Amazon.com description: Product Description: Down to Earth Sociology, Introductory Readings is a reader that supplements the traditional introductory sociology text. Now in its eleventh edition, it has been revised to include exciting new material for the introductory course as well as classic articles that all sociology students should have. Fascinating and easy to read, this widely used book focuses on participant observation--giving students a sense of "being there" as some of our field's top practitioners make and report on their investigations. The articles examine diverse topics ranging from the sociology of gender, power, politics, sports, religion and wealth to the contemporary crises of violent crime, poverty, homelessness and AIDS. Also available is an instructor's Manual that contains suggestions for how to teach each selection and a printed test bank and an electronic test item file that offer challenging questions to measure students' comprehension and knowledge.