The best collection of longer primary sources now available in an affordable; compact format.Perspectives from the Past: Primary Sources in Western Civilizations offers a broad range of selections in varying degrees of length; with a total of 225 classic and contemporary primary sources. Selections are long; which gives students a chance to engage and understand each document; and the book includes two visual sources per chapter. The wealth of selections accommodates most any course curriculum; and the readings may be used on their own or in conjunction with a textbook.
#90881 in Books 2012-03-12Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.30 x .90 x 5.50l; .55 #File Name: 0393340511336 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Insightful; observant; compellingBy hazmatdanceAnderson addresses many of the issues that have plagued me as a city dweller pretty much all my life. How do we know whom to trust on the street? How can we tell who is safe and who isn't? How can we conduct ourselves to avoid giving offense? A lot of the criteria we use for these snap judgments can be called into question by carefully dissecting social interactions in a way that does not shame anyone for having basic fears or biases. Anderson brings a sociologist's powers of observation together with an engaging descriptive and narrative style that's not too full of jargon.So; can our social problems be solved through better design alone? A lot of new urbanists would have us think so. One of Anderson's main themes is the design public spaces that foster civility and a sense of shared ownership. He does this by examining spaces in his hometown of Philadelphia where this actually occurs and tries to figure out what makes these spaces work. The right space brings out the "cosmopolite" in everyone; whereas other spaces tend to reinforce membership in a particular group and distrust of outsiders.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Very Well Executed EthnographyBy Timothy D. HotzeA lot of smart people don't know much about ethnography - what it is; why it's conducted; or what it could be useful for. Cosmopolitan Canopy is a great example of how ethnography can be useful.Anderson explores how physical space; behavior; and race intermingle in open spaces in central Philadelphia - an indoor market; a mall; and a park. He argues that some urban spaces create a 'cosmopolitan canopy' where people can (safely) act certain kinds of behaviors; focusing in particular on explorations of race.The book a rare combination of being well-written (and easy and fun to read) and thorough and insightful; and shows how ethnography can be a valuable tool in exploring the topic of race in contemporary America.This book belongs alongside Mitchell Duneier's classic Slim's Table; both for its exploration of race and as a first-rate example of how ethnography should be done.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great ReadBy ShawnHad to get this book for a sociology class but its very well written and I plan keeping after the class over. If you looking for a book to go with a social minorities class you really could not do better.
