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Understanding American Sports
by Gerald R. Gems Gertrud PfisterSince the nineteenth century the USA has served as an international model for business, lifestyle and sporting success. Yet whilst the language of sport seems to be universal, American sports culture remains highly distinctive. Why is this so? How should we understand American sport? What can we learn about America by analyzing its sports culture? Understanding American Sports offers discussion and critical analysis of the everyday sporting and leisure activities of ‘ordinary’ Americans as well as the ‘big three’ (football, baseball, basketball), and elite sports heroes. Throughout the book, the development of American sport is linked to political, social, gender and economic issues, as well as the orientations and cultures of the multilayered American society with its manifold regional, ethnic, social, and gendered diversities. Topics covered include: American college sports the influence of immigrant populations the unique status of American football the emergence of women’s sport in the USA With co-authors from either side of the Atlantic, Understanding American Sports uses both the outsider’s perspective and that of the insider to explain American sports culture. With its extensive use of examples and illustrations, this is an engrossing and informative resource for all students of sports studies and American culture.
Understanding American Sports
by Gerald R. Gems Gertrud PfisterSince the nineteenth century the USA has served as an international model for business, lifestyle and sporting success. Yet whilst the language of sport seems to be universal, American sports culture remains highly distinctive. Why is this so? How should we understand American sport? What can we learn about America by analyzing its sports culture? Understanding American Sports offers discussion and critical analysis of the everyday sporting and leisure activities of ‘ordinary’ Americans as well as the ‘big three’ (football, baseball, basketball), and elite sports heroes. Throughout the book, the development of American sport is linked to political, social, gender and economic issues, as well as the orientations and cultures of the multilayered American society with its manifold regional, ethnic, social, and gendered diversities. Topics covered include: American college sports the influence of immigrant populations the unique status of American football the emergence of women’s sport in the USA With co-authors from either side of the Atlantic, Understanding American Sports uses both the outsider’s perspective and that of the insider to explain American sports culture. With its extensive use of examples and illustrations, this is an engrossing and informative resource for all students of sports studies and American culture.
Understanding American Power: The Changing World of US Foreign Policy
by Bryan MabeeThis broad-ranging assessment of US power in the twenty-first century covers not just the nature and mechanics of foreign policy but the broad array of economic, military, political, social and ideological forces that shape America's global position and role, all set in a clear historical context.
Understanding American Political Parties: Democratic Ideals, Political Uncertainty, and Strategic Positioning
by Jeffrey M. StonecashHow do parties respond to the electorate and craft winning strategies? In the abstract parties are the vehicles to make democracy work, but it is often difficult to see the process working as well as we think it might. Indeed, voters often struggle to see parties as the valuable vehicles of representation that so many academics describe. There is a clear discrepancy between the ideal expressed in many textbooks and the reality that we see playing out in politics. Noted scholar Jeffrey Stonecash gives us a big picture analysis that helps us understand what is happening in contemporary party politics. He explains that parties behave the way they do because of existing political conditions and how parties adapt to those conditions as they prepare for the next election. Parties are unsure if realignment has stabilized and just what issues brought them their current base. Does a majority support their positions and how are they to react to ongoing social change? Is the electorate paying attention, and can parties get a clear message to those voters? This book focuses on the challenges parties face in preparing for future elections while seeking to cope with current conditions. This coping leads to indecisiveness of positioning, simplification of issues, repetition of messages, and efforts to disparage the reputation of the opposing party. Stonecash sheds much needed light on why parties engage in the practices that frustrate so many Americans.
