New eBook Release: Exploring Sociology in the Antipodes: Introduction to Sociology – 1st Australian Edition

 

JCU Library staff are pleased to announce the release of the new Open Access eBook, Exploring Sociology in the Antipodes: Introduction to Sociology – 1st Australian Edition.

This book is designed for introductory courses in sociology. It beautifully mixes the core tenants of  sociology with contemporary content, and has material relevant for Australian and New Zealand audiences. 

Through an approach that recognises both the European classics and those not talked about enough, which includes sociology outside of the European and American scenes, the authors highlight classical and contemporary thinkers from a range of backgrounds.

By adopting an inclusive approach that acknowledges both European classics and lesser-discussed perspectives, including sociology beyond the European and American contexts, the authors showcase influential classical and contemporary thinkers from diverse backgrounds. This gives students the necessary foundations to understand how sociology has emerged and developed in different contexts over time. 

This eBook has been highly regarded by peer reviewers, with one saying:

 "This is an excellent textbook – it gives a robust and rich understanding of classical and contemporary traditions in sociology, and situates them thoughtfully and effectively in relation to specific concepts and fields of study."

The authors are two JCU academics, Associate Professor Theresa Petray (she/her) and Associate Professor Nick Osbaldiston. 

Associate Professor Theresa Petray is an Associate Professor in Sociology and Head of the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences academic group, at James Cook University. Her research and teaching both centre on the concepts of agency and social change. Theresa is committed to using her academic work to contribute to social justice.

Associate Professor Nick Osbaldiston is a sociologist who joined James Cook University in 2015. He has previously worked at the University of Melbourne, Monash University and Federation University (Gippsland). Nick currently works in the College of Arts, Society and Education and is a teaching and research academic. He is also currently a research fellow with the Cairns Institute.

Congratulations to both authors! 

Exploring Sociology in the Antipodes: Introduction to Sociology – 1st Australian Edition is openly licenced and freely available to read via the Open Educational Resources Collective. You can also view JCU's entire catalogue at JCU Open eBooks. 

The JCU Open Educational Resources Program

The JCU Open Educational Resources Program is a project in the Education Division, spearheaded by JCU Library. The aim of the project is two-fold: 

• To support lecturers in adopting, adapting and creating Open Educational Resources including textbooks and workbooks in order to better support the learning of our students at JCU 
• To make information about the people and places of the Tropics more widely accessible and understood. More than 40% of the world's population live in the Tropics and 40% of the world's surface is within the Tropics, but the area is often underrepresented in teaching materials.