Books by Paul Oliver

Sociology: A Complete Introduction is designed to give you everything you need to succeed, all in one place. It covers the key areas that students are expected to be confident in, outlining the basics in clear, jargon-free English and providing added-value features like summaries of key experiments and even lists of questions you might be asked in your seminar or exam.The text is split into four parts, with an emphasis throughout on understanding and treating all concepts with clarity and precision. The first part covers theoretical issues including research methods. Part two looks at the social environment, including urbanization, work, politics, religion and the mass media. The final two parts examine global society and the position of the individual.It is structured to mirror the way Sociology is taught on many A Level and university courses with each chapter covering a key introductory area. By the end you'll have a clear understanding of the essential principles of sociology.

Expert guidance for postgraduate and research students on how to plan, prepare and produce a thesis or dissertation.

This book provides practical guidance on processes of researching a range of relevant literature on a subject, planning and writing a literature review.

By concentrating on the nature of terminology used in research, this book helps students better understand, and learn how to use, the specialist vocabulary of educational and social science research.

This reader-friendly book examines the ethical issues and questions that occur in university and professional research and will help both beginning and experienced researchers to identify ethical issues when they are conducting research.

This book is a concise guide to the major religions around the world. Become familiar with the history of each faith, its core beliefs, and how it is practised today. Whether you're studying theology or just want to know more about the faiths that shape our world, this clearly structured guide offers everything you need to get started.NOT GOT MUCH TIME?One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.AUTHOR INSIGHTSLots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience.TEST YOURSELFTests in the book and online to keep track of your progress.EXTEND YOUR KNOWLEDGEExtra online articles at www.teachyourself.com to give you a richer understanding of psychology.FIVE THINGS TO REMEMBERQuick refreshers to help you remember the key facts.TRY THISInnovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.

Foucault - The Key Ideas is a concise introduction to the life, works and ideas of this ground-breaking modern philosopher. This book will not only guide you through the events of Foucault's life and help you to understand his most complex ideas with ease; it will also demonstrate the practical impact of those ideas on life today. Covering everything from Foucault's views on the philosophy and sociology of knowledge to his analysis of power and institutions in society, this book offers a fascinating insight into the legacy of this revolutionary thinker.NOT GOT MUCH TIME?One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.AUTHOR INSIGHTSLots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience.TEST YOURSELFTests in the book and online to keep track of your progress.EXTEND YOUR KNOWLEDGEExtra online articles at www.teachyourself.com to give you a richer understanding of study skills.FIVE THINGS TO REMEMBERQuick refreshers to help you remember the key facts.TRY THISInnovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.

Paul Oliver rediscovers the wealth of neglected vocal traditions issued on 'Race records'. He discusses the songs of Southern entertainments, and the sacred vocal traditions, from the Baptist and sanctified preaches to the gospel songs of the church congregations and song. Sermons of the 'jack leg' preachers and street evangelists.

Drawing on decades of research and personal interviews, blues scholar Paul Oliver presents this social history of the blues in America. It also gives insights into the role blues played in American society before racial integration.

"The noted blues scholar Paul Oliver here examines the many different skeins of the blues form, relating them to other black traditions - musical and religious - and tracing the origin of the blues thr"