Humanities Books

I have taught courses in philosophy and religion for the past 18 years at several colleges and universities in Southern California. I have dozens of introduction to philosophy textbooks in my personal library (instructor complementary review copies from various publishers). For several years I struggled to find a textbook that would buttress my diligent efforts to teach philosophy to young men and women in a challenging and stimulating fashion. By far, the best introduction to philosophy textbook I have ever seen or used is Ed Miller's outstanding book QUESTIONS THAT MATTER (hereafter QTM). Allow me to mention six reasons why this book is truly an exceptional textbook in philosophy.

First, QTM strikes an excellent balance between scholarly content on one hand, and a readable writing style on the other. A motivated and reflective college student will come away from this volume with a thorough and understandable introductory knowledge of the discipline of philosophy.

Second, QTM provides a comprehensive introduction to philosophy by introducing the student to the major branches or fields of philosophy, including metaphysics (study of reality), epistemology (study of knowledge), ethics (study of the good), logic (study of correct reasoning), and philosophy of religion (critical analysis about God).

Third, while QTM is organized in a topical manner, it includes a wealth of information about all of the leading philosophers of the Western world, including relevant excerpts from the various philosophers' writings in their major fields of contribution. This text also includes brief but very informative mini-biographies of the leading philosophers.

Fourth, QTM as a textbook promotes solid learning through the helpful use of charts, diagrams, and providing the definitions of key terms through the use of various pull quotes throughout the volume. In addition, the text provides a useful and extensive glossary of philosophical terms.

Fifth, QTM is written by an author who holds doctoral degrees in both philosophy and in theology. The result is a textbook that addresses the field of philosophy of religion in a very sophisticated and even-handed manner. Arguments both for and against God are clearly presented and logically evaluated. The best philosophers on both sides of the God question are quoted.

Sixth, QTM devotes an entire chapter to helping the student become familiar with the basic principles and arguments of logic. Since philosophy is defined [by the author] as "the attempt to think rationally and critically about the most important questions," this chapter presents logic in a concise and clear way.

As a college instructor, I give QTM my highest recommendation. I recommend it to teachers and students alike. Thank you Dr. Miller for writing such a clear and insightful book that introduces students and teachers alike to the big questions of philosophy. This is a work well done!

I have taught courses in philosophy and religion for the past 17 years at several colleges and universities in Southern California. I have dozens of introduction to philosophy textbooks in my personal library (instructor complementary review copies from various publishers). For several years I struggled to find a textbook that would buttress my diligent efforts to teach philosophy to young men and women in a challenging and stimulating fashion. By far, the best introduction to philosophy textbook I have ever seen or used is Ed Miller's outstanding book QUESTIONS THAT MATTER (hereafter QTM). Allow me to mention six reasons why this book is truly an exceptional textbook in philosophy.

First, QTM strikes an excellent balance between scholarly content on one hand, and a readable writing style on the other. A motivated and reflective college student will come away from this volume with a thorough and understandable introductory knowledge of the discipline of philosophy.

Second, QTM provides a comprehensive introduction to philosophy by introducing the student to the major branches or fields of philosophy, including metaphysics (study of reality), epistemology (study of knowledge), ethics (study of the good), logic (study of correct reasoning), and philosophy of religion (critical analysis about God).

Third, while QTM is organized in a topical manner, it includes a wealth of information about all of the leading philosophers of the Western world, including relevant excerpts from the various philosophers' writings in their major fields of contribution. This text also includes brief but very informative mini-biographies of the leading philosophers.

Fourth, QTM as a textbook promotes solid learning through the helpful use of charts, diagrams, and providing the definitions of key terms through the use of various pull quotes throughout the volume. In addition, the text provides a useful and extensive glossary of philosophical terms.

Fifth, QTM is written by an author who holds doctoral degrees in both philosophy and in theology. The result is a textbook that addresses the field of philosophy of religion in a very sophisticated and even-handed manner. Arguments both for and against God are clearly presented and logically evaluated. The best philosophers on both sides of the God question are quoted.

Sixth, QTM devotes an entire chapter to helping the student become familiar with the basic principles and arguments of logic. Since philosophy is defined [by the author] as "the attempt to think rationally and critically about the most important questions," this chapter presents logic in a concise and clear way.

As a college instructor, I give QTM my highest recommendation. I recommend it to teachers and students alike. Thank you Dr. Miller for writing such a clear and insightful book that introduces students and teachers alike to the big questions of philosophy. This is a work well done!

I really apreciate this book, Afrocentricity view depicts in this book is a philosophy that can help every african descendant to learn more about his identity, and to improve their perception of the world.

The only problem with Dr. Asante's books is that they end. You kinda wish he would write a new chapter every month and just add it on. His observations and analysis of the African experience the world over is arguably the most poignant today. I bet 100 or 200 years from now his work will still hold up.

