Durkheim is Dead!: Sherlock Holmes is Introduced to Social Theory - Softcover

Berger, Arthur Asa

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0759103003 ISBN 13: 9780759103009

Publisher: Altamira Press, 2003

Synopsis

In this sociology textbook/mystery novel, students can join Sherlock Holmes and Watson as they discover a new area ripe for acrimony and intrigue: social theory. In 1910, the most prominent social theorists in the world gather in London for a conference on the new science of sociology. Things rapidly fall apart, though, as a fight breaks out, a jewel is stolen, and famous sociologist Emile Durkheim disappears. As Sherlock Holmes and Watson investigate, it appears that social theory may not only explain actions--in this case, it may be the cause of them. So Holmes and Watson investigate social theory itself, learning directly from those creating it: W.E.B. Du Bois, Sigmund Freud, Vladimir Lenin, Beatrice Webb, Georg Simmel, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber. The theories, lives, and passions of each sociologist are revealed as Holmes and Watson learn first-hand just how influential social theory can be.

About this title

Review:

The entire book presents a set of three neat mysteries, each of which is solved in typical ratiocinative fashion by Holmes. . . . The arguments and theories were made quite understandable and, even more importantly, the thinkers themselves came alive and spoke as real people. . . . The thoughts and views expressed came the closest to those I would expect from the Master as any I have read for a long time.--Philip K. Jones "Sherlokiana.Net "

Sociology's mysteries are revealed through this literate and delightful romp through the classics. Marvelously written and engaging, Durkheim is Dead! is an ideal way to teach sociology's foundations.--Michael Kimmel, SUNY Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies, Stony Brook University

Evoking the style of Sherlock Holmes mysteries, Durkheim is Dead! is a great way to expose students to social theory. The book is engaging, unique, and well-constructed. Readers will appreciate the easy-to-follow coverage of the major theorists--Durkheim, Freud, and Weber among them--along with the clever mystery that Berger develops. This is a creative and innovative entry into theory, absolutely suitable for introductory courses and anyone interested in social theory.--Rebecca Plante, Department of Sociology, Wittenberg University

Durkheim is Dead! is a unique introduction to theories of sociology, as it presents the theories of W.E.B. Du Bois, Sigmund Freud, Vladimir Lenin, Beatrice Webb, and others in the unique format of a Sherlock Holmes mystery novel. . . . A unique, entertaining, and educationally impressive means of teaching the reader about social science--and will prove fascinating to all Sherlock Holmes mystery enthiusiasts.--Midwest Book Review, Jan. 2004

About the Author:

Arthur Asa Berger, retired professor from San Francisco State University, is the author of over 40 books, including the mystery novel/textbook Postmortem for a Postmodernist, and editor of The Postmodern Presence: Readings on Postmodernism in American Culture and Society.

About this edition

• Publisher: Altamira Press
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0759103003
• ISBN 13: 9780759103009
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 172