories I never knew existed. It provided many lenses to look at society and education through.