There are certain times when one is guided in a direction so far off the norm. I, a conservative, Protestant, New Englander was guided to this book. As a rule I keep my spirituality to myself but after reading Raising Humanity, I now look at my life, and the lives of those around me in a totally different manner. I am more patient, understanding and empathetic than before. I understand the value of the "children" brought into my life and react with them in a more positive influential manner. Each story told has deep meaning yet is written in such a way that anyone can place themselves in each unique situation. This book is a keeper and one to refer to over and over again. Thank you, Robin Alexis, for your contribution to humanity. I know I am a better person for reading this book.

I'm not much of a book reader; I have not finished a book in over 20 years (since required to in college) but this book is so interesting and engaging that I actually finished it. I felt as if the author was speaking to me personally. Not only was there this amazing connection and truth but I learned so much about my role within humanity. I'm hanging on to this book to review over and over. By reading this book, I trust that everything will be okay yet I am also empowered with peace, love and faith to make a valuable contribution on this planet.

I teach English to sixth, seventh, and eighth graders in a private school. This book is always close at hand to verify answers and to clarify nagging questions (do you capitalize northern when used with California? ) My edition is getting tattered through constant use. The book is well-organized and easy to understand. It covers everything from the correct use of commas to how to cite the internet in research papers. There are examples of use and examples of papers. The examples are interesting to read, and they teach something. What could be better? I have gotten the reputation of expert in my school because of this handbook! Other teachers send me notes asking for help with questions that come up in their classes. Should I tell them my secret?

Most major publishers produce a writing handbook, typically oriented toward college compostion classes. Most of them are very good or better. But among this tough competition, this is the best of the bunch. I teach advanced writing skills to professionals, mostly lawyers, and tell them to buy this book right after Strunk & White and Garner's Modern American Usage. After using Crews's book they all agree. (If you're wondering about "But" in the third sentence, "Crews's" in the fifth, and the placement of the period in the last sentence, below, look them up; Crews is glad to help.)
I agree completely with the anonymous reviewer in "My teaching "bible."

A must read for teachers of all levels. I thought I was the only one concerned with professors being so busy in the publish or perish race that they forgot their real job: TEACHING. Schmier introduces back-to-basics humanity in the classroom. The language is everyday's, but the teaching's are quite extraordinary. This book regained my faith in teaching and teachers.

RANDOM THOUGHTS: THE HUMANITY OF TEACHING by Louis Schmier Madison, WI: Magna Publications, 1995, 272 pp., $27.95 (soft cover) Reviewed by William G. Sunday, ICI University

Most people who recognize the name Louis Schmier are familiar with The Complete Random Thoughts, an anthology of over 200 essays appearing on the Internet. Dr. Schmier is a professor of history at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, GA, whose refreshing insight on teaching, students and practical living identifies him as a philosopher as well as an outstanding instructor. To read his works is to exercise the heart and mind in such a way as to move and stretch senses that might otherwise receive little attention. His essays press the emotional and intellectual buttons of our being, resulting in a rejuvenation, of sorts, of our calling. Schmier invites those of the teaching profession to excite their own sense of purpose and to focus beyond the system to the heart. Random Thoughts: The Humanity of Teaching is divided into two sections. The first section is entitled "Me." Here the reader has the opportunity of meeting the real Louis Schmier. After reading the first five essays one might find himself thinking, "boy, I'd sure like to meet this guy." In fact, he is the man next door who could have accomplished anything, but he ended up in the teaching profession, not by desire or by carefully orchestrated planning but by an appointment with destiny. Though a book review should spend considerable time analyzing the work itself, this review examines the strengths and weaknesses of the man, seeing this as the key to understanding the work. The second essay, "From Professor to Teacher," is especially significant. Here Schmier experiences a breakthrough in the realization of personal contentment with his profession. He asks himself, "Why is this business of being a college teacher such a struggle for me?" (p. 14) Then after recording his struggle, he comes to the conclusion, "I see that I had acquiesced to the system only because it was in my interest to do so and because I did not have the strength to do anything to the contrary" (p. 14). As is demonstrated in that one essay, the entire book records Schmier's maturation and professional growth. One moment the reader is capable of shedding tears, and the next moment the reader's emotions are touched adversely, and the thought comes to mind, "what a jerk!" Indeed, Schmier is every bit as human as everyone else. In the second section under the heading, "More on Grades," the reader faces a part of Schmier that is still in need of growth. He tries to reason with a girl who desires to drop his class rather than risk receiving a low grade. All teachers are familiar with the scenario. It happens to everyone, but in this case Schmier's weakness is revealed. He tries to persuade the girl that she is capable of obtaining an A if she changes her attitude and conforms to the rules, his rules. When ! ! she refuses, he awards her a C and justifies himself with the rationale that she could have been a better person if she had only conformed. If only Schmier would have remembered his own breakthrough statement, that his discontentment was due to his own acquiescence to the system. In this case the girl demonstrated the courage that Schmier lacked, but this time it was Schmier himself who used the system to force her submission. In his discussion of "Teaching Style" Schmier offers significant insights. He comments on the difference between teaching style and substance. "Style," he says, "in itself is merely physical appearance that you can walk into a class and see..." (p. 232). The use of style must be based upon solid reasons that enhance the teaching process. On the other hand, he describes substance as process. He says, "It's the reasons, the purpose and direction behind the goings-on. It's the attitude and the spirit that permeate the air from which the style derives its drive and energy" (p. 232). To Schmier the key to successful teaching is to be found in how the instructor thinks and feels about his profession, his students and himself. It is this overflow of what a teacher is that has the greatest influence upon his students. Richard Garlikiv, who wrote the book's introduction spoke of Schmier's "passion about teaching and about his (Schmier's) students' learning and blossoming...." He goes on to suggest that, "this book is a guide to teaching for anyone who wants to be not only a good teacher, but a teacher, worthy of the title at all." It is the opinion of this reviewer that Random Thoughts: The Humanity of Teaching is an inspiring revelation of everything that is good about the teaching profession. Schmier's strengths and weakness speak volumes from a posture of humility. Here is a person that is indistinguishable from his work. His honesty and his love for teaching encourages the teaching heart in all of us.

