The Basics Series

Economics: The Basics provides a fascinating introduction to the key issues in contemporary economics. With case studies ranging from the coffee plantations of El Salvador to the international oil industry and the economic slowdown in Japan, it addresses fundamental questions such as: *Must increasing wealth for some mean increasing poverty for others? *Does producing more food for humankind mean we drive other species to extinction? *Is it true that, if we buy less coffee, farm incomes from Brazil to Kenya take a beating? *Is granting people property rights the best way to preserve fish and wildlife stocks? *Do we really have to choose between low unemployment and low inflation? Comprehensive and easy to read, this accessible guidebook is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand how economics works and why it is important.

This title examines the fundamental principles of the subject from policy to practice. It covers concepts of special educational needs, the historical development of special provision, key legislation and much more.

This book exploring all aspects of Shakespeare's plays including the language, cultural contexts, and modern interpretations, this text looks at how a range of plays from across the genres have been understood.

Internet Psychology: The Basics draws on classic psychological theories to shed fresh light on both the negative and positive aspects of the online world and how it has affected contemporary society.

The Bible: The Basics is an accessible and engaging introduction to the Bible as both a sacred text, central to the faith of millions, and a classic work of Western literature, containing a tapestry of genres, voices, perspectives and images. The second edition has been updated throughout and includes: maps and detailed suggestions for

This compact introduction to the basic principles is the ideal primer for anyone looking for an accessible overview of this fascinating subject, covering the core areas of cognitive, developmental and social psychology, as well as behaviorism, the brain, our emotions, personality and individual differences, and psychological disorders.

Stanislavski: The Basics is an engaging introduction to the life, thought and impact of Konstantin Stanislavski. Regarded by many as a great innovator of twentieth century theatre, this book examines Stanislavski's: life and the context of his writings major works in English translation ideas in practical contexts impact on modern theatre With further reading throughout, a glossary of terms and a comprehensive chronology, this text makes the ideas and theories of Stanislavski available to an undergraduate audience.

The question of whether humans are free to make their own decisions has long been debated and it continues to be a controversial topic today. In Free Will: The Basics readers are provided with a clear and accessible introduction to this central but challenging philosophical problem. The questions which are discussed include: Does free will exist? Or is it illusory? Can we be free even if everything is determined by a chain of causes? If our actions are not determined, does this mean they are just random or a matter of luck? In order to have the kind of freedom required for moral responsibility, must we have alternatives? What can recent developments in science tell us about the existence of free will? Because these questions are discussed without prejudicing one view over others and all technical terminology is clearly explained, this book is an ideal introduction to free will for the uninitiated.

Criminology is a discipline that is constituted by its subject matter rather than being bound by an agreed set of concepts or way of thinking. This fully updated third edition of Criminology: The Basics is a lively and engaging guide to this compelling and complex subject. This edition also includes new sections on genocide, terrorism, cultural victimology, and Westo-centric thinking. Concise and accessible, this book utilises chapter summaries, exercise questions and lists of further reading to provide a perfect introduction to this subject.

Fully updated and revised, the second edition of Media The Basics is the ideal guide to the changing landscape of media and Media Studies. There have been seismic shifts in what constitutes (the) media in recent years with technological advances ushering in whole new categories of producers, consumers and modes of delivery. This has been reflected in the way media is studied with new theories, concepts and practices coming to the fore. This new edition addresses core questions Featuring new case studies, an updated glossary and suggestions for further reading, this is the ideal introduction to Media Studies today for both A Level and undergraduate students.

Traces jazz's growth from its folk origins through early recordings and New Orleans stars; the big-band and swing era; bebop; cool jazz and third stream; avant-garde; jazz-rock; and the neo-conservative movement of the 1980s and 1990s. This book serves as an introduction to the players, the music, and others.

Queer Theologies: The Basics is a concise and illuminating introduction to the study of this controversial and discursive subject area. This book provides an accessible exploration into the major themes within queer studies, queer theologies, and themes of gender and sexuality in Christianity. Topics covered include: The development of queer theologies Queering 'traditional' theology Queer theologies in global contexts Queer Bible Queer theologies from queer lives With a glossary of key terms and suggestions for further reading throughout, this book is an ideal starting point for anyone seeking a full introduction to Christian queer theologies as well as broader themes in theology, gender, and sexuality.

Revised edition of the author's Finance, 2011.