Understanding American Political Parties: Democratic Ideals, Political Uncertainty, and Strategic Positioning
by Jeffrey M. StonecashHow do parties respond to the electorate and craft winning strategies? In the abstract parties are the vehicles to make democracy work, but it is often difficult to see the process working as well as we think it might. Indeed, voters often struggle to see parties as the valuable vehicles of representation that so many academics describe. There is a clear discrepancy between the ideal expressed in many textbooks and the reality that we see playing out in politics. Noted scholar Jeffrey Stonecash gives us a big picture analysis that helps us understand what is happening in contemporary party politics. He explains that parties behave the way they do because of existing political conditions and how parties adapt to those conditions as they prepare for the next election. Parties are unsure if realignment has stabilized and just what issues brought them their current base. Does a majority support their positions and how are they to react to ongoing social change? Is the electorate paying attention, and can parties get a clear message to those voters? This book focuses on the challenges parties face in preparing for future elections while seeking to cope with current conditions. This coping leads to indecisiveness of positioning, simplification of issues, repetition of messages, and efforts to disparage the reputation of the opposing party. Stonecash sheds much needed light on why parties engage in the practices that frustrate so many Americans.
Understanding American Icons: An Introduction to Semiotics
by Arthur Asa BergerThis brief, student-friendly introduction to the study of semiotics uses examples from 25 iconic locations in the United States. From Coney Island to Las Vegas, the World Trade Center to the Grand Canyon, Berger shows how semiotics offers a different lens in understanding locations taken for granted in American culture. He recasts Disneyland according to Freud, channels the Mall of America through Baudrilliard, and sees Mount Rushmore through the lens of Gramsci. A seasoned author of student texts, Berger offers an entertaining, non-threatening way to teach theory to undergraduates and that will fit ideally in classes on cultural studies, American studies, social theory, and tourism.
Understanding American Icons: An Introduction to Semiotics
by Arthur Asa BergerThis brief, student-friendly introduction to the study of semiotics uses examples from 25 iconic locations in the United States. From Coney Island to Las Vegas, the World Trade Center to the Grand Canyon, Berger shows how semiotics offers a different lens in understanding locations taken for granted in American culture. He recasts Disneyland according to Freud, channels the Mall of America through Baudrilliard, and sees Mount Rushmore through the lens of Gramsci. A seasoned author of student texts, Berger offers an entertaining, non-threatening way to teach theory to undergraduates and that will fit ideally in classes on cultural studies, American studies, social theory, and tourism.
Understanding America: The Anatomy of an Exceptional Nation
by Peter H. SchuckThe idea of an exceptional America remains controversial. In this dazzlingly comprehensive collection of essays, some of the nation's best scholars and thinkers take on the weighty task of sizing up Goliath in a way Americans and others can comprehend. These twenty studies in American exceptionalism provide a solidly researched and in-depth analysis on the current state of our institutions, our values, and our challenges for the future.
Understanding America: The Anatomy of an Exceptional Nation
by Peter H. SchuckWhat is America? Is it a hegemonic superpower, composed of ruthlessly selfish capitalists? Or is it a land of hope and glory, a shelter for the huddled masses, and a beacon of freedom and enlightenment? The definition of this complex nation has been debated substantially, yet all seem to agree on one thing: it is unique. The idea of an exceptional America can be traced all the way back to Alexis de Tocqueville's nineteenth-century observations of a newly formed democracy that seemed determined to distinguish itself from the rest. Little, it seems, has changed. Building on de Tocqueville's concept of American exceptionalism, this collection of essays, contributed by some of the nation's top scholars and thinkers, takes on the weighty task of sizing up America in a way its people and others can comprehend. Far more than simple history, they outline the current state of American institutions and policies -- from the legal system to marriage to the military to the Drug War -- and anticipate where these are headed in the future.
Understanding Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias (PDF)
by Brian DraperIn this comprehensive yet accessible guide, Brian Draper, a leading expert on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, describes the symptoms, treatment and management of the condition. Covering everything from assessment and diagnostic processes to drug and psychosocial treatments, community and residential care options, assistive technology, support for carers, ethical and legal considerations, end of life decisions and the latest research and treatment developments, the book provides a complete road map for those supporting someone with the condition, in either a professional or personal capacity. The book will demystify the condition and increase understanding about why it occurs, current treatments and how it may be managed. Filled with useful information and advice, it will be an invaluable resource for relatives and carers, and a useful reference on the desk of any professional working with individuals with dementia.