Now, I'm not sure if this book is based on a true story... butI know it can happen. This book gave me goosebumps as I read it. Icould not put it down. I must have read it in an hour! I suggest this book to anyone who likes/loves to read stories that are or could be true. I personally guarentee that this book will not disapoint you!

I was hoping to find short dramatic plays for my 5th grade class and that's what I got. Although the write up suggests the plays are for 3-6th grade, I was worried the book arrived saying 3-8th grade. Our first play was terrific! It lasted 10 minutes, was easy for the students to read, and quite factual. A great way to integrate your curriculum.

I don't know about you, but I often buy a lot of teaching JUNK. But-finally, I found something to USE.

Often, Shakespeare teaching materials are either watered down so much that it insults the high school students' intelligence. Or, the materials are so centered on performance that the average student becomes scared to death of Shakespeare.

The materials included in John Wilson Swope's activities book is right up my ally. Through the help of his activities, I can complete a two week literature workshop that includes literture circles engaging students in discussions of not only themes, but figurative language, vocabulary and connection to today's culture. What a relief- students don't have to be afraid they will be made to perform in front of the class (not everyone likes the spotlight). With the activities, I can also create a written final in addition to a performing final (some suggestions for performance is included, like unthreatening sock puppet skits). Students are responsible individually and as a group. And, this material is extremely helpful to those on a block schedule. In 85 mins., I need to change my activites 2-3 times a class period; these activities help me do just that. Thanks Swope!

Among the features that I like most about Swope's "Ready-to-Use" book is the variety of exercises intended to teach to the multiple intelligences. The book lends itself readily to immediate use in the classroom. I can highly recommend this book.

I used this for a fine arts class. It is a very nice book and has lot's of pictures too look at while the prof drones on and on.

book was needed for friend's class at college.
she is quite pleased with it.

I bought this book to help my son practice writing. The author has broken down the steps of writing to include brainstorming, organizing, and the usual plan, draft, edit, and write pieces. She emphasizes the last step which is "publishing" making the writing work worthwhile for the children to do. The activities are designed to be done by groups of children in a classroom setting but can be done one-on-one, too. She has easier steps for beginning writers and more advanced activities for advanced writers.

The pages in the book may be copied to hand out to the children and the binding is supposed to work that way. I found the binding a bit cumbersome and would have preferred spiral binding.

The book could be improved by better cross-reference or organizational helps so that activities can be selected more quickly and easily. The teacher needs to spend some prep time to use the activities, too. But otherwise, the author's extensive experience shines through to make useful writing exercises for children in grades 2 through 6.

This is an excellent reference for teachers looking for fun and educational writing projects. All the book's ideas can be used for 1st to 6th graders. The book has a great layout and it includes objectives,and ideas for both the more challenged and gifted learners. The lessons are well layed out, easy to use and it has great reproducibles. I would highly recommend this book to any teacher. Both teachers and the students enjoy the lessons in this book.

Timeless...thought provoking...perfect for anyone wanting to clarify their own philosophy. Take the time.

This book is a collection of essays that Macmurray delivered as radio addresses for the BBC in the 1930's. They are fairly basic, but nevertheless challenging to both traditional philosophy and common assumptions. His redefinition of religion as the practical effort to produce a universal community, rather to merely reiterate traditional dogmas, is magnificent.Macmurray also deals with the role of science and art and their relation to religion. He sees each one as rooted in basic human experience and vital to the future of society. I have re-read all of his books over the years, except those that are out-of-print and hard to find, except in libraries.