This concise and cutting-edge introduction to the fast moving world of AI examines issues of what it means to be man or machine and looks at advances in robotics which have blurred the boundaries.

Sociology: A Global Introduction is the most complete learning resource for introductory sociology students across Europe. Written in a lively and engaging way, the new edition of this popular text will engage, excite and challenge students - encouraging them to understand core topics, critique existing arguments, move to the cutting edge and read further around the subject. With a firm focus on UK/European society, issues are discussed in greater detail than in existing textbooks. Of particular significance is the book's global perspective, looking at traditional, modern and postmodern society in a wider multicultural environment.

Readers are introduced to bioethics from the ground up before being invited to consider some of the most controversial but important questions facing us today. This thoroughly revised second edition provides a concise, readable and authoritative introduction for anyone interested in the study of bioethics.

Religion and science are arguably the two most powerful social forces in the world today. But where religion and science were once held to be compatible, many people now perceive them to be in conflict. This unique book provides the best available introduction to the burning debates in this controversial field. Examining the defining questions and controversies, renowned expert Philip Clayton presents the arguments from both sides, asking readers to decide for themselves where they stand: - science or religion, or science and religion? - history and philosophy of science - the role of scientific and religious ethics - modifying genes, extending life, and experimenting with human subjects - religion and the environmental crisis - the future of science vs. the future of religion. Thoroughly updated throughout, this second edition explores religious traditions from around the world and provides insights from across the sciences, making this book essential reading for all those wishing to come to their own understanding of some of the most important debates of our day.

Greeks and Romans: Classical Tragedy -- "When the bad bleed"? Early Modern English Tragedy -- Neo-Classicism, Restoration Tragedy and Sentimentality -- "From Hero to Victim": Romantic Tragedy and After -- Modernism and Tragedy -- The Survival of Tragedy -- Conclusion -- Glossary

What is behavioral economics and why is it important? -- The ascent and dissent of economics -- Econ: homo economicus -- Human: more homer (simpson) than homo economicus -- Manners, monkeys and moods -- Nudge: whys, ways and weasels -- Sell! the commercial (and political) world of persuasion

Animal Ethics has long been a highly contested area with debates driven by unease about various forms of animal harm, from the use of animals in scientific research to the farming of animals for consumption.Animal Ethics: The Basics is an essential introduction to the key considerations surrounding the ethical treatment of animals. Taking a thematic approach, it outlines the current arguments from animal agency to the emergence of the ‘political turn’. This book explores such questions as:- Can animals think and do they suffer?- What do we mean by speciesism?- Are humans special?- Can animals be political or moral agents?- Is animal rights protest ethical?Including outlines of the key arguments, suggestions for further reading and a glossary of key terms, this book is an essential read for philosophy students and readers approaching the contested field of Animal Ethics for the first time.Contents:Introduction1. Picturing Animal Ethics2. Singer’s Utilitarianism3. Regan on Animal Rights4. Contract Theories5.What is so special about Humans?6. The Holocaust Analogy7. Abolitionism8. Animals and the Environment9. The Political TurnConclusionGlossaryIndex

Philosophy: The Basics gently eases the reader into the world of philosophy. Each chapter considers a key area of philosophy, explaining and exploring the ways in which philosophy addresses key questions.

Using jargon-free language and lively, up-to-date examples, Semiotics: The Basics demystifies this highly interdisciplinary subject. It is ideal for newcomers to semiotics.

Provides an introduction to the systems, movements and issues of modern politics--From publisher description.

This work outlines the theories and approaches to the study of television in an accessible form for students. It is divided into four sections - forms of knowledge, audiences, gender and race. It discusses many television texts including "Star Trek", "Kung Fu" and "Sesame Street".

This book is a dynamic response to recent societal and entertainment industry changes, focusing on inclusion, diversity and equity, and the actor's trajectory from training to rehearsal to performance on stage and screen.

Humans are social animals and through conversation, written communication, symbols and other expressions are constantly interacting with each other. 'Discourse' is an accessible and engaging introduction to the analysis of those interactions and the many forms, expressions and meanings they can take. The book draws on a range of international case studies and examples from literature, political speech, advertising and newspaper articles to address key questions such as: What is discourse? Why are there different approaches to understanding discourse? What issues affect the collection and management of discourse? How can discourse be represented?