Understanding Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias
by Brian DraperIn this comprehensive yet accessible guide, Brian Draper, a leading expert on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, describes the symptoms, treatment and management of the condition. Covering everything from assessment and diagnostic processes to drug and psychosocial treatments, community and residential care options, assistive technology, support for carers, ethical and legal considerations, end of life decisions and the latest research and treatment developments, the book provides a complete road map for those supporting someone with the condition, in either a professional or personal capacity. The book will demystify the condition and increase understanding about why it occurs, current treatments and how it may be managed. Filled with useful information and advice, it will be an invaluable resource for relatives and carers, and a useful reference on the desk of any professional working with individuals with dementia.
Understanding Alternative Medicine: New Health Paths in America
by Virginia M Tyler Lawrence TylerUnderstanding Alternative Medicine: New Health Paths in America provides health professionals and educators with insight into the growing use and social acceptance of alternative medicines in the United States today. This book discusses the political, economic, and scientific implications of multicultural medicine in American society and provides you with specific information on the use of alternative medicines in the United States. With this complete and comprehensive guide, you will discover the safety and efficacy of alternative medicines, therapies, and philosophies to offer your patients the best possible care for their ailments.Intelligent and informative, Understanding Alternative Medicine examines several different philosophies that alternative treatments are based on, such as Shamanism, Ayurvedic Medicine, and traditional chinese medicine and discusses some of the negative consequences of these practices on both the plant and animal kingdoms. This essential book will provide you with a variety of medical suggestions to improve your patients’health while examining present issues surrounding alternative medicine, including: realizing the environmental impact on endangered plants and animals used as ingredients in traditional and herbal medicines to help you understand the negative effects on the world while balancing the positive effects for the human population understanding the economic growth and social acceptance of the alternative health industry and its move into mainstream society examining why, according to some doctors’opinions, the United States Food and Drug Administration continues to be unsuccessful in its efforts to properly evaluate the safety and efficacy of alternative medicineThrough this essential book,you will discover how American medicine has diversified among accepted medical practices as well as medical practitioners and that these trends are beginning to change American health care practices and procedures. Understanding Alternative Medicine offers proof on how these changes have influenced the growing availability, awareness, and use of traditional medicines in order to expand your options for patient care and help people live improved and healthier lives.
Understanding Alternative Medicine: New Health Paths in America
by Virginia M Tyler Lawrence TylerUnderstanding Alternative Medicine: New Health Paths in America provides health professionals and educators with insight into the growing use and social acceptance of alternative medicines in the United States today. This book discusses the political, economic, and scientific implications of multicultural medicine in American society and provides you with specific information on the use of alternative medicines in the United States. With this complete and comprehensive guide, you will discover the safety and efficacy of alternative medicines, therapies, and philosophies to offer your patients the best possible care for their ailments.Intelligent and informative, Understanding Alternative Medicine examines several different philosophies that alternative treatments are based on, such as Shamanism, Ayurvedic Medicine, and traditional chinese medicine and discusses some of the negative consequences of these practices on both the plant and animal kingdoms. This essential book will provide you with a variety of medical suggestions to improve your patients’health while examining present issues surrounding alternative medicine, including: realizing the environmental impact on endangered plants and animals used as ingredients in traditional and herbal medicines to help you understand the negative effects on the world while balancing the positive effects for the human population understanding the economic growth and social acceptance of the alternative health industry and its move into mainstream society examining why, according to some doctors’opinions, the United States Food and Drug Administration continues to be unsuccessful in its efforts to properly evaluate the safety and efficacy of alternative medicineThrough this essential book,you will discover how American medicine has diversified among accepted medical practices as well as medical practitioners and that these trends are beginning to change American health care practices and procedures. Understanding Alternative Medicine offers proof on how these changes have influenced the growing availability, awareness, and use of traditional medicines in order to expand your options for patient care and help people live improved and healthier lives.
