Books in the The Basics series

"Simultaneously published in the USA and Canada"--Title page verso.

World History is one of the most popular and talked about approaches to the study of history. This title introduces this field and addresses key questions such as: What is world history? How do we study a subject with such a broad geographic and chronological range? And why has world history been controversial?

Offers an introduction to the politics of the European Union. Suitable for students and the general reader, this title explains: the EU's development; how the EU works, and why it works this way; the EU's major policies; the EU's biggest problems and controversies; and, the EU's likely evolution.

Examining the historical development of Buddhism and its presence today, this guide covers: principal traditions; practices and beliefs; ethical guidelines and philosophy; religious texts; and, community. It is suitable for students and interested readers wanting to familiarise themselves with the Buddhist faith.

Offers an introduction to religion and contemporary culture. This book includes discussions of: the psychology of religion; globalisation and multiculturalism; spirituality in the West; and, Religious Movements. It includes case studies, linking cultural theory to real world religious experience and practice, and guides to further reading.

Ranging from the essentials of e-commerce to more traditional marketing approaches, this book tells you everything that you need to know about the aims and techniques of marketing in the 21st century.

Examines the major theories and debates surrounding the production and reception of television over the years. This title considers the role and future of this powerful medium.

Offers an introduction for the undergraduate approaching the history of art. This book provides answers to questions like: What is art and art history? What are the main methodologies used to understand art? How have ideas about form, sex and gender shaped representation? And, what connects art with psychoanalysis, semiotics and Marxism?

What makes human language unique? Do women speak differently from men? What is the meaning of 'meaning'? This book provides an introduction to the study of language. It features chapters on 'Language in Use', 'Attitudes to Language', 'Children and Language' and 'Language, Mind and Brain'.

Offers an introduction for students new to international relations. This book features case studies from around the world; examines debates on globalisation and terrorism; and includes diagrams, tables, figures, and more. It is useful for those who want to understand contemporary international relations.

Provides an introduction to the performers and music that make opera an enduring musical style. Organized into two parts, this book traces the origins of opera, and then introduces the student to its basic terminology; and follows the history of genres in opera. It is useful for students and listeners who want to learn about this musical style.

Traces jazz's growth from its folk origins through early recordings and New Orleans stars; the big-band and swing era; bebop; cool jazz and third stream; avant-garde; jazz-rock; and the neo-conservative movement of the 1980s and 1990s. This book serves as an introduction to the players, the music, and others.

Focusing on comparing and contrasting the historical nature of the three aspects of understanding folk music - traditional, local performers and professional collectors - this text explores the advent of professional performers in the twentieth century during the so-called 'folk revival'.

Blues: The Basics gives a brief introduction to a century of the blues; it is ideal for students and interested listeners who want to learn more about this treasured American artform.

Explains and explores anthropological ideas, key anthropological thinkers, concepts and themes, and the history of anthropological ideas. The author argues that the issues anthropology deals with are all around us - in magazines, newspapers and on television.