Cengage Advantage Books: Analyzing Politics

By Ellen Grigsby

Book Overview

Brief, accessible, and sophisticated, ANALYZING POLITICS, Sixth Edition, presents a clear outline of the discipline of political science and helps students understand the practical and immediate uses of applying analytical approaches to the study of politics. This text is notable for its early coverage of methods and theory and the use of a case study approach--introduced and used to acquire in-depth information about a particular subject while also pointing to its limitations. While the text covers fundamental concepts with contemporary, political examples, discussions of feminism and environmentalism offer a distinct departure from other texts and a unique opportunity to professors and students of political science. The Sixth Edition incorporates a new theme: It introduces the reader to some ways in which political science evaluates and seeks to unravel some of the complexities of 21st century politics. Because politics is rarely straightforward, students of political science need to be prepared for surprises, surprises so multilayered that they can be conceptualized as puzzles or riddles. The new edition confronts these complexities directly and brings them into every chapter of the book.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1285465598
• ISBN13: 9781285465593
• Release Date: January 2014
• Publisher: Cengage Learning
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.14 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.3" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Excellent Introduction to Political Science

This book was used in my Introduction to Political Science course. The book is incredibly easy to read and explains the essential basics of political science quite well. The historical examples and analysis within the text provide superb contextual support for the theories explained by Grigsby. While the book is riddled with leftist overtones, it manages to not misconstrue right-wing viewpoints and values. The beliefs of the author, however, are clearly defined. Additionally, the section regarding International Relations is a bit barebones.

Excellent, Comprehensive-- A Great Intro

You couldn't ask for more in an intro to Political Science text. Grigsby, as fabulous a writer as she is a professor, does a commendable job of raising questions and stating facts about the field of politics and society in general while keeping a detached tone. She applies abstract concepts to real life situations. This is a wonderful book from a great teacher. A must read for 101-variety polisci classes.