Understanding Alternative Media (UK Higher Education OUP Humanities & Social Sciences Media, Film & Cultural Studies)
by Olga Bailey Bart Cammaerts Nico CarpentierWhat are alternative media? What roles do alternative media play in pluralistic, democratic societies? What are the similarities and differences between alternative media, community media, civil society media and rhizomatic media? How do alternative media work in practice? This clear and concise text offers a one-stop guide through the complex political, social and economic debates that surround alternative media and provides a fresh and insightful look at the renewed importance of this form of communication.Combing diverse case studies from countries including the UK, North America and Brazil, the authors propose an original theoretical framework to help understand the subject. Looking at both ‘old’ and ‘new’ media, the book argues for the importance of an alternative media and suggests a political agenda as a way of broadening its scope.Understanding Alternative Media is valuable reading for students in media, journalism and communications studies, researchers, academics, and journalists.
Understanding Alternative Investments: Creating Diversified Portfolios that Ride the Wave of Investment Success
by S. WalkerWalker outlines the tools necessary to evaluate alternative investments and further diversify your portfolio using hedge funds, real estate, venture capital, gold and more. Using ground-breaking data on alternative investments, the author explores how to apply new risk measurements for building a portfolio with these investment vehicles.
Understanding Allergy (Penguin Life Expert Series #4)
by Dr Sophie FarooqueOne in three of us experiences allergies at some point in our lives and we are more allergic than ever before, so why are allergies still so misunderstood?In Understanding Allergy, Dr Sophie Farooque, a leading expert and consultant in allergy, will provide allergy sufferers and their families with the knowledge they need to help them navigate this minefield. The book will offer practical advice to reduce unnecessary suffering, debunk common allergy myths and address key topics including:· The allergy epidemic· Understanding and treating hay fever and rhinitis · Living with food allergies, delayed food allergies and anaphylaxis · Drug allergies· What to do if you think you have an allergy· Eczema and allergy preventionMany people who are allergic often struggle to access help, whilst many think they have an allergy when they do not - Understanding Allergy is the essential and concise guide to diagnosis, treatment and lifestyle changes, to help you manage and alleviate your allergies.________________________________ 'A fascinating, insightful guide that is extremely clear' Professor Adam Fox'A source of sound information and practical advice' Professor Roy Taylor'A must read' David Stukus, M.D
Understanding Albanian Sex Trafficking as a Crime Against Humanity: A Forensic Cultural Anthropological Approach (SpringerBriefs in Criminology)
by Alex RochesterThis volume considers the most appropriate criminal jurisdiction to prosecute aggravated sex trafficking of the kind associated with northern Albanian crime groups. Watershed jurisprudence from the Yugoslav war crimes tribunal could prove pivotal to achieving the legislative changes for prosecuting Albanian sex trafficking in peacetime that this book advocates. This book revisits this relevant history to challenge the current transnational status of trafficking as a mischaracterisation. It is maintained that the Albanian sex trafficker has become, like the wartime rapist before him, the perpetrator of an offence that warrants recognition by the international criminal justice regime. The book considers the historico-cultural legacies of present-day root-causes of Albanian sex trafficking to understand how the same dehumanising ideology and sexual violence aimed at women during the Yugoslav Wars persisted post-conflict and continues to underscore contemporary Albanian sex trafficking and what these similarities in assailant attitudes and actions might mean for potentially prosecuting human trafficking within the international criminal justice system. Through the prism of neutralisation theory rooted in forensic cultural anthropology, in the form of a novel hypothetical model, a conceptual framework to consider the true nature of trafficking is offered. The model offers a précised interpretation of the key factors that establish certain criminal conduct as suitable for international criminal justice and how those factors