"Art History: The Basics is a concise and accessible critical introduction for the general reader and the undergraduate approaching the history of art for the first time. Fully illustrated with an international range of artistic examples, it introduces key ideas, issues and debates. Questions explored include: What is art and what is meant by art history? What approaches and methodologies are used to interpret and evaluate art? How have ideas regarding medium, gender, identity and difference informed representation? What perspectives can psychoanalysis, semiotics and social art histories bring to the study of the discipline? How are the processes of postcolonialism, decolonisation and globalisation changing approaches to art history? This critical introduction offers information on relevant websites and image archives, helpful subject summaries, suggestions for further reading and a useful glossary for easy reference"--

An engaging introduction to one of the most complex areas of modern life. The book introduces both the main components of the legal system - including judges, juries and law-makers - and key areas of law - contract, civil negligence, and criminal law - to provide the uninitiated with an ideal introduction to law. Key questions to be considered include: How are laws made? How do judges decide cases? What is the exact role of the EU in the legal system? What are your rights and duties under contract law? What is a crime and what are criminal defences? Throughout the book, a wide range of contemporary cases are examined to relate key legal concepts to familiar examples and real world situations.

Now in its second edition, Film Studies: The Basics continues to provide a concise but complete introduction to the study of film. Every chapter has been revised and new illustrations and examples are included to bring the book up-to-date ensuring that Film Studies: the Basics remains the ideal starting point for anyone interested in the way we think about cinema and film.

Offers an introduction to the politics of the European Union. Suitable for students and the general reader, this title explains: the EU's development; how the EU works, and why it works this way; the EU's major policies; the EU's biggest problems and controversies; and, the EU's likely evolution.

Judaism represents a tradition that goes back nearly 6,000 years. This book talks about the stories, beliefs and expressions of that tradition. The key topics covered include: the Torah; Israel - the state and its people; Passover; Reform Judaism, Orthodox Judaism and Zionism; and, the impact of the Holocaust.

Translation: The Basics is an accessible introduction to the current study of translation which provides a comprehensive outline of this complex area of study. Combining traditional text-based views with the context of translation in its widest sense, its comprehensive approach emphasizes an integrated approach to methodology in order to critically address influences such as power and gender, as well as cultural, ethical, political and ideological issues. It is an essential read for anyone interested in translation.

Human genetics has blossomed from an obscure biological science and explanation for rare disorders to a field that is profoundly altering health care for everyone. This thoroughly updated new edition of Human Genetics: The Basics provides a concise background of gene structure and function through the lens of real examples, from families living with inherited diseases to population-wide efforts in which millions of average people are learning about their genetic selves. Written in an engaging, narrative manner, this concise introduction is an ideal starting point for anyone who wants to know more about genes, DNA, genomes, and the genetic ties that bind us all.

Presents an introductory overview of the main themes in criminal law. This book offers essential information about what the law is and defines and discusses different types of criminal offense, from homicide and assault to fraud and conspiracy. It includes references to key cases, main statutes and lists of further reading.

This new edition introduces the core elements of ancient Greek and Roman narratives about immortal gods and heroic humans and their influence throughout history. This book offers a clear, concise, and accessible introduction to classical mythology for students, scholars, and the general reader.

Explains and explores anthropological ideas, key anthropological thinkers, concepts and themes, and the history of anthropological ideas. The author argues that the issues anthropology deals with are all around us - in magazines, newspapers and on television.

This third edition of Forensic Psychology: The Basics continues to provide an accessible overview of the core topics and theories in this fascinating discipline.

Subcultures: The Basics is an accessible and engaging introduction to subcultures in a global context. This fully revised new edition adds new case studies and an additional chapter on the digital lives of subculturists as well as reflections on the relationships between subcultures and globalisation and the resurgence of the far-right.

This revised second edition of Social Work: The Basics is an insightful introduction to the often misrepresented world of social work. This accessible book presents a broad view of contemporary social work, exploring its roots and its possible future.

Fully updated and expanded, the second edition of this still compact text on British politics expertly analyses the major changes in British political life, placing them revealingly within the context of the evolution of British society from absolute monarchy to representative democracy. The author considers each of the major components of British politics in digestible chapters, such as the Monarchy and the House of Lords, the Commons, voting behaviour, parties and pressure groups, the prime minister and cabinet, devolution, local government, and foreign policy. The book includes two new chapters on the EU referendum and Brexit, and the extraordinary December 2019 election, as well as coverage of events such as the coronavirus pandemic, and the respective travails of the increasingly split two major political parties. This readable and comprehensive introduction will be of key interest to A-level students, undergraduates and those new to the study of British politics.