This work presents a new, alternative approach to studying the formation of political ideologies and attitudes, addressing a concern in political science that research in this area is at a crossroads. The authors provide an epistemologically grounded critique on the literature of belief systems, explaining why traditional approaches have reached the limits of usefulness. Following the lead of such continental theorists such as Jurgen Habermas and Anthony Giddens, who stress the importance ...

In this fascinating interdisciplinary book, Shawn W. Rosenberg challenges two basic assumptions that orient much contemporary social scientific thinking. Offering theory and empirical research, he rejects the classic liberal view that people share a basic common sense” or rationality. At the same time, he questions the view of contemporary social theory that meaning is simply an intersubjective or cultural product.Through in-depth interviews, Rosenberg explores the underlyi...

Demonstrating how the world's most popular sport also serves as a common language across all cultures, communities, and ages, this unique handbook explores the diverse country of South Africa through the game of soccer. Documenting the experiences of real-life professional player Ethan Zohn, this guide follows Ethan and his soccer-playing friend Tawela through the home of the 2010 World Cup, as they study ancient cave art and wildlife preserves, observe the migration of whales, and view a ...

Combining poignant memoir and historical research, a son of Holocaust survivors grapples with the dream of Zionism and its consequences.Israel: A Personal History takes off where Göran Rosenberg's internationally acclaimed and award-winning childhood memoir, A Brief Stop on the Road from Auschwitz, ends. After his father's suicide in 1960 in a small industrial town in Sweden, the remainder of the family, a single mother with two children, emigrate...

Following professional soccer player Ethan Zohn on another global adventure, this entertaining and educational handbook explores the cultures and customs of Mexico. From a walking tour of Mexico City and visits to the ruins of the country's ancient civilizations to a once-in-a-lifetime butterfly migration sanctuary and colorful Lucha Libre wrestling, this investigation explores the real Mexico, avoiding the commonplace tourist traps and border towns. Activities presented in each chapter in...

This book traces the historical development of major language teaching methods in terms of theoretical principles and classroom procedures, and provides a critical evaluation of each. Drawing from seminal, foundational texts and from critical commentaries made by various scholars, Kumaravadivelu examines the profession's current transition from method to postmethod and, in the process, elucidates the relationship between theory, research, and practice. The chief objective is to help reader...

This book provides students with a concise introduction to the philosophy of methodology. The book stands apart from existing methodology texts by clarifying in a student-friendly and engaging way distinctions between philosophical positions, paradigms of inquiry, methodology and methods. Building an understanding of the relationships and distinctions between philosophical positions and paradigms is an essential part of the research process and integral to deploying the methodology and met...

"A welcome renewal and defense of John Dewey's ethical naturalism, which Johnson claims is the only morality 'fit for actual human beings.'" — Notre Dame Philosophical ReviewsWhat is the difference between right and wrong? This is no easy question to answer, yet we constantly try to make it so, frequently appealing to absolutes, whether drawn from God, universal reason, or societal authority. Combining cognitive science with a pragmatist philosophical frame...

This volume presents six alternative approaches to studying second language acquisition – 'alternative' in the sense that they contrast with and/or complement the cognitivism pervading the field. All six approaches – sociocultural, complexity theory, conversation-analytic, identity, language socialization, and sociocognitive – are described according to the same set of six headings, allowing for direct comparison across approaches.Each chapter is authored by leading advocates for t...

'… A beautifully written, articulate and compelling argument for a sociocultural perspective on second language teacher education . . . Essential reading for all who wish to understand this perspective.' – David Nunan, University of Hong Kong'…Significant and timely. Johnson is masterful at writing in an engaging, transparent prose about complex concepts. It’s a rare scholar who can write prose like this. Throughout my reading I wanted to engage in...

Death Valley is a strange and unique area found in the state of California in the United States. What makes this area so different, and what mysteries does it hold? Read on and find out fun facts such as:When do the animals in Death Valley hibernate?Is Death Valley above or below sea level?What happens to most of the rain that tries to fall in Death Valley?What happens to your teeth when you smile in Death Valley?Find out more about Death Valley and ama...

This unique text covers the core research methods and the philosophical assumptions that underlie various strategies, designs, and methodologies used when researching cultural issues. It teaches readers why and for what purpose one conducts research on cultural issues so as to give them a better sense of the thinking that should happen before they go out and collect data. More than a "methods text", it is about all the steps that go into doing cross-cultural research. It discusses...