How to Use This Book

This book gives every student the core knowledge of the humanities and social sciences: how we study human thought, culture, society, behaviour, economies and politics. Each chapter presents key concepts, major thinkers and ideas, and review questions with answers. Numbers in square brackets, such as [1], point to the numbered References at the end. These subjects involve interpretation and debate, so the book presents main perspectives fairly and encourages you to weigh evidence and form your own reasoned views.

Contents

Introduction to the Humanities and Social Sciences

Critical Thinking and Logic

Philosophy and Ethics

Research Methods in the Social Sciences

Sociology: Understanding Society

Psychology: Understanding the Mind and Behaviour

Anthropology: Understanding Cultures

Economics: Choices, Markets and Development

Political Science and International Relations

Law, Rights and Justice

Literature, Language, the Arts and Religion

Media, Communication and Information Literacy

Contemporary Social Issues

Academic Skills: Reading, Writing and Referencing

Careers and Next Steps

References