relate to Albanian sex trafficking. The model distils the characteristics of Albanian sex trafficking; it extracts the essential elements and most important aspects of this type of criminality so we can recognise their presence in real-world cases. A case study featuring interviews with the traffickers themselves and individuals who have encountered them firsthand then describes how the model holds for the real-world experience of Albanian sex trafficking. Approached from the trafficker angle, the purpose of the case study is to support the theoretical model by showing how each element manifests in Albanian sex trafficking. For a richer understanding, each of the elements is explained and explored within a historico-cultural context. The chapters in this book feature key topics and supporting material, including: The backstory, purpose, and structure of the international criminal justice system followed by how the regime could and should be extended to encompass aggravated sex trafficking.The role of culturally-shaped neutralization theory in understanding decision-making in sex trafficking on the individual levelHistorico-cultural context, including competing elements of tradition and modernityLongstanding gender attitudes, particularly evaluating violence against womenInterviews with Albanian sex traffickers and victims By evaluating Albanian sex trafficking through this lens, this book aims to identify international criminal justice as a more appropriate and effective approach to prosecuting aggravated sex trafficking and to suggest future opportunities for further research that can aid in improved policing and prisoner management as it relates to Albanian sex trafficking. This book is ideal for students and academic researchers interested in international criminal justice and sex trafficking studies.
Understanding Al Qaeda: Changing War and Global Politics
by Mohammad-Mahmoud Ould MohamedouThis book controversially argues that Al Qaeda has clear aims, and that the only way to defeat it is to engage with its arguments in a serious way.*BR**BR*Since the publication of the first edition in 2006, Mohamedou has brought the text right up-to-date. Starting with Al Qaeda's creation almost twenty years ago, and sketching its global mutation, Mohamedou explains that there is a cogent strategy to Al Qaeda's actions. He shows that the 'war on terror' is failing, only serving to recruit more terrorists to Al Qaeda's cause. He also puts forward a case for how the international community can best respond. *BR**BR*Arguing that it is dangerous to dismiss Al Qaeda as illogical and irrational, this incisive and original book is important for policy-makers and ideal for undergraduates in international relations, Middle East studies and peace/conflict studies.
Understanding Al Qaeda: Changing War and Global Politics
by Mohammad-Mahmoud Ould MohamedouThis book controversially argues that Al Qaeda has clear aims, and that the only way to defeat it is to engage with its arguments in a serious way.*BR**BR*Since the publication of the first edition in 2006, Mohamedou has brought the text right up-to-date. Starting with Al Qaeda's creation almost twenty years ago, and sketching its global mutation, Mohamedou explains that there is a cogent strategy to Al Qaeda's actions. He shows that the 'war on terror' is failing, only serving to recruit more terrorists to Al Qaeda's cause. He also puts forward a case for how the international community can best respond. *BR**BR*Arguing that it is dangerous to dismiss Al Qaeda as illogical and irrational, this incisive and original book is important for policy-makers and ideal for undergraduates in international relations, Middle East studies and peace/conflict studies.
Understanding Agent Systems (Springer Series on Agent Technology)
by Mark d’Inverno Michael LuckMark d'Inverno and Michael Luck present a formal approach to dealing with agents and agent systems in this second edition of Understanding Agent Systems. The Z specification language is used to establish an accessible and unified formal account of agent systems and inter-agent relationships. In particular, the framework provides precise and unambiguous meanings for common concepts and terms for agent systems, allows for the description of alternative agent models and architectures, and serves as a foundation for subsequent development of increasingly refined agent concepts. The practicability of this approach is verified by applying the formal framework to three detailed case studies. The book will appeal equally to researchers, students, and professionals in industry.
Understanding Agent Systems (Springer Series on Agent Technology)
by Mark d'Inverno Michael LuckMark d'Inverno and Michael Luck present a formal approach to dealing with agents and agent systems in this second edition of Understanding Agent Systems. The Z specification language is used to establish an accessible and unified formal account of agent systems and inter-agent relationships. In particular, the framework provides precise and unambiguous meanings for common concepts and terms for agent systems, allows for the description of alternative agent models and architectures, and serves as a foundation for subsequent development of increasingly refined agent concepts. The practicability of this approach is verified by applying the formal framework to three detailed case studies. The book will appeal equally to researchers, students, and professionals in industry.
Understanding agency: Social welfare and change
by Liz JefferyUsing student-friendly features such as case studies and a glossary, this textbook provides an introduction to the concept of agency and how it can usefully inform social welfare practice. It considers how agency and power inter-relate and how it can inform new ways of thinking about the individual and society. Tracing the origins of agency and exploring the contributions of key thinkers from sociological and social policy perspectives, the book demonstrates a model of achievable change and in doing so represents an optimistic view on social work's potential to contribute to this. It is essential reading for students and professionals training in social welfare, social work and education.
Understanding Agency: Social Theory and Responsible Action (PDF)
by Professor S Barry Barnes`Barne's work is remarkable in its attempt to transcend previously held dualisms like causal versus voluntaristic explanations, and to advance a model of social action that can contribute to a possible resolution of the problematic relation between 'structure' and 'agency'' - Debasis Giri, Contributions to Indian Sociology In this penetrating and assured book, one of the leading commentators in the field argues that social theory is moving in the wrong direction in its reflections on human freedom and autonomy. It has borrowed notions of 'agency' and 'choice' from everyday discourse, but increasingly it puts a misconceived individualistic gloss upon them. Against this, Barnes unequivocally identifies human beings as social agents in a profound sense, and emphasises the vital importance of their sociability. Notions of 'agency', 'freedom' and 'choice' have to be understood by reference to their role in communicative interaction; they are key components of the discourse through which human beings identify each other, and have effects upon each other, as social agents. These are central themes in all the social sciences. And Understanding Agency addresses them in a more focused way than any other book. It is a refreshingly different look at social theory that will be widely debated. Barnes' account is a model of well-informed and wide-ranging analysis.
Understanding Ageing for Nurses and Therapists (Perspectives in Nursing Management and Care for Older Adults)
by Wilfred McSherry Linda Rykkje Susan ThorntonThis volume is a practical resource for all those responsible for caring for older people across health and social care. It provides a comprehensive and holistic approach helping nurses, therapists and social care professionals to better understand the impact of ageing upon the person and wider society. A unique feature of this text is the focus upon positive ageing and the attempt to dispel and challenge some of the myths, prejudices and negative attitudes that still prevail towards ageing and older people. A key objective of the book is to introduce practitioners to some of the neglected or under-addressed aspects of ageing such as spirituality, sexuality, and LGBT.Chapters are written in an engaging and interactive style and where appropriate draw upon case studies and scenarios to maximize engagement developing competence, by informing knowledge, attitudes and skills. The text introduces the practitioner to key dimensions of what it is to be a person, physically, psychologically, socially and spiritually and how these contribute to the ageing process and can enhance the quality of life of older people.Irrespective of whether one cares for older people in an acute hospital setting or domiciliary, home care, this text will be of relevance. The material and content transcend health and social care boundaries, providing valuable, contemporary evidence that can inform and shape practice. Above all this text will encourage reflection, dialogue and engagement with some fundamental aspects of ageing, challenging, attitudes, values and behaviour so that a more positive and balanced insight towards ageing is fostered. This book will ensure that self-awareness and professional practice are enriched and informed and the practitioner has a holistic understanding of ageing that will enable them to care for older people with compassion, dignity and respect.
Understanding Africa's Rural Households And Farming Systems
by Joyce Lewinger MoockIn this book, the difficult problems of agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa are examined by the farming systems approach, which aims to improve food production under adverse conditions through agronomic and social science research conducted on the farm. Particular attention is paid to household decision-making processes that affect the way households